Delta has announced they’ll be extending its seating capacity for passengers in all cabins including Main Cabin, Comfort +, First Class, and Delta One onboard both mainline and connection carriers through September 30th.

Delta previously was blocking middle seats on all flights through June 30th, so this latest announcement extends for an additional three months.

One change to note is that Delta is increasing its capacity onboard its Delta One cabins from 50% to 75% with the argument that its premium cabins are in a 1x2x1 configuration so even with the increase in capacity each passenger will still be separated by an aisle on its widebody aircraft.

Per Delta,

• We are extending our seating caps: Through Sept. 30, Delta will ensure more space for customers on all aircraft by capping seating at 50% in First Class; 60% in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, and Delta Premium Select; and 75% in Delta One to reduce the total number of customers on board.
• We continue to block middle seats: Through Sept. 30, all middle seats will continue to be shown as unavailable or not assignable when selecting seats via the Fly Delta app or online. We’ll also continue to block the selection of some aisle seats in aircraft with 2×2 seating configurations.
• We are restarting automatic Medallion upgrades: Starting June 10, we are resuming automatic, advance Medallion Complimentary Upgrades to Delta One (domestic U.S.), First Class and Delta Comfort+ –  which were previously being managed at the gate –  subject to availability and as permitted by the seat caps.
• We are adding flying where we are full: On routes where increasing customer demand is driving flight loads closer to our caps, we will look for opportunities to upsize to a larger aircraft type or add more flying.

We recently wrote Is Delta Too Slow In Adding More Flights Back? and this latest announcement addresses this point that the airline might not necessarily being adding additional flights, but rather upsizing aircraft on its current June/July schedule.

Another point to mention in this announcement is that Delta will be bringing back automatic Medallion upgrades which were suspended back in April. Eligible Medallion members and companions will receive the same upgrades they are accustomed to as long as each cabin is within the social distance capacity guidelines set forth by Delta.

Delta makes no mention of any additional inflight services so despite upgrades returning, I wouldn’t expect seeing any first class meals any time soon.

What are your thoughts on Delta continuing to block middle seats onboard its aircraft through the end of September? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.