Delta Ramps Up Social Distancing

April 14, 2020

Airlines & Airports 0

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Delta continues to adapt to meet evolving customer demands with a number of key changes to ensure safe travel.

In addition to supplying face masks for employees, following the recommendation of the CDC, the carrier has introduced a new system-wide boarding process aimed at protecting customers when traveling and encouraging social distancing.

Starting April 10, all flights will follow a back-to-front boarding process to support social distancing and reduce the instances of customers needing to pass by one another to reach their seat. The measures will be in place through May 31 and may be adjusted or extended depending on COVID-19 developments.

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Pre-boarding, as always, will include those who need extra time and assistance. During the main boarding process, customers will be invited to board by rows, starting from the rear of the aircraft, forward. Customers are encouraged to help with good social distancing practices by waiting for their row to be called. Those seated in Delta One or First Class, as well as Diamond Medallion Members, remain welcome to board at any point during the boarding process.
The new process builds on the metered, or spaced, boarding that began in early April, and boards fewer customers at a time to allow for more distance between them.

The airline continues to maintain cleanliness across airports and on all flights, expanding electrostatic disinfecting spray fogging to all aircraft, and adopting extensive pre-flight cleaning practices that disinfect high-touch areas customers care most about.

To further bolster social distancing efforts, the airline is blocking middle seats in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+ and Delta Premium Select across all flights, reducing the number of customers on each flight, and managing Medallion Complimentary Upgrades at the gate to promote a safe flying experience.

The airline has also streamlined onboard food and beverage service on all flights and encourages customers to pack their own food and beverages to decrease touchpoints. A comprehensive list of temporary onboard changes can be found at delta.com. In additon, the airline will provide hand sanitizers, amenity kits, and other protective equipment to employees and customers to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

To help navigate this turbulent time, the carrier has waived change fees for trips through May 31, 2022, and is working directly with customers to adjust travel plans, using relationships with other airlines when needed. Additionally, the airline continues to adjust flight schedules in response to White House, State Department and CDC guidance.

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To maintain loyalty, Delta extended current status for Medallion Members through 2021, offering greater flexibility as coronavirus impacts travel plans. Additionally, other SkyMiles program, Delta Sky Club and Delta SkyMiles American Express Card benefits were extended between six months and one year to support future travel.