There is nothing better than not having this middle seat occupied during flights. Fortunately, Southwest Airlines has expanded its COVID-19 policy and the center seat will remain empty during the vacation.
“Our goal was to propose procedures and guidelines that we know will ultimately add extra comfort to flying by giving our customers the peace of mind that we are focusing on an environment that promotes well-being,” said a spokesman from Southwest Airlines to FOX TV stations.
Southwest will continue to have additional space on board and will keep the middle seat open until November 30th.
“We hope this gives you security as you plan your trip this fall and over Thanksgiving. Of course, if you are traveling with your family or others you can still sit together. Otherwise the middle seats will remain open, ”wrote Ryan Green, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, according to Fox 29 in a press release.
Southwest evaluated its policies and procedures based on “science and evolving guidelines from the CDC and the broader medical community,” wrote Ryan Green.
Southwest will continue to have additional space on board and will keep the center seats open until November 30th.
“We hope this gives you security as you plan your trip this fall and over Thanksgiving. Of course if you are traveling with your family or
others can still sit together. Otherwise, the middle seats will be open, ”Green wrote.
Face covers are still required when checking in, boarding, in flight and at baggage claim.
Southwest Airlines is also reported to be providing fresh air on board using technology similar to that used in hospitals. An air exchange every two to three minutes during the flight with an air circulation system that introduces outside air into the cabin every second during the flight.
Additional updates include a multi-layer cleaning program to disinfect the aircraft, ticket counters, gates and baggage claim.
“As with our requirement that every person on board Southwest aged two and over with their faces covered throughout the journey or with around-the-clock cleaning in our airport premises, on every aircraft and between flights has our duty to operate every time Flying Middle Seats Open from early May through Thanksgiving is all about sketching and ensuring an expectation, “said the Southwest spokesman.
Delta extended its center seat vacation policy to January 2, 2021.
American Airlines began booking full capacity flights in July.
“American continues to sell mid-size seats as we provide critical air services to those who need to travel now,” an American Airlines spokesman told Fox TV Stations. “Social distancing is not feasible on an airplane. Even if the middle seats are blocked, the passengers are not one meter away from the person above the aisle or the clean commitment in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers and team members, “said the American spokesman.
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