Delta Reducing Passengers, Blocking Middle Seats to Combat COVID-19

Image: Delta Air Lines Boeing 767. (photo via Sjo/iStock Unreleased)
Image: Delta Air Lines Boeing 767. (photo via Sjo/iStock Unreleased)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 12:24 PM ET, Wed April 8, 2020

Delta Air Lines is implementing new policies in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Starting April 13 through May 31, Delta will reduce the number of passengers on each flight; block middle seats in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+ and Delta Premium Select across all of its flights and pause automatic, advance Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, the carrier announced on Wednesday.

"Customers who want to practice responsible social distancing can explore options via the Fly Delta App or at Delta.com. Customers who prefer to be seated directly next to travel companions and family members or needing additional assistance should contact reservations ahead of travel or talk to a Delta agent upon arriving at the gate," the airline stated.

The temporary changes come on the heels of the new Delta Clean standard established for the long term, which includes efforts to streamline food and beverage service onboard all flights to decrease touchpoints between customers and crew; boarding customers 10 at a time; helping passengers find new seats while complying with weight-and-balance restrictions at 10,000 feet and extending travelers' ability to plan, re-book and travel for up to two years.

Delta added that customers still need to be seated within the same class of service and within three rows, whether in front or behind, their assigned seat to ensure a balanced distribution of weight inside the cabin for safe aircraft operation.

The airline also recently donated 200,000 pounds of food to hospitals and community food banks


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...