Airlines are expected to lose $113 billion during coronavirus pandemic, and to make up for loss, they are doing everything they can to reaffirm passenger safety. While many airlines suggest the use of face masks, and tout clean planes, only three U.S. airlines are blocking middle seats to practice social distancing.
The three airlines blocking middle seats on all flights are Delta, Alaska and JetBlue.
Why is an airline blocking middle seats aboard flights important for passengers?
Would you want to book a cheap ticket now to travel later this year?Blocking middle seats helps passengers social distance, but most importantly, this ensures a flight will not be flown at full occupancy.
By now, we know Covid-19 spreads easily in enclosed spaces, such as an airplane. Many passengers are anxious to fly on a plane knowing they could be sat next to a stranger who may or may not have symptoms of Covid-19. They are also concerned about flying aboard a full flight.
While airlines are requiring passengers to wear a mask, we pointed out passengers should read the fine print. Airlines may publicly declare they require all passengers to wear masks, but hundreds of passengers have complained that airlines are letting passengers take their mask off during the flight, proving airlines are not always enforcing the rule.
Delta has been successful in handling passenger safety during the coronavirus pandemic. The airline was the first U.S. airline to block middle seats back in April, and it checks off every single safety standard (out of a list of 7) that passengers seem to find essential and/or necessary for flying during the pandemic.
The 7 requirements for airline pandemic safety standards are:
1. Requires mask for crew.
2. Requires mask for passengers.
3. Offers free masks for passengers.
4. Cleans the aircraft before every flight.
5. Offers a limited selection of seats to avoid a packed flight.
6. Blocks the middle seat on every flight.
7. Offers back-to-front boarding.
Alaska is another U.S. airline to check off all the coronavirus safety requirements. The fan-favorite airline requires masks for crew, masks for passengers, offers free masks for passengers, cleans the aircraft before every flight, offers a limited selection of seats to avoid a packed flight, blocks the middle seat on every flight and offers back-to-front boarding.
Delta and Alaska are the only two airlines that check off all 7 requirements.
JetBlue is the third airline to block middle seats. The airline checks off 6 of the 7 safety standard requirements (the airline does not offer free masks to passengers). JetBlue was the first U.S. airline requiring face masks for all passengers on May 4.
Remember: Your safety comes first, and airlines need to be responsible for your safety in every way.
While airlines estimate a loss of revenue of at least $4.3 billion, according to Airports Council International (ACI), due to the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. airlines are being bailed out from the stimulus package with $50 billion grants and loans.
Don’t feel bad for airlines. They charge you $30 just to check your bag.
But praise the airlines that are going above and beyond for your safety.
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Jimmy Im has traveled to 113 countries, stayed in over 600 hotels and has flown a million airmiles. He lives in New York City.