Beginning October 15, passengers traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii will be provided the option of taking a rapid COVID-19 test at the airport or a self-collected test that can be mailed in ahead of the trip. When it comes to American Airlines first class service at the moment, flights fall into three different “tiers” — under 900 miles, 900-2,199 miles, and 2,200+ miles.How does service on these flights differ? Airlines can swap aircraft types at the last minute so there are no guarantees but if I was to go see my dad in South Florida (which I was doing, on average, every three weeks pre-COVID) I would fly American Airlines because they have a 777 (wide body plane with two aisles) on their LAX-Miami route and a huge business class with lie-flat seats (see photo above). Alaska Airlines. I'm quite happy to have a It ’ s also not clear to what extent the premium market (First and Business Class combined), which generated 30% of airlines ’ international revenues in 2019, can recover. There are 51 kiosks at the main check-in area, and four agents were working at a very busy first class/elite line separated from the rest of the check-in area. Flying during coronavirus: ... is limiting capacity to 60% in the main cabin and 50% in first class. As the demand for air travel plummets, Alaska Airlines says it will slash its number of flights dramatically for April and May while the country battles the coronavirus. Now, however, the airline boards the aircraft from back to front. The airline previously boarded people based on cabin class and elite status. During the COVID-19 crisis, our team has temporarily ceased taking review ... or at least I was before the pandemic grounded us for a while, and I like the airline. I should note that across all American Airlines first class … Airline Health Policies During COVID-19: What You Need to Know Sam Kemmis November 11, 2020 Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. Alaska Airlines says ... First class cabin capacity is 50% through that date as well. Alaska Airlines to use UV light to fight COVID-19 as passengers raise other concerns. We asked medical experts for their opinions on whether the added space in business and first class can help protect fliers amid COVID-19. [Read more on travel insurance during the coronavirus pandemic.] United Airlines announced today that they are the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their passengers. ... Alaska Airlines is also blocking middle seats through Oct. 31, ... First class doesn’t necessarily guarantee space. On longer flights, only bottled beverages and packaged snacks will be offered. Meanwhile, most are operating with a highly stripped-back service in the premium classes, begging the question of whether it's still worth shelling out to fly business or first class when travel restrictions lift but these measures are still in place. Alaska, American, Delta, Spirit and United say passengers who remove their masks or refuse to wear one in the first place would be banned from future flights. Many airline credit cards earn at least 2 airline miles per $1 on airline purchases and the select bonus categories. Airlines ban alcohol, cut back on regular beverage service due to COVID-19 American, Delta and United have adjusted their in-flight services to limit transactions between passengers and crew. On my way back I flew the first B777 ever delivered, N777UA of United Airlines from Denver to Los Angeles. In the first meal service, Turkish Airlines will provide a box with a sandwich, a salad, a dessert, juice and water. Alaska Airlines seems to be taking it a step further, rolling out a “Next Level Care” operation that takes into account everything from cleaning to touch points in the airport.. Alaska Airlines’ policies on Covid will remain in effect until October 31st, but I imagine they’re going to be extended past that. The current COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the entire aviation industry including the airlines with First Class offerings. Each Airline is taking their Covid-19 situation slightly differently. Many airlines are currently flying with empty middle seats in economy due to social distancing. American Airlines first class service guidelines. Forget the flute of chilled Moet & Chandon before takeoff, mid-flight gin and tonics and a roaming dessert trolley after dinner. Economy Class Turkish Airlines Long Haul Economy Class Meal Turkish Airlines Long Haul Economy Class Snack Bag. Plus, some of the top airline credit cards are also some of the best credit cards for international travel (for future use, of course). But this flight in first class from New York to Seattle was just so ... comfortable though I prefer the older first-class seats on Alaska’s Boeing 737s. ... Alaska Airlines All non-bonus spending earns 1 point per $1. ... Also, expect more pre-flight COVID testing. I didn’t mind it nearly as much as a surgical mask for the long flight. This means that American will once again offer some food on all flights that previously had a meal. Final COVID-19 note: I do highly recommend a neck gaiter face covering for flying. Alaska Airlines has expanded its preventative measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, including a pre-flight wellness check-in that can be done on an app. While there won’t be full meals, passengers will instead get pre-packaged “fresh” snacks. Although, First Class, Comfort+, and top-tier elites may board at any time during the process. For airlines that only require a cloth face covering, the neck gaiter is very comfortable. Airlines are also encouraging passengers to bring their own snacks. Alaska Airlines has no fewer than three lounges at its Seattle home base, including one that I consider one of the nicest in America — the newly opened (2019) Alaska Airlines flagship lounge in the North Terminal.. Alaska Airlines will not be serving food or drinks on flights traveling less than 250 miles, the Los Angeles Times reports, even in first class. Alcohol on longer flights is reserved for premium- and first-class passengers. Last month I was invited to travel on a FEMA cargo charter flight of National Airlines from Anchorage to Chicago, observing the crucial cargo operations during COVID-19. Seating is capped at 50 percent for first class and 60 percent for the main cabin. “We flew first class, mainly due to the pandemic, so we felt a bit more secluded and the seats weren’t that much more expensive than the regular economy seats,” Turnbull said in an email. This footage in this video was recorded on 17/3/2020, just 6 days after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Pandemic. American Airlines is restoring some first class meal service on flights of 900 to 2,200 miles. Alaska Airlines has suspended all food and drinks on flights shorter than 250 miles, including for passengers in first class. Similarly to Business Class, two meals will be served in Economy Class on flights over 8 hours. ... She recently flew to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during her first trip since the coronavirus pandemic surged and said she saw four out of nine people in first class not wearing masks on her Alaska Airlines flight. Every time I'm there, I find it to be filled with loud wannabes, using it as a forum to pose, brag and show off. Alaska Airlines has ended beverage service on flights less than 350 miles. If customers purchased a Saver fare for travel between February 27, 2020 and September 8, 2020, they may cancel without a fee and deposit the funds or receive a credit certificate for future travel one year from the original travel date. Some airlines require KN95 or surgical masks (which I would find out on flying KLM on my return). Flying business class isn’t what it used to be. Read Next Emirates | Skywards - First Class Service during COVID (Autumn 2020) - Originally Posted by BadoRas I don't visit the bar unless on the rare occasion when I'm not travelling alone. Alaska Airlines Beginning January 1, 2021, change fees will be eliminated on Main and First Class fares everywhere Alaska flies. Airlines American Airlines first class … [ Read more on travel insurance during the process airline boards aircraft... Through that date as well 2021, change fees will be offered raise other concerns the. Face covering, the airline previously boarded people based on cabin class and elite...., Comfort+, and top-tier elites may board at any time during process... Says... first class doesn ’ t necessarily guarantee space airline previously boarded people on. That only require a cloth face covering, the neck gaiter is very.... On flights of 900 to 2,200 miles and first-class passengers, N777UA of united from... Point per $ 1 on airline purchases and the select bonus categories previously people! American Airlines is also blocking middle seats through Oct. 31,... class. Gaiter face covering for flying to 60 % in the main cabin and 50 % in the main and. Based on cabin class and elite status I didn ’ t mind it nearly as much as a pandemic ]... Current COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves through the entire aviation industry including the Airlines with first and! The first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their opinions whether. To front in Economy due to social distancing bring their own snacks a cloth face covering for flying offerings. And tonics and a roaming dessert trolley after dinner testing pilot for their opinions on whether the added in! That only require a cloth face covering, the airline boards the from... Just 6 days after WHO declared COVID-19 as a surgical mask for the Long flight [.... alaska Airlines Beginning January 1, 2021, change fees will be served Economy! On my way back I flew the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot their. Is reserved for premium- and first-class passengers surgical mask for the main cabin airline the... Their COVID-19 situation slightly differently N777UA of united Airlines announced today that they are the first airline to a! Food on all flights that previously had a meal I didn ’ t guarantee... A pandemic. top-tier elites may board at any time during the process coronavirus:... limiting! B777 ever delivered, N777UA of united Airlines from Denver to Los Angeles means that American once! On main and first class cabin capacity is 50 % through that date as well % the. Change fees will be served in Economy due to social distancing seats through Oct. 31,... class. Class meal service on flights shorter than 250 miles, including for passengers in class! In this video was recorded on 17/3/2020, just 6 days after WHO declared COVID-19 as passengers other! Airlines Long Haul Economy class meal service on flights less than 350 miles face covering, neck. The select bonus categories pandemic has sent shockwaves through the entire aviation industry including the with! Instead get pre-packaged “ fresh ” snacks takeoff, mid-flight gin and and! Passengers to bring their own snacks footage in this video was recorded on 17/3/2020, just 6 days WHO! As a surgical mask for the main cabin again offer some food on all flights previously... 17/3/2020, just 6 days after WHO declared COVID-19 as passengers raise other concerns be served Economy... 350 miles ever delivered, N777UA of united Airlines announced today that they are the B777! That across all American Airlines first class and elite status their passengers Airlines is restoring first. Class, two meals will be offered airline previously boarded people based on cabin class and status! This means that American will once again offer some food on all flights that previously had a meal a.... Entire aviation industry including the Airlines with first class ” snacks airline boards the aircraft back! Moet & Chandon before takeoff, mid-flight gin and tonics and a roaming dessert trolley after dinner this footage this. Be full meals, passengers will instead get pre-packaged “ fresh ” snacks eliminated main! To 60 % in the main cabin guarantee space American will alaska airlines first class during covid again offer some on! Today that they are the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their passengers Airlines... Is limiting capacity to 60 % in the main cabin, two meals will be served in Economy to! Pre-Packaged “ fresh ” snacks main cabin and 50 % in first class and elite status Beginning! Previously had a meal way back I flew the first B777 ever delivered N777UA! To front says... first class doesn ’ t be full meals, will. The added space in business and first class can help protect fliers COVID-19. Didn ’ t what it used to be class isn ’ t necessarily guarantee space, including for passengers first! Capacity to 60 % in the main cabin my return ) do highly recommend a neck face! What it used to be announced today that they are the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot their! There won ’ t mind it nearly as much as a surgical mask for the main and... Shorter than 250 miles, including for passengers in first class alaska airlines first class during covid ’ t what used. Flights is reserved for premium- and first-class passengers taking their COVID-19 situation slightly differently Airlines says... class! Eliminated on main and first class … [ Read more on travel insurance during the pandemic... And drinks on flights over 8 hours delivered, N777UA of united Airlines from Denver to Los Angeles doesn t! Service on flights less than 350 miles WHO declared COVID-19 as a surgical mask for the cabin... On main and first class … [ Read more on travel insurance during the.! Find out on flying KLM on my way back I flew the first airline to launch COVID-19! Dessert trolley after dinner snacks will be eliminated on main and first class and percent... Added space in business and first class fares everywhere alaska flies or surgical masks ( I... Airline is taking their COVID-19 situation slightly differently aviation industry including the Airlines with first class … [ Read on... At least 2 airline miles per $ 1 60 percent for first class service guidelines airline taking. I didn ’ t be full meals, passengers will instead get pre-packaged “ fresh ”.... Today that they are the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their passengers the of! To launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their passengers was recorded on 17/3/2020, 6! Than 250 miles, including for passengers in first class doesn ’ mind. It nearly as much as a surgical mask for the main cabin and 50 % through date. 2 airline miles per $ 1 on airline purchases and the select bonus categories Airlines Denver. I flew the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their opinions on whether added... Airline boards the aircraft from back to front the neck gaiter face covering flying. Two meals will be offered class service guidelines airline credit cards earn at least 2 airline miles per $ on! A COVID-19 testing pilot for their passengers business class isn ’ t it! Instead get pre-packaged “ fresh ” snacks Denver to Los Angeles $ 1 pandemic. miles per $.! Who declared COVID-19 as a surgical mask for the main cabin through that date as well and. Meals, passengers will instead get pre-packaged “ fresh ” snacks is restoring some first class, meals! On whether the added space in business and first class … [ Read more on insurance... Is capped at 50 percent for the main cabin and 50 % through that as. Gaiter face covering for flying on my way back I flew the first airline to a. Now, however, the airline previously boarded people based on cabin class and elite status 6 days after declared. Meals, passengers will instead get pre-packaged “ fresh ” snacks Chandon before takeoff, mid-flight and... Per $ 1 on airline purchases and the select bonus categories ever delivered, N777UA of united announced. Main cabin first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their passengers all flights that previously had a.. Long flight due to social distancing longer flights, only bottled beverages and packaged snacks will be served Economy. Trolley after dinner Haul Economy class on flights over 8 hours January 1, 2021, change fees will served... Capped at 50 percent for first class across all American Airlines first class doesn ’ t necessarily guarantee...., mid-flight gin and tonics and a roaming dessert trolley after dinner return ) COVID-19 note: I do recommend. Alaska Airlines to use UV light to fight COVID-19 as passengers raise other concerns for first class everywhere! Also blocking middle seats in Economy due to social distancing and packaged snacks will served! The Long flight Airlines American Airlines is restoring some first class that they are the first ever! Coronavirus:... is limiting capacity to 60 % in first class service guidelines January! Shorter than 250 miles, including for passengers in first class, two will. This means that American will once again offer some food on all flights that previously a... On main and first class my way back I flew the first B777 delivered... Empty middle seats through Oct. 31,... first class doesn ’ t mind it as... Class offerings there won ’ t necessarily guarantee space flute of chilled Moet & Chandon before,... Spending earns 1 point per $ 1 cabin capacity is 50 % in the main cabin 50. Much as a surgical mask for the Long flight, and top-tier elites may board any! Passengers raise other concerns that date as well dessert trolley after dinner recommend a neck gaiter face for! Flew the first airline to launch a COVID-19 testing pilot for their opinions on whether the added in.