The CDC adds new countries to its high risk category, Delta Airlines policy updates, and a new “Sleeper Row” upgrade from Lufthansa.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
On Monday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as the CDC, added 16 destinations to it’s “Level 4: COVID-19 Very High” risk level. Those destination are Andorra, Curaçao, Gibraltar, Greece, Guadeloupe, Iran, Ireland, Isle of Man, Kazakhstan, Lesotho, Libya, Malta, Martinique, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, U.S. Virgin Islands. The CDC advises people to avoid travel to any destination listed as level 4, and recommends that anyone traveling to these locations be fully vaccinated. To be fair, the CDC is recommending that you avoid any international travel until you are fully vaccinated. Visit the CDC’s website for an up-to-date list.
Delta Airlines
Delta airlines is making a change to how it handles basic economy tickets through the end of the year. Usually these tickets are non-refundable and can’t be changed, even for a fee. But due to high wait times to speak with a customer service agent they’ve decided to allow for changes to these flights with no fee. This program is only available through the end of the year. Delta has also announced that it is hiring 5,000 additional people to help with record call volumes.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa has announced a new “sleepers row” perk for long haul flights. This perk essentially allows you to upgrade to a row of three or four seats all to yourself for the duration of the flight. This offer comes with a blanket, comfortable pillow, and a mattress topper of business class quality. A special seat belt will ensure that passengers remain safe throughout the entire flight. Additionally those that book the sleepers row will be allowed to board before economy passengers. Prices are between $190 and $272 for this perk, depending on the route. There will be three of these seating arrangements on each flight.