Southwest Airlines doesn’t have assigned seats so it was limiting capacity on flights to allow passengers to spread out rather than blocking middle seats like many other airlines have done. Southwest said it will notify customers on a flight ahead of time if more than 65% of seats are sold.
Southwest Airlines is bringing back the middle seat, Southwest is the latest of the major U.S. airline carriers to start rebooking middle seats on flights. Competitors, including American Airlines and United, began making middle seats available months earlier. Delta, meanwhile, said it would keep middle seats open through January, leaving them empty through the holiday season amid the ongoing pandemic.
But some online are questioning Southwest’s commitment to keeping travelers masked. In an official tweet, one company representative revealed that the airline is also resuming “a light snack and beverage service for flights that are over 250 miles.”
For now, we’re starting a light snack and beverage service for flights that are over 250 miles. Of course, Customers are always able to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages onboard. We can’t wait to see you next time you travel by air! -Ana
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 22, 2020
For now, we’re starting a light snack and beverage service for flights that are over 250 miles. Of course, Customers are always able to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages onboard. We can’t wait to see you next time you travel by air! -Ana
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 22, 2020
Sometimes, the policy isn’t the issue, either. If you’ve flown during the pandemic, you’ve likely seen at least one person ignoring the mask protocols. In those instances, physical distance has been the biggest security blanket for fellow passengers.
Just flew on Southwest. Little to no actual mask enforcement. They announce on the PA, but flight attendants walk right by people reading books with their masks on their laps. Shocking! @SouthwestAir @jimcramer #cnbc
— Maximus 🧢🇺🇸 (@danapointcap) October 21, 2020
Southwest acknowledged the importance of enforcing its measures, responding in part by tweeting, “We regret if you’ve been left feeling unsettled and witnessed any inconsistencies with our mask policy.”
