Delta to Extend Social Distancing Measures Until September 30

Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday it will extend social distancing measures on its flights through September 30, Reuters reports. The airline will block the selection of middle seats and cap seating in every cabin. It was reported last month the airline would keep planes to no more than 60% full through at least July. To do so, Delta would add more flights to its schedule than demand would usually justify. The goal is to give passengers a sense of security, as many of them are worried about COVID-19. Delta will cap seating at 50% in first class, 60% in other cabins and 75% in its exclusive Delta One cabins.

The move is part of a longer-term bet that CEO Ed Bastian has highlighted to investors. He said that consumers’ perceptions of safety will be instrumental in reviving more routine travel.

“Reducing the overall number of customers on every aircraft across the fleet is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure a safe experience for our customers and people,” Delta’s chief customer experience officer, Bill Lentsch, said.