Delta has again extended its policy of blocking middle seats in economy and premium economy classes, this time until the end of April 2021.

When the carrier began blocking out middle seats to increase social distancing back in April 2020, the move was initially meant to last until the end of May.

It has since been extended several times, even after fellow US airlines including Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines decided to drop the policy.

Indeed Delta says that it is now “the only US airline to block middle seats and limit capacity on all flights departing through April 30, 2021, ensuring customers can confidently plan and book their spring travel”.

“We want our customers to have complete confidence when traveling with Delta, and they continue to tell us that more space provides more peace of mind,” said Bill Lentsch, chief customer experience officer.

“We’ll continue to reassess seat blocking in relation to case transmission and vaccination rates, while bringing back products and services in ways that instill trust in the health and safety of everyone on board – that will always be Delta’s priority.”

Delta recently announced plans to offer customers at-home Covid-19 testing kits, making it easier for passengers to test before departure and then “pack another with them to comply with negative-test requirements before their trip back to the US”.

Delta offers at-home testing kits for passengers

delta.com