Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, from out of state or even out of the country, flying may be on your mind as you consider your options for travel in the near future. Even though there are obvious risks to traveling during a pandemic, traveling on an airplane might not be as dangerous as it has been made out to be. Here are some tips, facts and precautions to take for making your air travel experience as safe as possible.
Book flights without the panic.
Recently, many airlines have gotten rid of seat and flight change fees, so you can now comfortably book that flight at an amazing price without the anxiety of not being able to cancel with ease for whatever reason. Although this is true for most airlines now, be sure to check the seat change and cancellation policies of your airline directly through a provider line or official website.
Filtered air actually works in your favor.
Everyone that has ever traveled by plane knows how terribly dry your skin can get while inside of an aircraft. Although the air ventilation systems on planes wreak dermatological havoc, it actually makes flying a bit safer during COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, “most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes…providing a total change of cabin air 20-30 times per hour.” This air is also passed through “High-efficiency Particulate Air Filtration filters, which have been proven to “remove more than 99% of airborne particles.” Having said all of this, you should still remain conscientiously adhering to all sanitary protocols, such as keeping your mask on during the flight, to reduce any chance of contracting the virus.
Know the airline’s protocols before booking a flight.
Unfortunately, sanitation and safety policies, including things such as whether middle seats are to be left empty or the frequency with which planes are cleaned, differ from airline to airline. These policies also change as time moves forward, so it is important to take note of these date changes if a specific policy is important to you and your personal safety.
Stay cautious on the ground.
Air is heavily filtered and circulated on planes, so your time spent in the airport may actually put you more at risk of exposure to COVID-19 than your time spent in the air. From the time you arrive at the airport to going through customs to waiting at the terminal, try your best to limit contact with anyone not in your party, sanitize your hands all the time and steer clear of highly touched surfaces.
Check-in online.
Circumventing unnecessary contact is the key to staying safe while traveling during a pandemic. By checking in and printing your boarding pass at home and ahead of time, you can avoid interaction with airline employees as well as the highly touched airport kiosk surfaces. Mobile boarding passes are also an option if you can’t access a printer a few days before your flight. However, be sure to pack wipes and use them to disinfect your phone after passing through checkpoints that require it.
Be a smart flyer.
Being extra prepared as a traveler is now more important than ever in the midst of this pandemic. Your aim should be to spend minimal time among the crowds of people in the airport, which means you also want to get past airport security as swiftly as possible. Here are a few ways that could make your transit run more smoothly:
- Try not to wear unnecessary layers, jewelry or any accessories that you’d have to take off to get through security.
- Store electronics, such as your laptop, in easily-accessible places.
- Keep your ID as well as your boarding pass within reach at all times.
- Be aware of the volume of liquids stored in your carry-on. These liquids should usually be less than 3.4 oz. If airport security finds anything that exceeds this amount in your luggage, you will be stopped for extra screening.
Hopefully, these facts and suggestions will help you remain COVID-19-free on your next journey to campus, home or wherever you are deciding to fly to next. Happy (and safe) travels.
