How to Stay Healthy and Safe During Your Flight

As we prepare for air travel, it's natural to wonder how we can protect our health and well-being during the journey. Are there specific seats that offer better protection against the spread of diseases? What steps can we take to ensure a trouble-free, healthy flight?

How Infectious Diseases Spread on Airplanes

Most respiratory infections spread through two primary mechanisms: droplets and aerosols. Droplets include saliva, mucus, and body fluids from an infected person. When someone coughs or sneezes, they release germs into the air around them. If you unknowingly come into contact with these droplets, either by passing by someone who is coughing or sneezing or by touching surfaces contaminated by these droplets, you're at risk of becoming infected.

However, droplets don't travel very far in the air; they fall close to where the infected person is. On the other hand, aerosols, which are tiny droplets suspended in the air, can travel longer distances and potentially infect others who inhale them in concentrated amounts.

The Safest Seat on the Airplane

According to research by the FlyHealthy team, the window seat is the safest spot on the plane, as it limits your interaction with other passengers. The chances of disease transmission are significantly lower in this seat. On average, window seat passengers interact with other passengers or crew only 12 times during the flight. In comparison, passengers in the middle seat interact 58 times, while those in the aisle seat interact 64 times.

Additionally, passengers in window seats are less likely to get up from their seats, with only 43% of them moving around the cabin, compared to 80% of those seated by the aisle. This means that window seat passengers are less likely to come into contact with potential virus carriers. Even when seated next to "patient zero," window seat passengers have only a 5% or lower chance of exposure. In most cases, their exposure is 0-1%, much lower than that of those sitting in middle and aisle seats.

Despite these statistics, all passengers on a flight have a relatively low chance of infection, as interactions between passengers are typically brief.

Interestingly, airline crew members are at the highest risk of contracting diseases, as they are exposed to various passengers and spend extended periods on the aircraft. If one crew member becomes infected, they can, on average, spread the infection to 4.6 passengers.

According to WHO guidelines, passengers moving around the cabin, such as going to the restroom, retrieving items from the overhead bins, or stretching their legs, might unintentionally spread the virus beyond their immediate seating area.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Infections During Your Flight

Here are several tips to reduce your risk of infection while flying:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Maintain distance from others whenever possible.

Dispose of waste properly, using recommended disposal methods.

Use a plastic bag to dispose of used tissues or contaminated items.

Isolate yourself if you feel unwell to avoid spreading illness to others.

Keep your interactions with sick passengers brief.

Stay up-to-date on your routine vaccinations to protect against common illnesses.

Wear a protective mask, especially if you're experiencing symptoms or if the area you're traveling to has reported viral outbreaks.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as armrests, tray tables, and entertainment screens, using disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizers.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which strengthens your immune system and helps your body resist infections.

Avoid consuming undercooked foods or unsealed beverages during the flight.

Get enough rest to support your immune system and help your body combat potential infections.

By following these precautions and being mindful of your environment, you can minimize the risk of illness and enjoy a safer, healthier flight experience.