FlyersRights Social Distancing and Stimulus Plan

 

Summary

• Requires social distancing by limiting passenger load capacity to 50% or 65%
• The federal government purchases 15%-30% of tickets to keep seats unoccupied
• In return, the federal government receives a percentage of tickets in return for government travel when the industry recovers
• Estimated cost of $80 billion over 12 months

Quick Facts

• The CDC still recommends against air travel.
• An empty middle seat provides greater protection against the spread of Covid-19.
• President Joe Biden directed the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies to implement necessary safety measures for air travel.
• The airlines have received over $79 billion in federal bailouts across three different Acts of Congress:
  • The CARES Act of March 2020 provided $25 billion in grants and an additional $25 billion in loans, plus tax relief.
  • The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 of December 2020 provided $15 billion in grants to airlines.
  • The American Rescue Plan Act of March 2021 provided an additional $14 billion in grants.

Videos