Delta Air Lines, one of the major airlines in the United States, addresses customers’ concerns amid the current health crisis by introducing new measures to ensure safety of passengers and crew members.
Among the carrier’s new measures are providing face masks to employees and introducing a new system-wide boarding process aimed at protecting customers when traveling.
Providing face masks to employees
Following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, customers are encouraged to bring their own face masks to ensure protection while traveling.
Social distancing in the boarding process
Since April 10, all flights have been following 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 June 30 and may be adjusted or extended depending on COVID-19 developments.
Pre-boarding, as always, includes 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 wait for their row to be called. Those seated in Delta One or First Class, as well as Diamond Medallion Members, may board at any point during the boarding process.
Delta’s efforts to reflect evolving demands have led to a series of customer-focused changes in recent weeks, including:
1. Leading the industry in cleanliness with measures that include expanding electrostatic disinfecting spray fogging to all aircraft, and adopting extensive pre-flight cleaning practices that disinfect high-touch areas customers care most about, among others.
2. Encouraging and expanding social distancing efforts, as 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.
3. The airline has streamlined onboard food and beverage service on all flights and encourages customers to pack their own food and beverages to decrease touch points. A comprehensive list of temporary onboard changes can be found at delta.com.
4. When available, the airline provides hand sanitizers, amenity kits, and other protective equipment to employees and customers to minimize the spread of coronavirus and other viruses.
5. 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.
6. Delta has 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.