Delta extends first-class seat blocking through the holidays
Every major U.S. carrier has launched an anti-coronavirus health and wellness campaign.
Though the details (slightly) differ by airline, Delta's done a comprehensive job of ensuring passenger safety. Like its competitors, the airline has implemented strict mask requirements and enhanced cleaning procedures. But, the Atlanta-based carrier has done even more to modify the end-to-end travel journey, including installing hand sanitizer stations outside lavatories and rolling out antimicrobial security bins.
On April 13, Delta began blocking middle seats to maximize onboard distancing. The carrier has extended the duration of its seat-blocking policy multiple times throughout the pandemic, and as of August promised more space for travelers through Jan. 6, 2021 — though the capacity cap increased to 75% (from 60%) — notably including the Thanksgiving and December holidays. The capacity change allows groups of three travelers or more to reserve seats together, even if it includes the middle.
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While the August announcement was welcome news for coach flyers, the airline only promised to cap first class (in a 2-2 configuration) at half capacity through at least Oct. 31.
Well, there’s good news for those paying for the fancy recliners. The carrier will indeed continue blocking first-class seats through at least Jan. 6. This extension was first spotted on Delta.com and was later confirmed to TPG by a carrier spokesperson.
Like coach, most adjacent first-class seats will be blocked, on both domestic and international flights operated by a narrowbody plane. However, groups of two may select seats together. Note that Delta won't sell the cabin to 100% even if there are exclusively even-numbered parties booked in first. If you are flying solo in first class, the adjacent seat will remain empty.
This extended seat-blocking policy also applies to the Delta One cabin on the carrier's single-aisle Boeing 757s. There are no longer capacity limitations on the Delta One cabin on widebody jets, regardless of whether the plane is flying domestically or internationally. That's because these cabins are "designed with more space and privacy built-in," according to a spokesperson.
Related: Delta will cap seats into 2021 in bid to reassure flyers
Delta will likewise continue blocking first-class seats on regional jets that feature a 1-2 configuration. With the newly extended policy, however, a solo passenger could theoretically be sitting right across the aisle from a couple. Of course, this possibility is unlikely since it'd require one of the parties to purposely choose a seat across from another party.
Airlines initially rolled out passenger caps and blocked middle seats under the auspices of social distancing onboard flights. But now, blocking seats is more about making travelers feel comfortable.
When the carrier first announced the holiday season extensions in August, Bill Lentsch, chief customer experience officer at Delta, said in a statement, "We believe that taking care of our customers and employees and restoring confidence in the safety of air travel is more important right now than filling up every seat on a plane."
Related: Which US airlines are blocking middle seats?
Delta is one of just five U.S. carriers, including Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines, capping the number of flyers onboard their planes during the coronavirus pandemic. Alaska is blocking seats through Nov. 30, JetBlue through Jan. 5 and Southwest through Nov. 30. Hawaiian hasn't specified an expiration date for its seat-blocking policy.
Either way, Delta's premium flyers should rest assured: the carrier will indeed be blocking first-class seats through the holidays.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended 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.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.