How Is American Airlines Social Distancing?

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The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the way we travel, forcing airlines to implement new safety protocols to keep passengers and crew members safe. American Airlines is one of the airlines that has taken social distancing seriously, implementing a range of measures to help reduce the risk of transmission on its flights.

From blocking middle seats to enhanced cleaning and mandatory mask-wearing, American Airlines has put in place several measures to ensure that passengers can feel safe and comfortable while flying during these challenging times. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how American Airlines is implementing social distancing and what you can expect when flying with them.

How is American Airlines Social Distancing?

How is American Airlines Social Distancing?

American Airlines, like many other airlines, has implemented measures to promote social distancing and ensure the safety of its passengers and crew during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a breakdown of what American Airlines is doing to promote social distancing.

1. Seat Blocking

To promote social distancing, American Airlines is blocking off 50% of all middle seats on its flights. This means that passengers will have more space and fewer people in close proximity to them during their journey. The blocked seats are available for purchase only to families or groups traveling together, who can sit together in the middle seats.

In addition, American Airlines is also capping the number of passengers on each flight, ensuring that there is enough space for everyone to maintain a safe distance from each other.

2. Boarding Process

To minimize contact between passengers, American Airlines has introduced a new boarding process. Passengers are now boarding the plane from back to front, starting with the last row and moving towards the front. This allows passengers to maintain a safe distance from each other while boarding the plane.

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American Airlines is also encouraging passengers to use mobile boarding passes or self-service kiosks to reduce contact with staff and surfaces.

3. Face Masks

All passengers and crew members on American Airlines flights are required to wear face masks throughout the journey. This is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe.

Passengers who do not comply with the face mask requirement may be denied boarding or removed from the flight. American Airlines is providing face masks to passengers who do not have their own.

4. Enhanced Cleaning

American Airlines has implemented enhanced cleaning procedures to ensure that all surfaces on the plane are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This includes high-touch areas such as armrests, tray tables, and seat belts.

The airline is also using hospital-grade disinfectants and electrostatic spraying to clean the planes between flights. In addition, the air on the plane is filtered and recirculated every two to four minutes, ensuring that it is clean and safe to breathe.

5. Food and Beverage Service

To minimize contact between passengers and crew, American Airlines has made changes to its food and beverage service. On shorter flights, the airline is providing pre-packaged snacks and beverages, which are handed out to passengers as they board the plane.

On longer flights, American Airlines is providing a limited meal service, which includes pre-packaged meals and beverages that are delivered to passengers in a single tray. To reduce contact, passengers are encouraged to keep their face masks on except when eating or drinking.

6. Entertainment

American Airlines has made changes to its in-flight entertainment to minimize contact between passengers. The airline is no longer providing shared items such as pillows, blankets, and magazines. Instead, passengers are encouraged to bring their own entertainment, such as books or tablets.

The airline is also offering free streaming of movies and TV shows through its app, which can be downloaded before the flight. This allows passengers to enjoy entertainment without having to touch shared surfaces.

7. Airport Lounges

American Airlines has made changes to its airport lounges to promote social distancing. The airline is limiting the number of guests in the lounge at any given time and has reconfigured seating to ensure that there is enough space for everyone to maintain a safe distance from each other.

The airline is also providing pre-packaged snacks and beverages in the lounges, rather than the usual buffet-style service. In addition, the lounge staff is wearing face masks and gloves to minimize contact with guests.

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8. Contactless Check-in and Bag Drop

To reduce contact between passengers and staff, American Airlines is encouraging passengers to use contactless check-in and bag drop. This can be done through the airline’s mobile app, which allows passengers to check in, choose their seat, and drop off their bags without having to interact with staff.

For passengers who need assistance, American Airlines staff is available to help, but they are wearing face masks and gloves to minimize contact.

9. Benefits of Social Distancing on American Airlines

The benefits of social distancing on American Airlines are clear. By blocking off middle seats, capping the number of passengers, and promoting contactless check-in and boarding, the airline is ensuring that its passengers and crew remain safe and healthy.

In addition, the changes to the food and beverage service and in-flight entertainment are making the journey more convenient and enjoyable for passengers.

10. Comparison with Other Airlines

American Airlines is not the only airline that is promoting social distancing. Other airlines, such as Delta and Southwest, are also blocking off middle seats and capping the number of passengers on their flights.

However, American Airlines is one of the few airlines that is providing a limited meal service and offering free streaming of movies and TV shows. This is making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable for passengers, while still ensuring their safety.

In conclusion, American Airlines is taking social distancing seriously and has implemented a number of measures to keep its passengers and crew safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. By blocking off middle seats, promoting contactless check-in and boarding, and enhancing cleaning procedures, the airline is ensuring that its passengers can travel with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety measures has American Airlines implemented to ensure social distancing?

American Airlines has implemented several safety measures to ensure social distancing, including blocking middle seats on all flights through January 6, 2021, limiting the number of passengers on board each flight, and providing face masks to all passengers and employees. In addition, the airline has increased cleaning procedures and is using electrostatic sprayers to disinfect cabins before each flight.

How is American Airlines enforcing the use of face masks?

American Airlines requires all passengers and employees to wear face masks throughout their journey, including at check-in, boarding, during the flight, and when disembarking. The airline provides face masks to passengers who do not have one, and those who refuse to comply with the policy may be denied boarding or removed from the flight. The only exceptions to the policy are children under the age of two and individuals with a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask.

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Are there any changes to the boarding process due to social distancing?

To promote social distancing, American Airlines has implemented a new boarding process that is designed to reduce crowding and limit contact between passengers. Boarding groups have been reduced from nine to four, and passengers are asked to wait in their assigned group until they are called to board. In addition, the airline is boarding from back to front to reduce the amount of interaction between passengers.

What happens if a passenger tests positive for COVID-19 before their flight?

If a passenger tests positive for COVID-19 before their flight, they should not travel and should follow the guidelines provided by their healthcare provider and local health department. American Airlines allows passengers to change their travel plans without penalty if they test positive for COVID-19 or if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. Passengers who are feeling ill or who have been exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to cancel their travel plans.

Does American Airlines offer any flexibility for changing travel plans?

American Airlines understands that travel plans may need to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and offers several options for passengers to adjust their travel plans. Passengers can change their flight without penalty if they meet certain criteria, such as if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive. In addition, American Airlines has eliminated change fees for most domestic and international flights.

American Airlines Has A New Inflight Social Distancing Plan


In conclusion, American Airlines has implemented several measures to ensure social distancing and passenger safety during these unprecedented times. From blocking middle seats to requiring face masks, the airline has taken proactive steps to prioritize the health and well-being of its passengers and crew.

In addition to these measures, American Airlines has also increased its cleaning and sanitation protocols. This includes disinfecting high-touch areas such as tray tables, armrests, and lavatories between flights. Passengers can rest assured that they are flying with an airline that is taking every precaution to ensure their safety.

Furthermore, American Airlines has been transparent about its social distancing policies and continues to update them as needed. The airline recognizes that the situation is constantly evolving, and it is committed to adapting its policies accordingly. With these measures in place, passengers can feel confident in choosing American Airlines for their travel needs.

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