Social distancing in the air: Jazeera Airways allows passengers to book discounted middle seat to keep empty

Travellers flying with Jazeera Airways can now opt to book an additional middle seat for any upcoming flights. The Kuwait airline's Duo Seat policy allows travellers to reserve the middle seat next to their own seat to ensure it remains empty on flights. The policy has been introduced to give passengers more comfort and a sense of security on flights while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing, the airline said. Ticket prices for the additional seat are lower than standard fares, costing 40 per cent less than regular ticket prices. The new measures are the latest in a string of regulations implemented by Jazeera Airways to try to ensure passengers fly safely. Previously, the airline updated its check-in policies, with all travellers now required to check-in online ahead of flying. Boarding passes must also be downloaded on the Jazeera app, rather than being distributed at the airport. Face masks are compulsory on all Jazeera Airways flights and social distancing markers are in place across Terminal 5, the airline's hub at Kuwait International Airport. Travellers are also encouraged to download the Shlonik app, which has been devised by the Ministry of Health in Kuwait. Jazeera Airways resumed passenger flights on August 1, after being grounded during one of the longest periods of flight restrictions in the region. The airline is now regularly flying to and from 20 destinations, including Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo, Beirut and Amman. Only nationals and those with Kuwait residency visas can currently enter the country. All travellers must show negative PCR test results from a test conducted no more than 96 hours before flight departure time to be permitted entry to Kuwait. The country has recorded more than 84,000 cases of Covid-19 to date.

Social distancing in the air: Jazeera Airways allows passengers to book discounted middle seat to keep empty

The Kuwait airline's new policy has been introduced to give passengers more comfort and a sense of security on flights