Delta Air Lines is planning to continue its middle-seat blocking policy, extending it for departures until 30th March 2021.
Delta Airbus A320 arriving at Chicago O’Hare – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The seat blocking on Delta works by blocking the selection of middle seats in Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin via the Fly Delta app or online.
- For customers in parties of 1-2: Middle seats will be blocked.
- For customers in parties of 3 or more: Middle seats will appear as available for booking, to allow families and travel companions to select seats together.
The airline also
- Limit the total number of customers on board all aircraft – with or without middle seats.
- Block adjacent seats in First Class.
- Block one aisle of seats on aircraft without middle seats.
According to the airline, the move of blocking seats into spring 2021 “provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans”
Delta’s seat-blocking goes beyond its competitors, with other airlines keeping them through to December or January.
In Quotes
Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer
“Several independent studies have validated the effectiveness of the Delta CareStandard’s multi-layered protection, like advanced ventilation and an extensive cleaning regimen, which together significantly reduce the risk of flight-related transmission,”
“However, we recognize some customers are still learning to live with this virus and desire extra space for their peace of mind. We are listening and will always take the appropriate steps to ensure our customers have complete confidence in their travel with us.”
Changes are still a thing
Should “things happen”, Delta still has you covered, with them offering flexibility if you ever need to change your booking. This includes:
- No change fees for a U.S. domestic ticket or domestic award ticket, excluding Basic Economy fares.
- No change fees for all domestic and international tickets purchased through Dec. 31, 2020, even if scheduled to travel next year.
- Extending the use of travel credits through December 2022 for travel originally scheduled to depart before March 31, 2021 (if the ticket was purchased before April 17, 2020).
Building Confidence
Airlines are trying lots of different things to build confidence in travel – and Delta reckons that creating space in the cabin is important enough at this time.
And it seems to have traction in some the responses I’ve seen on social media.
How long it can sustain this model is another question. 60% full planes aren’t going to pay bills forever…
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