Delta modifies boarding process to encourage social distancing
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
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.”
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news.
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.
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.
Editor’s note: this post has been updated to reflect Delta’s new timeline for these procedures.
Featured photo by Chris Rank/Rank Studios.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 60,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,200
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 2X points on dining at restaurants including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.