Coronavirus: SFO flights spaciously distanced for passengers on weekday, despite weekend crowding
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KGO) -- Passengers arriving at San Francisco International Airport Monday morning describe a first class experience, saying there was plenty of room on board for spreading out and socially distancing.
"It was very spaced out. I believe 10 people had their own row, so it was very spacious," said Imani Jones of Atlanta who flew in from Denver on Frontier Airlines.
Passengers who flew in on United described similar experiences.
"Yeah there was a lot of room. Every couple seats had only one person and it's like far from each other and safe," said Hazza Taamnah of Bakersfield.
It was a different story over the weekend. Passengers on board flights on Frontier, United and American Airlines describe very crowded flights. Some took pictures and posted them on social media to show how many people were on board. There was shock that the airlines would allow this many people and also fear.
"I was petrified. Definitely, because it was absolutely ridiculous that we were so close to one another," said Kayla Preston of Orlando.
The airline says the United flight in question over the weekend was 85% full. Frontier was 66%.
American said they only use the middle seats when necessary, pointing out many families were on board who sit together. American said 73% of the middle seats on that flight were empty. Airlines say they are trying to leave that middle seat open for socially distancing. Monday morning it appeared that was happening.
"I felt safe and comfortable. I don't know if all airlines are doing it but they (United) gave us antiseptic towels if you want to use them. It was fine," said Scott Bower of Trails, Oregon.
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- COVID-19 Help: Comprehensive list of resources, information
- INTERACTIVE TIMELINE: How close was CA to becoming a NY-level crisis?
- Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- How California's COVID-19 cases stack up against other hot spot states
- Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
- List: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Bay Area?
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during novel coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on Asian American community
- WATCH: 'Race & Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation' virtual town hall about COVID-19 impact on African American community
- What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
- List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
- Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
- Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
- How to maintain learning during school closures
- No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
- Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
