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Delta modifies boarding process to encourage social distancing

April 13, 2020
2 min read
Delta modifies boarding process to encourage social distancing
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Editor's Note

this post has been updated to reflect Delta's new timeline for these procedures.

Boarding groups are out and back-to-front is in.

That's the latest change at one big U.S. airline as the coronavirus pandemic continues to reshape the way we fly this year.

Delta said it's changing its boarding process, moving to a back-to-front system that it believes will help customers follow social distancing guidelines.

The carrier rolled out the procedure on Friday (April 10) and said it would remain in place through at least June 30, noting that it "may be adjusted or extended depending on COVID-19 developments."

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As part of the change, Delta will do away with the how passengers are called to board. Pre-boarding will remain available to those needing extra time or assistance.

Beyond that, however, Delta is paring back the number of groups that can board early. Delta's first- and business-class customers will still be able to board at any time during the process, as will Delta's Diamond-level SkyMiles members. All other customers — including other elite-level frequent flyers — will be called during the main boarding process that will start with those sitting in the back and then filling in toward the front.

Related: Why the airplane boarding process is more efficient than you think.

"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 said in a statement.

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Related: What aircraft types might Delta retire as a result of coronavirus?

The modified boarding process is just the latest step Delta is taking to keep travelers safe and separated during the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, the airline also announced that — among other measures — it would be temporarily blocking all middle seats and suspending advanced complimentary upgrades for SkyMiles elites.

Read more: 5 things you need to know about Delta SkyMiles.

Featured image by Chris Rank

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
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    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

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  • Annual Fee

    $250
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees