A new week is upon us and with it some new safe travel news.
Today’s briefing covers Delta Air Lines and its unique approach to health and safety versus other legacy airlines; Americans being banned from visiting the Bahamas amidst COVID-19; and London falling off a top 10 list of popular European destinations.
Delta has committed to blocking middle seats beyond September, as stated on its earnings call last week.
The airline is taking a different approach from other US legacy airlines, American Airlines and United, who both sell full flights now.
There’s debate about whether social distancing on board a plane is truly doable, or merely PR.
However, an MIT Study last week found blocking middle seats on flights could reduce the likelihood of passengers transmitting COVID-19 on board by half.
Delta also requires passengers who don’t want to wear masks on board to consult with a doctor virtually before they are allowed to board.
Starting Wednesday July 22, Americans are no longer allowed to travel to the Bahamas.
Prime Minister Huber Minnis said the nation changed its tourism policy due to the ongoing surge in coronavirus cases in the US.
The Bahamas’ new policy does not affect travelers from the UK, EU, or Canada, who are still able to travel there.
London has fallen off the list of Europe’s top 10 travel destinations, according to a study by ForwardKeys.
It’s the first time ever the popular tourist city has dropped below 10 on the list.
London’s travel bookings are at around 5% of 2019’s bookings. Other EU cities are averaging bookings of 23% vs. 2019; while still low, this is markedly better than London’s recovery.
