Originally Posted by
VoodooYYC
I
think the problem is that some people want AC to be held to the 50% capacity (which is provincially regulated through the health system, hence why AC is exempt) but at the same time are totally unwilling to pay for that massive cut in capacity. The $250 Standard fare from YYZ-YVR is far more important to the vast majority of travellers.
If AC doesn't guarantee an open middle, should the Cleancare+ sanitizing liquid be applied directly to your seatmate? If so, at general boarding or in the air when they lean against you and fall asleep?
The planes flying YVR-YYZ were not limited to 50% capacity
J being flown to 100%
Y being "sold" to ~67% (no middles), so max 32% of Y blocked
Y later unblocking at gate to clear as many as 25 oversell/standby pax (reported on FT moving same household groups to use the blocked middles)
Thus I'd say they block around 25% on mainline and perhaps 35-40% on 2-across seating like Q400.
What is the net healthcare cost to the government if cases come about after recent air travel? versus 30 or so unsellable YVR-YYZ middles @ $250 is $7500.
Look at the Canadian government notifications of Covid cases on/following recent flights. AC still seems to be the carrier with the majority of issues. Selling middle seats adds 8 additional people at higher risk (since they warn affected row +/- 3 rows).
I kind of like what Italy is doing: government gave carriers a choice: no use of any overhead bins (to minimize touch points, crowding in aisles finding space), OR do middle seat blocking.