Citing research, the COO of budget airline argued that flying has a low risk of COVID-19 exposure
Nothing lasts eternally – not even additional leg room.
JetBlue will restrict passenger capability on flights this vacation season within the battle in opposition to COVID-19, however, will in the end cease blocking seats in January 2021.
Joanna Geraghty, president, and COO of the budget airline introduced the information in a letter to employees a final week. She cited analysis from Harvard and the Department of Defense, amongst others, in arguing that the danger of coronavirus publicity whereas flying was low, and voiced confidence within the provider’s filtration techniques.
“The cabin air system and hospital-grade HEPA filters make the plane safer than most different indoor environments, and our face coverings coverage – the primary amongst U.S. airways – gives a further layer of security,” Geraghty mentioned.
JetBlue had beforehand introduced it could cap on-board capability at 70% and now not promise that center or adjoining seats could be saved empty from Oct. 15 by way of Dec. 1.
Now, the airline is an enjoyable prior to protocol much more, in accordance with the newest updates to its “Security from the Floor Up” program. In the course of the “busy vacation season” from Dec. 2 to Jan. 7, 2021, the airline will bump its onboard capability to restrict as much as 85%. Following the identical steerage from weeks prior, particular seats won’t be blocked and empty center or adjoining seats usually are not assured.
From there, on Jan. eight of the subsequent yr, all seats can be out there for purchasers to e-book, “through the winter interval when demand is usually decreasing and flights are sometimes much less full,” JetBlue mentioned.
The provider joins rivals Delta Air Traces and Alaska Airlines in lifting seat restrictions on flights in early January 2021; competitor Southwest Airlines recently caught heat for doing in order of Dec. 1.
