What to Expect if Someone on Your Flight Has COVID-19

If you have to travel at the moment, you’re likely worried about what will happen if someone on your plane comes down with the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Airlines and ground authorities are prepared for such situations.

Airlines have plans for if someone falls sick while on the plane, especially with COVID-19 style symptoms—fever, cough, or shortness of breath—as highlighted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These strategies have been developed in collaboration with authorities like the CDC and the World Health Organization.

Recently, a passenger on a jetBlue flight from New York’s JFK to Palm Beach in Florida reportedly learned he was infected with COVID-19 while onboard the flight. Astoundingly, according to the New York Post, he boarded the plane while awaiting the results of testing.

As the coronavirus has spread globally, numerous passengers have been found to have had COVID-19 during their travels, leading to additional infections. Consequently, what happens if someone on your flight turns out to be a carrier?

On the Plane and at the Airport: Procedures in Place

If someone begins showing symptoms on the plane, or if they inform the crew they are feeling unwell, the CDC has recommended protocols for crew response:

• Minimize contact between passengers, cabin crew, and the sick person. If possible, maintain a distance of two meters (or six feet) and assign one crew member to assist the sick person. A facemask should be offered if available.
• If a facemask is not available, ask the sick person to cover their mouth and nose with tissues when coughing or sneezing.

The fact that many flights are currently less crowded may facilitate inflight isolation compared to the past. Onboard, expect a heightened level of activity as cabin crew implement these safety procedures. It is essential to remain calm, as this is a stressful time for everyone involved.

Once the plane has landed, you may be asked to remain onboard for a considerable time—potentially hours—as local authorities assess the situation and ensure everyone’s safety.

What happens next will depend significantly on the destination. You may be advised to self-isolate or might be taken to an isolation facility by authorities for fourteen days, following the standard incubation period for this coronavirus. Testing may or may not be conducted at this point.

You will likely receive information and instructions regarding what steps to take next, especially if you begin developing symptoms.

The aircraft will then undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection in accordance with the CDC’s enhanced cleaning procedures.

Am I at Risk if Someone on My Plane is a Coronavirus Spreader?

Your risk level is closely linked to your proximity to anyone infected with the virus. According to disease control authorities, the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when individuals talk, cough, or sneeze. These droplets can enter your system through the mucous membranes of your nose, mouth, or eyes.

This is why maintaining a distance of two meters (six feet) is emphasized, as that distance typically reflects how far droplets can travel. Additionally, airborne viruses often become less infectious in dry conditions, which is typical in airplane cabins, thus offering some degree of protection to passengers.

The duration of exposure to an infected individual also factors into your risk assessment. However, given that individuals often do not remain seated throughout the entire flight, there remains a potential risk for most passengers.

Thus, practicing good hygiene—frequent hand washing and avoiding face-touching—is crucial, especially in close-quarters environments like airplanes.

If Someone Becomes Ill After Arrival, What Happens Next?

If someone contracts COVID-19 after a flight, health authorities will likely initiate contact tracing, which includes identifying fellow passengers on the same flight.

Decisions regarding testing follow-up will be based on several factors, including proximity to the infected individual and whether symptoms have developed. Guidelines may vary by location and local health recommendations.

Expect to be instructed to self-isolate at home and follow all health authority guidelines regarding symptoms, which will likely include notifying officials if you begin experiencing any issues rather than going directly to a hospital.

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has become a global pandemic. Stay informed about what this means for travelers.