Delta Air Lines is working hard to ensure the safety of its passengers and the number of travelers taking to the skies continues to rise.
Dr. Michael Saag, the Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Alabama University has mentioned in an interview that airplanes with proper health protocols such as Delta’s CareStandard are safe if people are looking for a secure way to travel.
According to Saag, as long as passengers on board the planes respect the physical distancing and wearing a face mask, the risk of transmission would be very low. Thus, Delta will continue to block middle seats and has maintained the capacity at 60 percent in Main Cabin and 50 percent in First Class.
Air circulation is also an important factor in reducing the possibility of spreading COVID-19. Delta refreshes the air in its cabins every two-five minutes, therefore the filtration systems onboard planes remove 99.99 percent of particles.
All being said travelers must know that air flows down in planes and reducing transmission of the viral infection.
“The details matter,” Saag clarifies. “If passengers are apart from one another and wearing face masks, then it is very safe on an airplane.”
To make sure touchpoints for passengers are reduced, upon entering the plane to disinfect their seats and the surrounding area, they are handed antibacterial wipes as well as presented with water and snacks in a bag to avoid the need for expanded food service.
The carrier is expanding its health and safety diligence to its Delta Sky Clubs, while the airline reopens the airport facilities in Chicago, Denver, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, and San Francisco. As travel continues to increase in the coming months, additional Clubs will open.
Many airlines decided to stop serving alcoholic beverages, recently Delta has also resumed serving beer and wine to its first-class and Comfort+ passengers.