Dreaded Middle Seat Is Gone, for Now, in Name of Distancing
- Near-empty planes allow carriers to give passengers more space
- Airlines plan more deep cuts to cope with pandemic fallout
United Airlines Holdings Inc. will begin blocking middle seats in all aircraft cabins, joining an industry move to keep the shoulder-smooshing spot empty for the sake of social distancing in the pandemic era.
The airline will also change its boarding process to give passengers more space as they walk onto a plane, and process all seating upgrades at the airport to better control crowding. The new procedures will apply through May 30, United said Wednesday.