United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
American Airlines will start packing planes to full capacity again
The middle seat is back in play on American Airlines flights starting in July.
From July 1, the airline will book passengers in the middle seat again as it hopes to boost yields after months of bleeding cash.
Up until now American has been blocking about half of middle seats on flights for social distancing.
The airline accepts it cannot block the seats forever, especially as travel demand is ticking up.
American believes now is the time to get back to some sort of normality on passenger seating especially with the busy July 4 holiday just days away.
The airline will inform customers when a flight is approaching full capacity and offer the option to reschedule for a less crowded flight.
United Airlines has a similar policy.
There is still some unease about flying in a crowded cabin full of passengers, especially with no federal rules governing the compulsory use of face masks.
The Allied Pilots Association has called on the government to subsidize safety measures by buying up empty middle seats.
Delta Air Lines and Southwest will continue flying with limited capacity through September.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel