This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/11/business/packed-united-flight-crowded-airlines.html
The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 13 | Version 14 |
|---|---|
| If Airlines Are Suffering, Why Are Some Planes So Full? | If Airlines Are Suffering, Why Are Some Planes So Full? |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Just last month, people were posting photos and stories on social media of virtually empty flights, relishing in receiving personalized service and not having to worry about social distancing. | Just last month, people were posting photos and stories on social media of virtually empty flights, relishing in receiving personalized service and not having to worry about social distancing. |
| Now, as summer travel season starts, some travelers are complaining about the opposite: flying on planes that are surprisingly full. They are frustrated that airlines aren’t doing more to space people out or limit the number of passengers on planes. | Now, as summer travel season starts, some travelers are complaining about the opposite: flying on planes that are surprisingly full. They are frustrated that airlines aren’t doing more to space people out or limit the number of passengers on planes. |
| Even though most flights are far from full, some continue to fly at or near capacity. Take the United Airlines flight from Newark to San Francisco that Ethan Weiss, a doctor from California, wrote about on Twitter in a series of messages that were widely shared this month. | Even though most flights are far from full, some continue to fly at or near capacity. Take the United Airlines flight from Newark to San Francisco that Ethan Weiss, a doctor from California, wrote about on Twitter in a series of messages that were widely shared this month. |
| “This is the last time I’ll be flying again for a very long time,” he wrote, after posting a photograph of a nearly full plane cabin. | “This is the last time I’ll be flying again for a very long time,” he wrote, after posting a photograph of a nearly full plane cabin. |
| Last weekend, Representative Jared Huffman, a Democrat who represents a stretch of California’s coast north of San Francisco, wrote about a similar experience on his way back to Washington. | Last weekend, Representative Jared Huffman, a Democrat who represents a stretch of California’s coast north of San Francisco, wrote about a similar experience on his way back to Washington. |
| What Mr. Huffman and Dr. Weiss experienced was unusual, but not unique. Here’s why. | What Mr. Huffman and Dr. Weiss experienced was unusual, but not unique. Here’s why. |
| They were, and they are. Usually. | They were, and they are. Usually. |
| The vast majority of flights in the United States — about three out of four — are less than half full, according to Airlines for America, an industry organization. And only about one in 12 flights is more than 70 percent full, though that figure may grow as more travelers start to fly and airlines better align their schedules with demand. | The vast majority of flights in the United States — about three out of four — are less than half full, according to Airlines for America, an industry organization. And only about one in 12 flights is more than 70 percent full, though that figure may grow as more travelers start to fly and airlines better align their schedules with demand. |
| Early in the pandemic, there was a glut of empty flights as airlines struggled to keep up with people canceling or skipping flights. Schedules are largely set weeks in advance, and airlines didn’t know how many passengers would board their planes. | Early in the pandemic, there was a glut of empty flights as airlines struggled to keep up with people canceling or skipping flights. Schedules are largely set weeks in advance, and airlines didn’t know how many passengers would board their planes. |
| Over time, however, airlines have gotten a better handle on demand and slashed their schedules. United, for example, cut flights in May by about 90 percent. Delta Air Lines has cut 85 percent of its flights over the three months ending in June. | Over time, however, airlines have gotten a better handle on demand and slashed their schedules. United, for example, cut flights in May by about 90 percent. Delta Air Lines has cut 85 percent of its flights over the three months ending in June. |
| “That means that people who are on four individual flights are now on one — the single flight that remains,” said Robert Mann, an industry analyst and consultant. | “That means that people who are on four individual flights are now on one — the single flight that remains,” said Robert Mann, an industry analyst and consultant. |
| That depends on the airline — and the fine print. | That depends on the airline — and the fine print. |
| As Dr. Weiss pointed out, United told customers in an email that it was “automatically blocking middle seats to give you enough space on board,” but the airline has since clarified its policy. Customers may not be able to select a middle seat at purchase, but United can still assign them one. The company said it could not guarantee empty seats but would let passengers rebook if their flights were more than 70 percent full. | As Dr. Weiss pointed out, United told customers in an email that it was “automatically blocking middle seats to give you enough space on board,” but the airline has since clarified its policy. Customers may not be able to select a middle seat at purchase, but United can still assign them one. The company said it could not guarantee empty seats but would let passengers rebook if their flights were more than 70 percent full. |
| By comparison, Delta has promised to cap seating at 50 percent of its capacity in first class and 60 percent elsewhere. American Airlines has said it will block half of all middle seats on its planes. Southwest Airlines, which does not assign seats, has resisted making such pronouncements, but has said it will temporarily reduce how many passengers it books on every flight. | By comparison, Delta has promised to cap seating at 50 percent of its capacity in first class and 60 percent elsewhere. American Airlines has said it will block half of all middle seats on its planes. Southwest Airlines, which does not assign seats, has resisted making such pronouncements, but has said it will temporarily reduce how many passengers it books on every flight. |
| It’s easy to limit capacity when demand is very low, but airlines can’t afford to do so forever. | It’s easy to limit capacity when demand is very low, but airlines can’t afford to do so forever. |
| The industry tends to operate on slim profit margins. In North America, an airline breaks even only on flights that are at least 75 percent full, on average, according to the International Air Transport Association. | The industry tends to operate on slim profit margins. In North America, an airline breaks even only on flights that are at least 75 percent full, on average, according to the International Air Transport Association. |
| To cover the cost of social-distancing measures, those North American airlines would have to raise average fares by 43 percent, to $289 from $202 last year, according to the association. | To cover the cost of social-distancing measures, those North American airlines would have to raise average fares by 43 percent, to $289 from $202 last year, according to the association. |
| “Eliminating the middle seat will raise costs,” Alexandre de Juniac, the association's chief executive, said this month. “If that can be offset with higher fares, the era of affordable travel will come to an end.” | “Eliminating the middle seat will raise costs,” Alexandre de Juniac, the association's chief executive, said this month. “If that can be offset with higher fares, the era of affordable travel will come to an end.” |
| Still, airlines are facing growing pressure to do something about packed flights as they start to see the beginnings of a tepid and choppy recovery. | Still, airlines are facing growing pressure to do something about packed flights as they start to see the beginnings of a tepid and choppy recovery. |
| Updated June 24, 2020 | |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| This month, Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington and Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon, the top Democrats on the congressional transportation committees, separately called on the Trump administration and airlines to limit capacity on flights. | This month, Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington and Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon, the top Democrats on the congressional transportation committees, separately called on the Trump administration and airlines to limit capacity on flights. |
| “As air travelers gradually return, they must feel confident that they will be safe from the coronavirus,” Ms. Cantwell wrote in a letter on Monday urging the transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, to formalize guidelines for airlines. | “As air travelers gradually return, they must feel confident that they will be safe from the coronavirus,” Ms. Cantwell wrote in a letter on Monday urging the transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, to formalize guidelines for airlines. |
| While airlines are not yet uniformly keeping passengers six feet apart, they have been trying to put travelers at ease by requiring masks, frequently disinfecting planes and boarding planes back to front to limit interactions among passengers. | While airlines are not yet uniformly keeping passengers six feet apart, they have been trying to put travelers at ease by requiring masks, frequently disinfecting planes and boarding planes back to front to limit interactions among passengers. |
| In an effort to show customers that it’s taking the pandemic seriously, United said this week that it was teaming up with Clorox and the Cleveland Clinic: Clorox will consult on the airline’s disinfection practices and provide amenities to travelers at some locations, while the Cleveland Clinic will offer advice and keep the airline updated on the latest best practices. | In an effort to show customers that it’s taking the pandemic seriously, United said this week that it was teaming up with Clorox and the Cleveland Clinic: Clorox will consult on the airline’s disinfection practices and provide amenities to travelers at some locations, while the Cleveland Clinic will offer advice and keep the airline updated on the latest best practices. |
| Airlines are also adding sneeze guards and kiosks that can be operated without being touched. They are also scrapping meal service. | Airlines are also adding sneeze guards and kiosks that can be operated without being touched. They are also scrapping meal service. |
| On any given day, the Transportation Security Administration is screening between only 8 percent and 10 percent of the approximately 2.5 million people it processed at airport checkpoints a year ago. But while most Americans are staying home, tens of thousands still get on planes every day — and that number appears to be rising. | On any given day, the Transportation Security Administration is screening between only 8 percent and 10 percent of the approximately 2.5 million people it processed at airport checkpoints a year ago. But while most Americans are staying home, tens of thousands still get on planes every day — and that number appears to be rising. |
| Many travelers are visiting loved ones who are old or ill, or are traveling to be closer to family after months in isolation. There are also medical professionals like Dr. Weiss, who was part of a group of nurses and doctors who had gone to New York City to help hospitals struggling with an influx of virus cases. Others are flying for work. | Many travelers are visiting loved ones who are old or ill, or are traveling to be closer to family after months in isolation. There are also medical professionals like Dr. Weiss, who was part of a group of nurses and doctors who had gone to New York City to help hospitals struggling with an influx of virus cases. Others are flying for work. |
| That was the case for David Chou, a health care executive from Kansas City, Mo., who recently took his first flight in months, to Houston, where he had just accepted a new job. Mr. Chou was fortunate that only about a dozen passengers were on the flight. But he was disappointed to find that some weren’t wearing masks. It wasn’t a major problem, but it did make him rethink whether he would fly again. | That was the case for David Chou, a health care executive from Kansas City, Mo., who recently took his first flight in months, to Houston, where he had just accepted a new job. Mr. Chou was fortunate that only about a dozen passengers were on the flight. But he was disappointed to find that some weren’t wearing masks. It wasn’t a major problem, but it did make him rethink whether he would fly again. |
| “If volume picks up and people are not practicing social distancing or even wearing masks, I would be hesitant on taking additional flights,” he said. | “If volume picks up and people are not practicing social distancing or even wearing masks, I would be hesitant on taking additional flights,” he said. |
| With airlines seeing early signs of a recovery, people like him may soon have to reckon with whether it’s worth getting on a plane at all. | With airlines seeing early signs of a recovery, people like him may soon have to reckon with whether it’s worth getting on a plane at all. |