Is it safe to fly during the coronavirus pandemic? Here’s what airlines are doing
Air travel has plummeted as the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb nationwide, with photos of half-empty airplanes circulating on social media and airline officials slashing flights.
The number of travelers April 7 was down by nearly two million from the same day last year, the Transportation Security Administration reported.
Still, close to 100,000 people flew.
Aside from looking for cost-cutting measures, airlines have enacted safety precautions to help travelers social distance while flying.
Delta announced Wednesday it is blocking all middle seats and reducing the number of customers allowed on any given flight.
“Customers who prefer to be seated directly next to travel companions and family members or needing additional assistance should contact Reservations ahead of travel or talk to a Delta agent upon arriving at the gate,” the airline said.
According to the announcement, food and beverage services were already streamlined. Travelers are also boarding 10 at a time and are allowed to find new seats once on board to comply with social distancing measures.
Other airlines have instituted similar policies.
In an update on March 25, the senior vice president of customer experience for American Airlines announced the company was instituting a “new relaxed seating policy” and reducing food and beverage service.
The airline also blocked 50% of “standard middle seats.”
United Airlines has devoted a full page on its website to the COVID-19 response, outlining new policies for disinfecting aircrafts, access to hand-sanitizer and new protocols for boarding and checking-in to limit person-to-person contact — including having passengers scan their own boarding pass.
Travelers are also allowed to change seats “when flights permit,” according to the airline.
“Our customer service representatives will proactively reseat customers prior to door closure when loads and time permit,” United said.
This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 7:23 PM with the headline "Is it safe to fly during the coronavirus pandemic? Here’s what airlines are doing."
