Qantas claims blocking middle seat will lead to nine times increase in fares
Qantas has outlined new rules for safe flying which includes staggered boarding and deplaning.
It will provide masks for passengers but there will be no empty middle seat for social distancing.
The airline reckons it is not needed and will only result in big fare increases. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said: "Social distancing on an aircraft is impractical."
By adhering to the recommended 1.5-metre distance, a 180-seat Airbus A320 would only be able to accommodate 22 passengers.
"That means airfares are going to be eight to nine times more than they are today," Joyce said. "So if it’s not needed – and it isn’t needed by the medical advice – it definitely economically will not be justified."
Qantas and Jetstar will offer free masks to passengers but they are not compulsory.
Wipes will be given to all passengers and in-flight service will be minimal to reduce person-to-person contact.
At the airport there will be hand sanitising stations at departure gates and contactless check-in and self-service bag drop is being encouraged.
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025