Southwest Airlines extends seat blocking through September
Although demand is ticking up slowly for the summer, Southwest Airlines will continue limiting capacity until the end of September.
It will limit numbers on flights to two-thirds normal capacity for an additional two months beyond its previous announcement,
Unlike other carriers, Southwest isn’t blocking the middle seat as it doesn’t assign seating but its capacity limit effectively means all passengers can take up aisle and window seats.
The carrier is now introducing a health declaration for travelers checking in online or via its mobile app.
At check-in, travelers must confirm they do not have Covid-19 symptoms and have not had a positive diagnosis or been exposed within the last 14 days.
The health declaration also outlines the company’s face mask policy which passengers must agree to.
Southwest is one of several airlines now getting tough on passengers not wearing face coverings in the cabin.
Those who refuse could be banned from future travel.
If a passenger forgets a face mask, one will be provided by the airline.
"We ask that our customers join us in these efforts by acknowledging their personal wellness prior to flying with us," said Tony Roach, Managing Director of customer experience.
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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.
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