Delta will continue blocking middle seats through Jan. 6 but will begin filling more overall seats on its planes beginning in October.
The airline currently limits capacity on its single-aisle jets to 60% in the main cabin and 50% in first class. Starting Oct. 1, main cabin capacity will jump to 75%. First class capacity, however, will remain capped at 50% through at least Oct. 31.
On widebody jets, Delta will also increase its maximum load from 60% in the main and premium economy cabins to 75% effective Oct. 1. In Delta One business class, all seats will be put up for sale for flights scheduled for Oct. 1 and beyond. Delta One capacity is currently capped at 75%.
The airline said it will continue to block some aisle seats in regional aircraft with 2-by-2 seating configurations through Oct. 31.
Middle-seat blocking has emerged during the pandemic as a major flashpoint in the aviation industry.
Delta had previously held the line on its capacity plans through September, but it is not currently committing to specific overall capacity caps beyond October. Still, the carrier did pledge Thursday that it will continue to block middle seats for traveling parties of one or two people through the holiday season. However, middle seats will be available for booking by larger parties.
"Medical experts, including our own partners at Emory Healthcare, agree more distance on board makes a difference," Delta chief customer experience officer Bill Lentsch said. "We believe that taking care of our customers and employees and restoring confidence in the safety of air travel is more important right now than filling up every seat on a plane."