which international airlines are blocking middle seats

Airlines are expected to lose $113 billion during coronavirus pandemic, and to make up for loss, they are doing everything they can to reaffirm passenger safety.While many airlines suggest the use of face masks, and tout clean planes, only three U.S. airlines are blocking middle seats to … (AP) - Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Middle seats will remain open in Premium Class through May 31, 2021. Nearly every airline is allowing travelers to book the middle seats on flights, despite a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggesting that blocking the middle seat reduces passengers’ exposure to virus particles, including the virus that causes COVID-19. Delta's announcement Wednesday, March 31, reverses a policy that had been in place since last April. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. Now that schedules are reopening, the airline stopped blocking middle seats on December 15, 2020. I found the airline adjusting fine to the change on its aircraft but not in all of its airports. However, all U.S. airlines except Delta now sell every seat they can, and Delta will stop blocking middle seats on May 1. All that the new research tells us is that being a bit farther away from someone infected with the virus is probably better than being right next to them, which we already know. However, that is set to soon change, as the carrier has announced that its blocked off middle seat policy will end from May 1st. It was also one of the first airlines to start blocking middle seats. AA says it will instead alert passengers when their flights are getting full during the check-in process, giving them the chance to switch, free of charge, if their flight is eligible. A new study says leaving middle seats open could give airline passengers more protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. However, all U.S. airlines except Delta now sell every seat they can, and Delta will stop blocking middle seats on May 1. The simulated cabin had a single aisle, with 20 rows and three seats per side (120 total seats); the distance between rows was 3 ft (0.9 m); the distance between adjacent seats was 1.6 ft (0.5 m). The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. In the source configuration shown here, the total reduction in exposure with vacant middle seats was calculated to be 35.4%. "This is a giant bombshell from the CDC," Henry Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere Research Group, told The Washington Post. Last month, the low-cost carrier promised to continue leaving some seats open to allow for physical distancing on board through at least November 30. DELTA CANCELS OVER 100 FLIGHTS AS PANDEMIC TRAVEL SOARS United Airlines never blocked middle seats on its flights. The airline industry was divided over the utility of blocking middle seats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on a flight. Delta Air Lines stopped blocking middle seats on May 1, after more than a year with the policy. FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, file photo, a passenger wears a face mask she travels on a Delta Air Lines flight after taking off from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. However, all U.S. airlines except Delta now sell every seat they can, and Delta will stop blocking middle seats on May 1. The airlines argue that filters and air-flow systems on most planes make them safe when passengers wear face masks, as they are now required to do by federal regulation. Delta was the last major holdout in the industry blocking middle seats. As of May 1, 2021 we are no longer blocking middle seats. Delta was the first airline to announce it would be blocking middle seats – and some aisle seats on planes without middle seats – into 2021 with the current policy extended until January 6, 2021. Other measures Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. But as demand for air travel slowly inched up, the majority of those carriers have since begun selling middle seats again. Airlines are riding high after a long year of losses, and some are starting to report positive cash flow. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty—a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline’s resistance to seat-blocking. … In early May, Southwest Airlines began capping how many seats it would sell on a particular flight to around 67% of capacity. Delta has blocked middle seats and reduced the number of customers on board each flight since April 2020. ... International … That’s far longer than most airlines which briefly dabbled in capping flights to allow for more social distancing on board, and comes amid a borderline booming recovery in domestic air travel, which sees many planes flying full. Blocking middle seats, however, serve as a peace of mind measure for those returning to flying. Alaska Airlines. Delta said the middle seats were opened just for Sunday and Monday, and its seat-blocking policy has not changed. A newly-publicized study … American Airlines: Not Blocking Middle Seats. Delta Air Lines to block middle seats on flights through end of September. United Airlines said it had begun blocking middle seats in May. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. D uring the pandemic several airlines started blocking middle seats so that travelers could have a little extra space between themselves and others—to remain somewhat socially distant when flying. AA says it will instead alert passengers when their flights are getting full during the check-in process, giving them the chance to switch, free of charge, if their flight is eligible. The seat map for your flight will have a Seat Key/Legend to view available seats. Home Delta will continue delivering on its industry-leading commitment to provide more space for customers as the only U.S. airline blocking middle seats for flights departing now through March 30, 2021. Alaska Airlines, a smaller carrier, said it will block middle seats through Jan. 6. Delta Air Lines, the last U.S. airline still blocking middle seats, will end that policy in May as air travel recovers and more people become vaccinated against COVID-19. (AP) - Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Customers with concerns about being on a flight that cannot accommodate social distancing can request to be notified if a booked flight exceeds 65% capacity. American Airlines no longer blocks off the middle seat and allows planes to fly completely full. I guess the next step would be to convert SAW A320's to A321's, followed by a transition to wide-body aircraft (before asking permission for the 6th daily. Frontier is blocking some middle seats, but only in the more expensive “stretch seating” section at the front of the plane. "This is a giant bombshell from the CDC," Henry Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere Research Group, told The Washington Post. Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, airlines like JetBlue are adding new safety measures, like blocking middle seats and requiring pilot temperature checks. The nation’s airlines … Delta said the middle seats were opened just for Sunday and Monday, and its seat-blocking policy has not changed. "The airlines will look at it and go, 'Oh, that's nice — moving along,'" Harteveldt said. To date, American Airlines has only publicly committed to blocking off half of the middle seats onboard its planes. What Airlines Are Blocking Middle Seats? However, all US airlines except Delta now sell every seat they can, and Delta will stop blocking middle seats on May 1. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has announced it will resume selling middle seats for flights departing May 1. Alaska promised to continue blocking middle seats on flights over Christmas and into the New Year. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. D uring the pandemic several airlines started blocking middle seats so that travelers could have a little extra space between themselves and others—to remain somewhat socially distant when flying. Alaska Airlines says it will continue to block the middle seat through Jan. 6. Learn more about this CDC requirement and additional travel flexibility on our Important Notices page and our FAQs. Airlines say they are “carefully reviewing” a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which concluded that blocking the middle seat between passengers could significantly reduce the risk of being exposed to potentially infectious virus particles, including those that cause COVID-19. Photo: Southwest Airlines Social distancing in flight. Airlines don’t always sell every seat on a plane, though. A spokesman for the carrier said Thursday that JetBlue will reduce the number of seats it blocks after Dec. They included Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Southwest [ended December 1, 2020] With the onset of COVID-19, Southwest suddenly found itself the largest airline in the world by the number of seats. Although Alaska Airlines stopped blocking seats in the regular economy cabin in early January, it is committed to giving its Premium Class passengers more space. They included Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Airlines are riding high after a long year of losses, and some are starting to report positive cash flow. Middle seats American Airlines no longer blocks off the middle seat and allows planes to fly completely full. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. By selecting a partner link you agree to share your data with these sites. Delta Air Lines, the last U.S. airline still blocking middle seats, will end that policy in May as air travel recovers and more people become vaccinated against COVID-19.The decision announced . Delta Air Lines Inc. will resume selling middle seats on May 1, ending the social-distancing policy after more than a year as a rising pace of Covid-19 vaccinations spurs a … (AP) - Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Seat blocking on Hawaiian Airlines flights ended on December 15, and Alaska stopped blocking middle seats on January 6. Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. 'My Best Man Passed From COVID-19': Detroit's Judge Mathis Encourages Detroiters To Get Vaccinated In Hopes Of Saving LivesAfter losing close friends to COVID, TV … Delta will not sell middle seats before September, while JetBlue, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines are all committed to a middle seat block through July. Harteveldt said airlines likely would not revert to blocking middle seats unless mandated by the federal government. Delta Airlines is still, yes still, blocking middle seats and will continue to through April 30th, 2021. . MIAMI – Southwest Airlines (WN) has been blocking middle seats on flights for months following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. requires a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery for all incoming international travelers, including U.S. citizens. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. Delta Air Lines announced it would continue blocking middle seats and limit capacity on all flights departing through April 30. For months now, airlines have touted their cleanliness and sanitation protocols. Southwest Airlines blocking seats through November 30. As of Jan. 7, 2021, Alaska is no longer blocking middle seats in regular economy, but the airline will continue to block middle seats in the extra-legroom Premium Class section through May 31, 2021. On the airplane, one of the biggest debates has been over whether middle seats should be empty. These U.S. airlines are still blocking seats in the name of social distancing. Airlines that had similar policies , including Hawaiian HA, -0.36% and JetBlue JBLU, -0.92% , have since abandoned them. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. Shifting Tides: Delta Unblocks Middle Seats. It is the last U.S. airline to end the policy, originally created by select airlines at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to give travelers extra space and peace of mind on their flights. Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File) JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has stated it will block middle seats through January 6 th.That leaves Delta and Alaska Airlines as the only major US carriers who will be blocking middle seats through the holiday travel season. The boarding changes follow most airlines' moves to stop blocking middle seats, a policy that was popular early in the pandemic. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. While crucial for restoring passenger comfort in taking back to the sky, the policy has had a growing financial impact. Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty — a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline’s resistance to seat-blocking. The airline industry was divided over the utility of blocking middle seats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on a flight. The airline industry was divided over the utility of blocking middle seats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on a flight. Delta Air Lines will become the last U.S. airline to end middle-seat blocking on May 1.. They included Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Passenger loads. > Read More: A Scientific Basis For Blocking Middle Seats On Airplanes. What’s Next? The easiest way is to fly one of the airlines that are still blocking middle seats in some capacity. Delta Air Lines will be the last to unblock middle seats — on May 1. Most major airlines in the U.S. and Canada have announced they will no longer be blocking middle seats as of July 1st. While Southwest markets this as “blocking middle seats,” in reality Southwest Airlines has open seating, so that’s not quite how it works. The seats would be reopened as air travel recovers and more people become vaccinated against COVID-19, the airline said. Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats on planes beginning May 1, the company announced on Wednesday. That makes JetBlue the latest airline to retreat from blocking middle seats to give passengers more space because of the pandemic. And some have gone as far as to block middle seats so passengers that aren’t traveling together aren’t bumping elbows and breathing on each other for the better part of a multi-hour flight. American Airlines: Not Blocking Middle Seats. "I think the airlines are going to look at it and say, 'That's nice. Delta remains the only airline blocking all middle seats through March 30, 2021. Where needed, seats could be unblocked in order to get customers to their destinations on the same day. For a coach passenger who has a 1% chance of dying if infected with COVID-19, the estimated mortality risk on a full flight is one in 430,000, Barnett said, and one in 770,000 if middle seats are empty. Airlines are now riding high after a long year of losses and some are starting to report positive cash flow. Southwest Airlines will stop limiting capacity on its flights as early as December 1. Here's a roundup of airline policies. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. For routes to/from Turkey, it seems that the demand has recovered back as QR is back to 5 daily service to Istanbul in September. In the name of social distancing, should airlines be blocking the middle seat? The findings come as Delta, the final U.S. airline blocking middle seats, prepares to end that practice. When asked by journalists and newspapers about the CDC findings, m ultiple airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, all supported the statement from the trade organization, Airlines for America (A4A) on the issue of blocking the middle seats. The seats would be reopened as air travel recovers and more people become vaccinated against COVID-19, the airline said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just reignited the debate on whether airlines should be blocking middle seats just as airlines thought it was settled. American Airlines is blocking off 50 percent of the main cabin middle seats on its aircraft, as well as any seats situated near the flight attendants’ jump seats. Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines… Airlines that had similar policies , including Hawaiian HA, -0.36% and JetBlue JBLU, -0.92% , have since abandoned them. The decision announced Wednesday reversed a policy that had been in place since last April, and which Delta's CEO had repeatedly cited as raising trust in the airline. You’re going to see a lot about a new CDC-released study that suggests blocking middle seats is important protection for air travel during the pandemic. April 16, 2021 -- As Americans travel again and airlines begin filling their planes to capacity, the CDC says blocking the middle seats on commercial airliners could reduce the … Visit My Trips to view the seat map for your flight. Some airlines have already committed to keeping the middle seat block for a while. Blocked Middle Seats. American Airlines no longer blocks off the middle seat and allows planes to fly completely full. Seats are still assigned through the boarding process. Customers are encouraged not to book the middle seat, unless it’s to ensure families can sit together. Alaska Airlines will have masks available for passengers who forget theirs at home. Airlines are dropping some of the temporary service changes they made during the early part of the coronavirus pandemic. Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty — a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline’s resistance to seat-blocking. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty — a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline’s resistance to seat-blocking. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. Thomas Pallini/Insider United is my new favorite to fly during the pandemic that isn't blocking middle seats. Frontier Airlines. Throughout the rest of the cabin, your Frontier flight may fill up. Notifications include a … The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. The airlines are offering upbeat forecasts about Thanksgiving and Christmas travel, however. Cars reservation This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. British Airways is one of the few remaining airlines in Europe to offer these middle seat tables. In the other corner are Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines who say they will continue to block middle or adjacent seats through Sept. 30. That last bit came with controversy. Five US airlines are blocking middle seats or limiting capacity for the Thanksgiving holidays. The airline industry was divided over the utility of blocking middle seats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on a flight. Airlines are rejecting the CDC’s study suggesting blocking middle seats, citing newer findings. Blocking seats into spring 2021 provides added confidence and reassurance for customers booking future travel plans. People around the world have all been adjusting to new travel experiences that have gone through adjustments and changes due to COVID-19. AA says it will instead alert passengers when their flights are getting full during the check-in process, giving them the chance to switch, free of charge, if their flight is eligible. A spokesman for the carrier said Thursday that JetBlue will reduce the number of seats it blocks after Dec. Five US airlines are blocking middle seats or limiting capacity for the Thanksgiving holidays. However, Delta will end this policy on May 1. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to … JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. Airlines … American Airlines, which has been blocking half the middle seats in economy since April in the name of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, on Friday said it will end the practice on July 1. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. On Wednesday, the airline announced that it would stop blocking off middle seats starting in May. View hotel, car, and ride reservations. Delta Air Lines remains the only US carrier that has kept the policy of blocking off middle seats on flights to promote social distancing. The airlines argue that filters and air-flow systems on most planes make them safe when passengers wear face masks, as they are now required to do by federal regulation. This means that: Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty – a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline’s resistance to seat-blocking. Moving along,'” Harteveldt said. Unlike other major U.S airlines, Delta Airlines has continued to block out middle seats to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. But of course that is only part of the story. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group representing airlines around the world, has come out against blocking off middle seats on airplanes. Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines… Hotels reservation This indicates a link to an external site that may not follow the same accessibility or privacy policies as Alaska Airlines. Delta Air Lines. The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. The company, which started blocking middle seat bookings in April 2020 to give passengers peace of mind, is the last of the four big U.S. airlines to get rid of the policy. "The airlines will look at it and go, 'Oh, that's nice — moving along,'" Harteveldt said. Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty — a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline’s resistance to seat-blocking. Airlines are expected to lose $113 billion during coronavirus pandemic, and to make up for loss, they are doing everything they can to reaffirm passenger safety.While many airlines suggest the use of face masks, and tout clean planes, only three U.S. airlines are blocking middle seats to … Flying may start to look a little more normal from next month as Delta Airlines becomes the last major carrier to start offering passengers the middle seat again from May 1. As the only carrier in the United States still blocking middle seats, Delta officials said they are looking to ensure travelers can confidently plan and book their spring travel despite the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Southwest Airlines will continue to block off middle seats in airplane cabins through at least Nov. 30, accommodating Thanksgiving travelers. "I think the airlines are going to look at it and say, 'That's nice. Airfares are rising, middle seats are full and change fees are back Travelers with a dog make their way through Los Angeles International Airport. Japan Airlines is practising social distancing on domestic flights by blocking its middle seats until June 30. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue. Where needed, seats could be unblocked in order to get customers to their destinations on the same day. Alaska Airlines announced in its third-quarter earnings release that middle seats will be blocked into the new year until January 6, 2021, matching Delta, and capacity for all flights will be limited. Delta Airlines is bringing back inflight services and will stop blocking the middle seats following their previous COVID-19 Restrictions. That makes JetBlue the latest airline to retreat from blocking middle seats to give passengers more space because of the pandemic. Middle seats. Delta Air Lines, the last U.S. airline still blocking middle seats, will end that policy in May as air travel recovers and more people become vaccinated against COVID-19. Delta was the last major holdout in the industry blocking middle seats. The airline industry was divided over the utility of blocking middle seats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on a flight. The airline industry was divided over the utility of blocking middle seats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 on a flight. An air industry analyst doesn't expect the airlines to block middle seats again. In other words, airlines are blocking middle seats for their benefit, not the passenger’s. . Many airlines instituted blocking middle seats to increase safety for passengers amid the coronavirus, but some have already stopped. Earlier in the pandemic, Hawaiian, JetBlue and Southwest also capped capacity, but those policies were scrapped by mid-January. Delta Airlines has announced that it will continue to block middle seats on aircraft until September, as well as outlining other safety measures. ... Study finds that blocking seats on planes reduces virus risk Harteveldt says that airlines will not likely revert to blocking middle seats … See more stories on Insider's business page. However, all U.S. airlines except Delta now sell every seat they can, and Delta will stop blocking middle seats on May 1. Southwest stopped blocking middle seats on Dec. 1. This follows in the footsteps of American Airlines, who ended its own middle seat policy during the summer, according to USA Today. Social-distancing is hard if not impossible on an airplane, even with middle seats empty — a point that United CEO Scott Kirby made many times to explain his airline's resistance to seat-blocking. (AP) - Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Hawaiian Airlines will continue to block middle seats through Dec. 15. Delta Air Lines, the last U.S. airline still blocking middle seats, will end that policy in May as air travel recovers and more people become vaccinated against COVID-19. Delta Air Lines will be the last to unblock middle seats — on May 1. The strategy was key in differentiating Delta from its competitors in terms of health and safety. (AP) - Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. A growing number of U.S. airlines are temporarily blocking off their middle seats in an attempt to create as much distance between passengers as possible. Middle seats. A spokesman for the carrier said Thursday that JetBlue will reduce the number of seats it blocks after Dec. A t the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, several airlines started blocking middle seats so that travelers could remain somewhat socially distant when flying. When you see the seat as “occupied,” this means the seat is already taken by another passenger. Delta first started blocking middle seats and limiting capacity on smaller planes in April near the start of the pandemic. Delta Air Lines will stop blocking middle seats in May, meaning that no more U.S. airlines will limit capacity on flights to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Delta Airlines is the last major U.S. air carrier to end its policy of blocking middle seats. An air industry analyst doesn't expect the airlines to block middle seats again. Southwest, which had been one of the few remaining airlines blocking middle seats… It’s surprising, given that they’re also the European legacy airline leading the race to the bottom. If middle seats are empty, risk goes down to one in 7,700. However, airlines have mostly abandoned this safety (and marketing) tactic as we entered 2021. With a cost of US$20m in October, predicted between US$40m and US$60m in November, there is concern that if the cost stays on the … The days of airlines blocking seats to make passengers feel safer about flying during the pandemic are coming closer to an end. RELATED: Delta to stop blocking middle seats on May 1, joining other US carriers On Wednesday, the airline announced that it would stop blocking off middle seats starting in … However the coverage is going to be very misleading. Airlines including Delta, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue limited seating for months, while United Airlines never did and American did so only briefly. Yes, in an environment without masks you are nearly twice as likely to catch COVID-19 with the middle seat occupied than a middle seat open. JetBlue is the latest to indicate it is rethinking the issue.

Espn Fantasy Football Waiver Order During Playoffs, Impact Merch Coupon Code, What Is A Sustainable City Definition, Logging Truck Dimensions, Espn Fantasy Basketball Waiver Order, Bruins Islanders Head To Head 2021, Dying Light Survivor Rank Not Increasing, Bojack Horseman Character Analysis Reddit, Central Mountain Air Destinations, Helicopter Mechanic Jobs In Florida,

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *