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American Airlines has come under pressure over its decision to book passengers in middle seats, with US public health officials and its own pilots union warning it could hamper efforts to control coronavirus and dissuade passengers from flying. Robert Redfield, head of the CDC, said that while the decision was not “under critical review” by public health authorities, he was unhappy with the move. “When they announced that the other day, obviously there was substantial disappointment with American Airlines,” Redfield told a Senate hearing. “We don’t think it’s the right message.” His view was echoed by Anthony Fauci, a leading member of the White House coronavirus task force, who said: “I’m not sure exactly what went into that decision.” The criticism comes as businesses across the country have been forced to recalibrate their reopening policies in the face of a new outbreak of coronavirus cases in the US south and west. AMC Theatres, the US’s largest cinema chain, this week pushed back the reopening of 450 venues until the end of July, and Apple has closed retail stories in Florida, Arizona and other southern and western states that it had reopened just weeks ago. American, unlike some of its US rivals, never officially abandoned booking middle seats to allow passengers to social distance on flights. Instead, it had set a goal of leaving half of those seats open as it tried to woo back nervous flyers. But last week it said that “customers may notice flights booked to capacity starting July 1”.<br/>

Delta will resume serving beer and wine in premium cabins on longer domestic flights starting July 2, after suspending the service in March to reduce contact points that could spread the new coronavirus. The beverages will be offered in cans and single-serve bottles on flights of more than 500 miles, Delta said in a statement Tuesday. The carrier said it elected to bring back the complimentary service -- its first food and beverage options to be reintroduced -- based on passenger requests and after consulting health professionals. The eased restrictions follow decisions by major U.S. carriers to step up measures designed to stop the virus’s spread. Delta will serve beer and wine on trays to cut down on the number of people touching the containers. The airline is retaining sealed snack bags that include a small bottle of water, snacks and a hand-sanitizing wipe on domestic flights. Beer, wine and cocktails remain available in all cabins on long-distance international flights.<br/>