Leisure travel has pretty much come to a halt because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I mean, did Spring Break even happen? Some airlines have made it easier for most people to postpone their flights to later this year or even 2021. However, several people are still flying. The choice to get on an airplane is a personal decision. You may still need to travel for work or have to be with loved ones.
What’s the risk of getting a virus from an airplane?
Well, contrary to popular belief, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “Most viruses and germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes.” HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters which are used in airplanes, hospitals, and other places, are capable of blocking 99% of airborne microbes.
Some airlines have ramped up cleaning procedures in between flights. Additionally, some airports and airlines are requiring passengers, employees, and flight crew to have their temperature taken before boarding. If you have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, expect to have a change in your travel plans.
Needless to say, it still may be a bit nerve-wracking to travel. If you must, here are a few precautions you can take to lower your risk and feel a bit more in control.
Wear a mask or face covering.
No mask, no flight. It’s required by some airlines even at check-in. It is acceptable, however, to remove the mask when eating or drinking.
Meticulously wash your hands. Often. 
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and dry them with a clean towel or paper towel as reasonably often as you can.
Use hand sanitizer.
If you can’t get to a sink to wash your hands then use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as a backup.
Avoid touching your face.
It’s easier said than done but germs from unwashed hands can get into our bodies through touching our eyes, mouths, and noses. Eww.
Choose a window seat.
Social distancing can be hard on an airplane. If possible, choose a window seat without anyone in the middle seat beside you. This way you avoid the occasional person passing by and brushing up against you. Some airplane aisles are quite narrow. Also, a few airlines have taken steps to temporarily reduce bookings to 60%-85% of normal aircraft capacity.
Wear long sleeves and pants.
It might be more of a mental thing but it may provide some comfort in case you can’t properly socially distance yourself from someone else.
Open the air vent.
By opening the air vent directly above, you will create airflow around you and blow away any lingering viruses in the air.
Wipe down surfaces
Bring your disinfecting wipes and a Ziplock bag to wipe down surfaces such as armrests, tray tables, screens, air vents, lighting, and call buttons. But please don’t stuff them into the seatback pocket. Put them into a ziplock bag until you can put them in the garbage.
Store your boarding pass on your smartphone
This is one less touchpoint between you and the person who needs to verify it. This way, all you may have to do is scan it.
These are all quite simple. As my Jamaican grandmother would say, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
Let me know of any other ways we can all be safe while flying together.
XO, Kareen
