Since the outbreak of COVID-19, travelers have been keen to keep their distance from others when flying. A number of Chinese carriers are now providing contagion-wary passengers the option of reserving nearby seats to ensure they remain empty for the duration of the flight.
Passengers can purchase adjacent seats at check-in and sales counters on the day of departure if they are still available. However, reserving extra seats won't come with extra checked and carry-on baggage allowances, or extra meals.
Juneyao Airlines, a Shanghai-based private carrier, launched its extra seats option in late June. For domestic flights that depart from Shanghai, economy class passengers will be able to purchase one or two additional seats beside them to enjoy more space, comfort and security.
Purchasing up to two additional seats allows passengers to be the only occupant in their block of three seats. For each extra seat, it costs a minimum of 200 yuan ($28).
In addition, Juneyao conducted an online survey regarding the innovative new option. One passenger said when considering the idea, it would provide much more comfort as it can help avoid physical contact with and proximity to others. Another said by reserving extra seats, there would be no worries about waking up neighbors when visiting the restroom.
Such demand is particularly evident now as passengers are willing to pay for social distancing to ease safety concerns. Demand for the new option is expected to continue to grow though it will slow after the pandemic is over, said Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst.
Meanwhile, other carriers－including China Eastern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Fuzhou Airlines and West Air－have launched similar extra seat options in the past few months, and provided options for passengers to increase separation so as to maintain social distancing.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, travelers have been keen to keep their distance from others when flying. A number of Chinese carriers are now providing contagion-wary passengers the option of reserving nearby seats to ensure they remain empty for the duration of the flight.
Purchasing up to two additional seats allows passengers to be the only occupant in their block of three seats. For each extra seat, it costs a minimum of 200 yuan ($28).
