So you’re ready to start traveling again, and you can’t (or don’t want to) drive to the place you want to visit. Which means flying it is. But this will be your first Flight experience since COVID happened, so what do you need to know about how the experience will be since you last were on an airplane? And what should you do to protect yourself while flying in a pandemic environment? That’s exactly what we are going to discuss today.

First, let’s talk about the safety of flying, in terms of spreading the virus. Despite what most people may think, the CDC states that “most viruses do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes.” In fact, according to Erin Bromage, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, who’s written extensively on infectious disease, it’s probably safer than other enclosed spaces because of the air filtration system. With airplanes having hospital-grade ventilation systems to filter air, airplane air is fully exchanged every 3 to 5 minutes, he says. So you can take “airplane air” off of your things to be concerned about.

Medical experts instead, focus on distancing and mask-wearing, as the most important things to keep in mind for anyone, especially those traveling. Many airlines are still keeping those middle seats empty and that is probably a good place to start when booking your flights. Find out what your airline’s policy is regarding middle seats and over-crowded planes, and know your rights regarding cancellation or changes.

Now that we’ve established those basics, let’s talk about some tips to make your flight easy, safe, and stress-free. Here are some things you’ll want to bring with you in your carry-on:

• Face Mask(s) – This is kind of obvious, but worth thinking about in terms of air travel, especially if you’ll have connecting flights. Consider bringing several so that you can change to a fresh one for each flight. You might want to consider a breathable face mask meant for exercise, especially if you may be in a situation where you could be running quickly through an airport.
• Face shield or glasses – Protecting your eyes is important but if you don’t want to deal with a bulky plastic shield while traveling, wear glasses. Don’t normally wear glasses? Get some cheap non-prescription frames and wear those.
• Headphones – Even if your airline provides them, do you want to use them?
• Travel blanket – Again, if your airline provides blankets, do you really want to use them???
• Gloves – These can be helpful to avoid touching all the things you need to touch when traveling, but they only work if you change them often. If you want to be cautious and use gloves, consider wearing several pairs, and just peel one pair after security, another after boarding and finally when you arrive at your seat. Be sure to dispose of them properly of course.
• Water bottle – Airline cabins are super dry and staying hydrated is important. Pack a water bottle that has it’s own straw (you can fill it after you get through security and before you board) so you can easily sip along the way while still keeping your mask on.
• Hand sanitizer – By now we are all experts in hand-washing, but sometimes soap and water aren’t readily available, so it’s hand sanitizer to the rescue. Bring plenty. TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice.
• Snacks and beverages – Many restaurants and stores in airports have shut down, and inflight food and beverage service has been significantly curtailed, too, so be sure to bring your own.
• Cleaning wipes – Once you get to your seat, wipe down the area around you — armrest, tray table, window shade, even the air nozzle above you — in short, anything that can be touched. And when you’ve finished, sanitize your hands.

Beyond what you need to bring with you, there are a few other tips that you’ll want to keep in mind.

• Keep air moving. Once you’re seated, blast that purified air from the air vent above you – that air we discussed earlier – directly on your face for the entire flight.
• Use the restroom before you get on the plane. Airport restrooms are likely safer than the very tight space of the one onboard, if you practice social distancing of at least 6 feet, wear a cloth face mask, and wash your hands after touching any surface. But if you must use the airplane toilet, keep your mask on while inside, and bring your disinfectant wipes with you to wipe down any surface you touch. And then follow up by using hand sanitizer.
• Avoid crowding when boarding and deplaning. Many airlines are monitoring boarding for distancing but getting off the plane is a different story. This is not the time to crowd the aisle in the hopes of getting off faster.
• Allow plenty of time. Things are going to take longer, such as security, checking bags, etc. And as already noted, many places in the airports like lounges and restaurants will be closed, so it may take you a bit longer to find a place to grab a bite or get your coffee.
• Practice kindness. While the current situation is unprecedented for all of us, for many of the employees you’ll encounter – especially TSA folks – it’s also extremely stressful. These people are working as essential employees, for less-than-optimal wages, and they have concerns too. Kindness and patience go a long way.

Whether you’re ready to travel soon, or are just thinking about a trip next year, with some planning, patience, and adherence to good medical recommendations, flying can absolutely be a safe and easy way to get you to your dream destination!

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