It might be worth it to you to pay a bit more for the assurance extra space offers. We’ve updated our onboard service to limit the interaction between our flight crews and guests. If you’re uncomfortable with the distance between you and others on your day of flight, please speak with a customer service agent about your options. Middle seats are blocked on larger aircraft and select aisle seats are blocked on smaller aircraft for travel through March 31, 2021. December 16, 2020 Cloth masks or face coverings will be required on all its flights, at ticket counters, throughout gate areas and any other location where Alaska conducts business. Face coverings will be provided upon request. It is unclear how airlines will make these exceptions, so it’s best to bring a doctor’s note if you have an underlying condition. They are providing passengers on all flights with a health and safety kit, which includes a single-use face mask, non-latex gloves and sanitizing wipes. For flights under 2,200 miles or less than 4 ½ hours, first class customers will get pretzels, Biscoff cookies or chips, and a bottle of water during … All crew members are also required to wear a mask. Severe allergic reactions to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine were “rare” in the first 10 days of its rollout, with 21 cases among nearly 1.9 doses, the CDC reported. View hotel, car, and ride reservations. Non-residents of Alaska must arrive with proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight departure, or proof of pending results. Alaska Airlines transports lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine safely to rural regions of Alaska. Beginning April 1, 2021, change fees will be eliminated on Main and First Class fares everywhere Alaska flies. She would like to visit every country and try as many different local culinary specialties as possible. ... We’ve suspended our warm towel service in First Class. Mask Policy: Allegiant Airlines requires passengers and crew to wear face coverings onboard. Specific details about the face mask requirements will be shared with guests in pre-trip communications before their date of travel. 10 … We’ve removed all seatback contents, except for the safety card to limit the spread of germs. Blocked Seats: Delta has one of the most generous blocked seating arrangements in the industry. If you are planning flights beyond the dates in current policies, keep an eye on airline announcements before your trip. Differences in fare may apply. These empty seats are temporary, though. We’re limiting food and drink service on board based on flight length and destination. First-class passengers are offered an assortment of snacks from a snack basket. Alaska Airlines transports lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine safely to rural regions of Alaska. The experience in-flight is different, too. Calculating in-flight transmission risks. “So asking them to exercise that power or issue a mandate without the relevant data is incredibly challenging,” said Andreassen. Blocked Seats: Southwest is limiting the number of tickets sold on each flight to allow extra distancing for travel through November 30, 2020. Does Your Employer Match Charitable Gifts? Alaska Airlines: Through January 6, 2021 (middle seat blocked) JetBlue: Through January 8, 2021 (85% capacity) Delta: Through March 31, 2021 (middle seat blocked) This equates to blocked middle seats, although they are maintaining their open seating policy. Blocked Seats: JetBlue is blocking all middle seats on larger aircraft and most aisle seats on smaller aircraft in order to allow social distancing onboard. The stickers, spanning 6 feet apart, can be found at our ticketing counters, baggage drops, customer service centers and gate areas. Visit the post for more. Enhanced Residential Solar Tax Breaks In Year-End Spending Package As Part Of Clean Energy Push, Paris Continues To Reel From Covid-19 As Holidays Approach, Master List Of All Major International Airline Coronavirus Change And Cancellation Policies. Social media shows photos of packed planes and complaints that it’s impossible to social distance. Learn more about safety and COVID-19-related travel updates Here’s what to expect on major U.S. airlines. These seats require an additional fee (prices vary based on route and flight duration). When demand receded, airlines cut routes and consolidated schedules. Upgrades to First Class are not eligible. Every domestic commercial airline has announced that passengers and crew members are required to wear face coverings throughout check-in, boarding and the flight itself. © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. Alaska Airlines will not be serving food or drinks on flights traveling less than 250 miles, even in first class, during the outbreak. Families or couples wanting to sit together can make the request with reservations in advance or at the airport on the day of travel. Otherwise, non-compliant passengers will be denied boarding for current and/or future travel. Guests will be able to make an appointment with Carbon Health starting Oct. 8, with priority testing for Alaska Airlines flyers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. PDT, starting on Oct. 12. Customers have a lot of factors to weigh when considering which airline to fly. Nearly all airlines require masks onboard and most have announced stringent cleaning protocols as well. Ask a check-in or gate agent for the opportunity to move your seat. Cold Bay, a second-class city, recorded its first resident case of COVID on Monday. Passengers on these airlines will have more space to spread out. Everyone assumes that there will be empty seats or even empty rows onboard, but there’s no government mandate for increased personal space on flights. However, if there are more than 70% of seats booked, passengers can move to another flight instead. Mask Policy: Alaska Airlines is requiring all crew members and passengers over the age of 2 to wear masks. Mask Policy: United requires all passengers and crew to wear a mask throughout their flight. “Very young children” are exempt, as is anyone with an underlying condition that prevents them from wearing one. Flying now doesn’t look like it ever has before. For flights over 670 miles (typically over two hours): On flights departing between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., first-class passengers are also offered a croissant breakfast sandwich, signature fruit and cheese platter (pre-order recommended) or chicken curry wrap. Small children are not required to wear face coverings nor are passengers with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks. On your way from the gate to the aircraft, we are doing our best to space out the boarding groups to limit crowding in the jetway. These are the airlines current policies for guaranteeing empty seats: If you’re flying another airline, you should expect planes to be as full as ever before. In response to CDC guidelines, we are minimizing contact and will have limited offerings for inflight food and beverage service. They are using touchless technology to screen passengers and will deny boarding to anyone with a temperature of 100.4℉ or higher. That’s just not very competitive on a transcon flight. She's always looking for new ways to make travel easier, more memorable, and more affordable. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Through July 31, 2020 and beyond, we’re limiting the number of guests on our flights and blocking select seats. Pandemic news, links and advice Additionally, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air employees who cannot maintain six feet of physical distance during interactions with guests or co-workers are required to wear masks as of May 4. On longer flights, Alaska First and Premium customers can get beer or wine, while main cabin types get an individual bottled water or 7.5 oz sealed can of Coke or Diet Coke … Alaska Air Group Inc. today reported first quarter 2020 GAAP net loss of $232 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2019. according to the Airlines for America industry trade organization, coronavirus change and cancellation policies. Delta was the first carrier to begin boarding back-to-front and is also restricting passenger capacity (50% in first class, 60% in economy). ... First Class … This includes pilots, flight attendants and customer service agents. Mask Policy: Travelers are required to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth when flying on Spirit Airlines. Limited masks may be available if you didn’t pack one, but are not guaranteed. Seating is capped at 50 percent for first class and 60 percent for the main cabin. The coronavirus pandemic has upended countless industries, including commercial aviation. Passengers traveling on a paid first-class ticket or a first-class award ticket — specifically fare codes: A, D, F, P, or I — can access Alaska lounges on the day of their flight. Temperature Screenings: Notably, Frontier Airlines is the only airline requiring temperature screenings from all passengers before boarding. Despite fewer people flying, some planes are still flying full. Prior to working for Forbes, she contributed to other leading publications in the credit cards and rewards space. To help our guests, we’re taking additional precautions to help you create extra space on board, including: While this is a stressful time, it is important to remain calm and cooperate with airline staff. Starting August 7, all Alaska passengers will be required to wear a cloth mask or face covering over their nose and mouth (except for children under the age of two) – with no exceptions. The Alaska branded stickers will be deployed systemwide over the coming weeks. Masks will be provided at no cost if customers need them. On full flights, travelers can optionally request to move flights at no charge. Alaska hands out tablets in first class and free headsets, but they are cheaply made. Blocked Seats: Hawaiian is currently blocking middle seats on larger aircraft until December 15. Beginning on Dec. 1, 2020, Southwest will no longer block middle seats. To align with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations and to keep our guests and employees safe, masks will be mandatory for all our guests. ... Alaska isn't the first airline to try to turn social distancing into a promotion. Alaska Air Group reports third quarter 2020 results along with COVID-19 updates Alaska Airlines extends blocked middle seats through Jan. 6, 2021 SEATTLE , Oct. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Families or large groups may request to sit together. Each airline is handling this differently, with some purposely blocking seats and others proceeding as normal. Alaska Airlines Blog Primary Menu ... Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air employees who cannot maintain six feet of physical distance during interactions with guests or co-workers are required to wear masks as of May 4. The tablets are pretty small and there isn’t a lot of content loaded on them. Airlines have been punished by COVID-19, but does a strong balance sheet, a focus on leisure travel and an international network make Alaska Air a good bet to rebound? Now, mask requirements and space onboard may also impact your decision for flying for the holidays and beyond. Like everything related to COVID-19, these policies are subject to change as airlines re-evaluate health concerns. Caroline Lupini is the Credit Card and Travel Analyst for Forbes Advisor. Additional supplies will be available for those who forget their face masks. However, passengers may be reseated after boarding is complete to allow additional distancing if there are seats available. The case was detected at the Gustavus Airport when an Alaska … ... Alaska … Blocked Seats: American Airlines is not limiting capacity on their flights. If we are unable to properly distance our guests on the aircraft, we will allow you to cancel or rebook your travel as part of our. Mask Policy: All passengers flying on American Airlines are required to wear face coverings onboard. While the airlines tout their HEPA filters, which scrub more … Passenger loads are capped at 67% in domestic first class cabins and 60% for main cabin (economy) and Comfort+. You are required to bring your own mask, but masks are available if needed at check-in, in lounges, boarding gates, jet bridges and onboard the aircraft. Right now, only Alaska Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue are blocking seats for sale to limit the number of passengers onboard. Learn more, Learn more about safety and COVID-19-related travel updates, Frequently asked questions about face masks & physical distancing, Make your own no-sew mask in 6 easy steps, Unpacking Alaska Airlines Next-Level Care. While health and government officials around the world continue to urge people to practice physical distancing, we know it can be challenging maintaining personal space on an aircraft. Mask Policy: Passengers and crew members are required to wear face coverings onboard, with exceptions for children and those with some medical conditions. There was only 25 movies, including new releases, on the tablets, plus six TV shows with three to five episodes each. https://blog.alaskaair.com/coronavirus/frequently-asked-questions Passengers are encouraged to bring their own face covering, but masks will be provided if needed. Alaska Airlines carried its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the state of Alaska where 80% of communities are only accessible by air or water. We’ll continue to collect and recycle materials on Horizon Air’s simplified service of water. “We flew first class, mainly due to the pandemic, so we felt a bit more secluded and the seats weren’t that much more expensive than the regular economy seats,” Turnbull said in an email. There are no studies available as of yet on the COVID.” Alaska Airlines is blocking off all middle seats on large aircraft and aisle seats on smaller aircraft through July 31. You'll find stories, tips, and inspiration here and on her travel blog, sightDOING. Regardless, there will be space for separate parties to sit apart. We recommend that you pack your own … Mask Policy: All Frontier customers are required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth, including at ticket counters and gate areas. Our employees will make sure you are seated with as much distance as the flight allows. Non-residents who arrive without a pre-test must be tested on arrival for $250 (USD) per test and quarantine at their own expense while waiting for … Subscribe to receive fare sales, exclusive offers, Mileage Plan™ deals, and hotel and rental car discounts – delivered straight to your inbox. Your safety is our top priority. Although these policies have been in place for months, airlines are tightening enforcement and implementing consequences if you refuse, according to the Airlines for America industry trade organization. She's a credit card enthusiast and digital nomad who has leveraged credit cards to travel around the world for next to nothing, often in style. In Alaska’s configuration, the plane features 178 leather Recaro seats including 16 in first class. Mask Policy: Hawaiian Airlines requires all passengers to wear masks during boarding, in-flight and deplaning. The temporary policy will be reevaluated periodically as guidance evolves. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. From Main Cabin to First Class, we are providing safe and reliable food and drink on board. Check or change your seat assignment through the Alaska Airlines app or online. You may opt-out by. Caroline Lupini is the Credit Card and Travel Analyst for Forbes Advisor. Mask Policy: Customers are required to wear a face covering for boarding and the duration of the flight. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Blocked Seats: Allegiant is not limiting capacity on their flights. Medallion Members will be cleared for Complimentary Upgrades to Delta One (within the U.S. 50), First Class and Delta Comfort+ based on their designated clearance window in priority order, availability and other measures we have implemented – like reducing the number of passengers per flight – to create space onboard and provide a safer environment for our customers and employees. KENAI, Alaska (AP) — Some Alaska borough attorneys have refuted a claim by the state’s top lawyer that boroughs can enact mask mandates in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Blocked Seats: Frontier is blocking a limited number of middle seats in the front of the plane. This includes during check-in, boarding, in flight and deplaning. VIDEO: Alaska Airlines to use UV light to fight COVID-19 as passengers raise other concerns Share By: Linzi Sheldon, KIRO 7 News Updated: June 26, 2020 - 7:44 PM Your safety is our top priority. In a case where relocation may not be possible (due in part to aircraft weight and balance concerns), taking personal hygiene steps is also another way to help reduce your risk of contracting the virus. Ask These 5 Simple Questions First, Healthcare And Childcare FSA Fix For 2021, Finally: Special Carry Over Rules And More, 5 Profitable Side Hustles That Can Literally Change Your Life, How Airline And Hotel Loyalty Programs Are Responding To Coronavirus, New Bigger Charitable Tax Break For 2021 In Year-End Spending Package, Medical Expense Deduction Tax Relief Is Big Win For Seniors In Year-End Spending Package, Go Solar! Alaska Airlines' buy-one, get-one fare sale comes with a bonus: an empty seat for COVID-19 safety. Mask Policy: All guests are mandated to wear a mask or face covering while boarding and on board the aircraft. All Alaska employees are required to wear face masks, and all passengers two years and older are required to wear masks as well. 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