Delta Air Lines will continue blocking middle seats through at least January 2021 as a health and safety precaution, the carrier said this week. 

Delta continues to be the leader among U.S. airlines in this particular safety protocol; others airlines such American Airlines have already terminated the practice. 

For parties of three or more, middle seats will appear as available for booking to allow families and companions to sit together, however. 

“Medical experts, including our own partners at Emory Healthcare, agree – more distance on board makes a difference,” said Bill Lentsch, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Delta. “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. We’ll continue taking a thoughtful, layered approach ensuring customers know to expect the highest standard of care as they prepare for their holiday travels.”

Delta continues to “ensure our flights are not filled to capacity,” the company said, including limiting first class to half capacity, blocking one aisle of seats on aircraft without middle seats and limiting the number of customers onboard all aircraft. 

— CJ