The Roaming BoomersIs Flying Safe With COVID-19?
Is Flying Safe With COVID-19?
Is flying safe with a COVID-19 pandemic still troubling the world?
This is an important question.
Carol and I have not been on an airplane since the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
We have no empirical science behind our decision. It simply seemed better safe than sorry.
Further, our decision seemed the right thing to do when we began to see certain airlines filling all available seats. Packed in a plane during a COVID-19 pandemic? No thanks!
U.S. Government Study: Onboard Air Is Safer Than Air in Homes or Operating Rooms
And then, on October 16, 2020, a government study conducted for the U.S. Department of Defense stated that the air on commercial airplanes is safer than the air circulating in homes or hospital operating rooms.
According to a Delta Airlines press release on this matter: “The study attributed high air exchange rates, HEPA-filters and downward ventilation systems with a 99.7% reduction in the risk of coronavirus transmission through air onboard after testing two aircraft fleet types used for commercial flights, even when all seats are filled.”
Further, the report went on to say, “The 767 and 777 both removed particulate 15 times faster than a home and five to six times faster than recommended design specifications for modern hospital operating or patient isolation rooms,”
But I Always Got Sick After Flying Before the COVID-19 Pandemic
But wait a minute, I (David) always get a fairly severe respiratory illness after every long-distance flight? Could it be that it was touching surfaces that created my constant illnesses? And not the air?
Perhaps, the answer to my particular dilemma is to be certain that the surfaces around me are sanitized. Further, perhaps I need to be more aware of communal surfaces and sanitize my hands more frequently.
Well, I don’t feel compelled to jump on an airplane tomorrow. However, I will chew on this new information. And who knows, perhaps flying is safe during a COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, perhaps you will find us in Key West this winter. It’s long been on my bucket list.
What do YOU think? Share your comments below.
For more information on booking a fun U.S. hotel, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.
Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
4 Comments on “Is Flying Safe With COVID-19?”
Leave a Reply
Our Client Testimonials
Research Travel Options
Best Way to Book a Cruise
I have flown twice since March, both times on Delta Airlines. The airport was not crowded, they enforced social distance and masks at the gate, while boarding and on the aircraft. The airplane has never been cleaner and when I flew alone I got the window seat and the isle seat was automatically blocked. There was only one person on the three seats in the middle isle next to me, one in front and no one behind me. Delta has extended their social distance onboard aircrafts until January 6. I wish it would stay like this forever but they need to make money, in the mean time if you have to fly I recommend only flying Delta and enjoy the extra space while you can.
I flew from FLL to STL on May 3 on Southwest airlines. They are also leaving the middle seat empty. I have never seen the airports or airplane so clean. There were only 22 on my flight. Before I flew I contacted my doctor and ask what the least risk factor between driving and flying was. I could have done either. He quickly said to fly because of the air filters etc. on the plane. The airlines are not letting anyone for any reason on without a mask! I am flying again on Oct. 27, Nov. 2 and Nov. 20. I will wear a mask, take hand sanitizer etc. I would recommend a non stop flight if possible. I believe Southwest and Delta are doing a great job!
We flew from DC to Boise (via Minneapolis) on Delta in July. All middle seats open. Couldn’t be happier with how clean airports/airplanes were. Now is the time to fly as they are so conscientous about keeping things clean.
It sounds like people are happy with Delta and Southwest. Cyndi, Carol, and Cindy thank you for sharing your experiences flying under COVID-19.