Please Read the Airline’s Coronavirus Policy Before Booking.
Air travel has been challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. First of all, you want to be as safe as possible. On top of that, there are fewer routes and flights available, travel restrictions and other rules that seem to be constantly changing.
Unlike the events of 9/11, when there was a radical change in air travel, there are no federal regulations on wearing masks or keeping middle seats open on flights, or any industry standard. This means that each airline sets its own rules. And as it turns out, not all airlines are created equal, according to Brian Kelly , better known as The Points Guy , CEO and founder of the eponymous travel website . Here’s what he wants you to know before booking your next flight.
Make no assumptions
A wide range of changes in air travel over the past few months, including updated cancellation rules and mask requirements, have been highlighted in the news frequently. But just because you see one airline doing something doesn’t mean it’s an industry standard.
For example, while Delta (which currently operates at 75% occupancy ), JetBlue, Southwest, and Alaska are currently blocking middle seats on their flights (at least on holidays), Kelly says consumers should not expect this policy. everywhere.
“We’ve seen about half of US carriers take steps towards social distancing on planes, like blocking seats or controlling capacity,” he tells Lifehacker. “So the problem is, when you fly with these airlines, people expect one experience, but when you fly to American or United, you often get a completely jammed plane. I think the most important thing for consumers is that no two airlines are the same. ”
In other words, if you book a flight with United (or another airline that does not have an open middle seat policy), chances are good that you will find someone in the middle seat. We know that flying in and of itself can be stressful, let alone a pandemic, so the last thing airline passengers and crew need to do is deal with someone who had an outbreak because they thought they were in a middle will be open when it is not. Again, to avoid this situation, Kelly recommends checking the airline’s bandwidth and social distancing policies before booking your ticket.
Understand that the fare is only a fraction of the ticket price.
While fares may be exceptionally low right now, Kelly reminds us that fares are just one piece of your ticket. “Even though change fees have been canceled, baggage and other fees still exist,” he explains. So instead of just looking at the fare itself when comparing purchases, consider the total ticket price including baggage, priority boarding, or any other extras.
Kelly says that if the two rates are the same, it’s important to see what you get for your money. For example, if the fare in the Southwest is the same (or even slightly higher) than the American fare, keep in mind that you will receive two free bags when you fly southwest, otherwise you would have to pay in American.
And this also applies to middle seat politics. “It’s up to the consumer to understand, but you can pay a little more at Delta to know you have a free middle seat,” Kelly explains. “Try to understand what your flights will be like on flights of different airlines. Don’t assume that all airlines are blocking middle seats. It’s just not true. “