Is it Safe to Fly During the Pandemic?

We spoke with medical, aviation, and travel experts to answer the question of whether or not it’s safe to fly during the pandemic. The answer is complicated, full of caveats, and ultimately, a personal decision.

Last summer, after months of stay-at-home orders and closed borders, cities around the world began the process of reopening. Travel restrictions started to soften, and leisure travelers were eager to hit the road again. We saw travelers dip their toes back in with road trips, daylong excursions, and camping getaways, while others headed back into the sky.

As we look toward summer travel this year, you might be wondering: Is it safe to fly right now? According to the medical, mathematical, aviation, and travel experts we consulted, the answer is nuanced and comes with several caveats. While it may be safer to fly, that doesn’t mean it’s without risk. Ultimately, flying during the pandemic requires weighing various factors and determining how comfortable you feel getting back on a plane. Here’s what the experts have to say.

How Clean is the Plane?

While the specific cleaning procedures and the frequency with which they’re carried out vary by airline, most major carriers are disinfecting planes between flights, giving extra attention to high-touch surfaces and bathrooms. Furthermore, airlines like United, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Delta, and Southwest have implemented electrostatic antimicrobial sprays to thoroughly disinfect every nook and cranny of the cabin, either overnight or between specific flights.

However, some travelers have noted a decline in enhanced cleaning practices on board over time, particularly in the cabin, citing leftover wrappers or crumbs in their seating area. This experience can depend on the specific airline and flight. Fortunately, any lack of visible cleaning can be addressed by wiping down personal areas as soon as you board. Most airlines provide disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer; nonetheless, experts recommend bringing your own for additional safety.

Many airplanes also use HEPA filters, which refresh the cabin air throughout the flight and filter out over 99% of airborne viruses, bacteria, and other contagions. However, a National Geographic article from August 2020 reported that this is only effective for air that has passed through the filtration system. If you are seated next to someone shedding the virus without a mask, you risk inhaling virus particles before they can be filtered through the HEPA system. Additionally, some airplane filtration systems may not operate at full capacity until the aircraft is airborne, meaning the air is not being recycled and filtered at the same rate when the plane is taxiing or grounded. Consequently, wearing masks as much as possible throughout the flight is crucial.

Is it Safer to Fly Domestically or Internationally?

Travelers should consider the same factors—safety protocols, seat spacing, aircraft cleanliness, and flight duration—for both domestic and international flights. The main points for deciding whether to fly domestic or international focus primarily on external variables, such as where you’re going, infection levels at your destination, health care accessibility, and any travel restrictions or quarantine regulations.

Dr. Winfried Just, a researcher in mathematical epidemiology at Ohio University, and Dr. Georgine Nanos, a board-certified physician specializing in epidemiology, both agree that a long-haul flight could present more risks only due to the extended exposure time. Longer flights mean more people using restrooms, more opportunities for passengers to temporarily remove masks for eating or drinking, and greater proximity to individuals who might be shedding the virus. Since both domestic and international flights can vary from short to long durations, it’s generally safer to select destinations with shorter overall flight times.

Interestingly, international flights carry certain advantages lacking in many domestic flights, primarily due to entry requirements imposed by several overseas destinations. Often, proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken before flying or an on-site PCR test at the airport is required. While pretesting helps prevent COVID-positive passengers from boarding, it is not a foolproof method.

In essence, flying during the pandemic carries varying degrees of safety. Dr. Just reminds us that “safe is never 100% safe,” as it is impossible to entirely eliminate risk.

Consider Safety Protocols and Enforcement

There is evidence that wearing a face mask is crucial for preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This makes mask-wearing one of the simplest ways to reduce travel-related risks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that masks protect both the wearer and those around them.

Following a federal ruling in April 2022, the mask mandate for planes, trains, and airports was lifted. U.S. airlines and airports no longer enforce mask-wearing; however, this ruling may differ for international travel. While many countries have also relaxed their mask mandates, travelers should confirm the specific regulations with their airline before their trip.

Is it Safer in Business or First Class?

For those curious whether investing in business or first class seats increases safety, the answer is not straightforward. Experts contend that there is likely to be more overall space, especially in first class, but this may not significantly impact safety unless being in a particularly secluded seat or suite. It’s noteworthy that food and drink service has resumed with more extensive meal options beyond simple snacks and beverages.

Expect Changes in Flight Schedules

Although flights are operating at much higher percentages than a year ago, some airlines are still running fewer routes. A reduced number of available flights yields fewer options when selecting flight times or days. Ideally, travelers should target non-peak hours; nevertheless, it may come down to what’s currently available. As demand increases and airlines adjust their schedules, domestic flights might fluctuate, leading to potential disruptions, sudden changes, or flight consolidations. Depending on demand, airlines may also change, cancel, or rebook your flight.

Is it Safe to Fly with Family or Friends?

If traveling with others—whether family, friends, or partners—consider yourselves as one unit. “Family should sit together,” recommended Dr. Just, “and significant others or close friends should also remain together and away from others.” Separating your group increases exposure risk.

Are There Alternative Options to Commercial Flights?

For those who can afford it, private charters offer a safer travel environment, granting control over details and reducing the risk compared to commercial flights. Andy Christie, global private jets director at Air Charter Service, highlighted that private charters can “completely minimize the risk of transmission” by limiting contact points and exposures. Private charters allow travelers to bypass lines, avoid sharing planes with strangers, and skip entering terminals.

The hop-on, short-haul jet service JSX offers a middle ground: a private jet experience at near-commercial pricing. Their flights operate from private hangars and terminals and have reconfigured planes, reducing seat capacity from 50 to 30, ensuring an experience akin to business class. CEO Alex Wilcox noted that JSX has implemented new pandemic-focused safety features and procedures, including enhanced cleaning measures.

What About Airports?

When discussing flying, it is essential to consider the risks associated with airports. Overall, airports are taking measures to provide safe, clean environments for passengers. Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst at Atmosphere Research, mentioned several precautions, such as touchless kiosks, regular cleaning, hand sanitizer stations, and plexiglass shields for traveler-facing employees.

“Airports must adhere to local laws or guidelines,” explained Harteveldt. “If state or local guidelines mandate face coverings, passengers are required to wear masks.” There are exceptions; for example, eating or drinking or during TSA when identification is needed.

However, Dr. Nanos advises travelers to conduct a comparative risk assessment. “Apply the same precautions as you would indoors, whether in a restaurant or movie theater,” she suggested.

Is Flying Safer Now That More People Are Vaccinated?

With vaccines widely available throughout the United States, many individuals may feel more at ease about flying again. Bryan Del Monte, an aviation industry expert, stated, “As more people get vaccinated, flights will undoubtedly become safer.” He further explained, “The vaccinated are less likely to transmit illness, less likely to contract severe illness, and their vaccinations help mitigate the risks associated with two major factors for illness transmission on aircraft: duration of exposure and proximity. Therefore, as vaccination rates increase, airline travel is less likely to be a significant source of COVID-19 transmission.” It’s worth noting that booster shots are also accessible to enhance the protection offered by vaccinations—these can be taken five months after the second vaccine dose.

It is crucial to remember that with new variants, COVID-19 can spread regardless of vaccination status. According to the CDC, wearing a well-fitting mask while traveling remains essential to protect yourself and those around you.

Is it Safe to Fly if You Have Pre-existing Conditions or Are in the At-risk Category?

Unfortunately, rules and risks shift for travelers with pre-existing conditions or those in vulnerable categories concerning COVID-19. “COVID-19 is not over,” cautioned Dr. Just. “Consider this: if you belong to this group and seek to take risks, evaluate how essential the travel is for you.” Dr. Nanos echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that it might be wise for those individuals to hold off on travel for a while. Ultimately, the level of personal risk varies from person to person.

What About Flying During the Holiday Season or Summer Vacation?

Generally, assessing the risks of flying during holidays or summer vacation periods does not substantially differ from other times. However, these times typically witness increased travel volumes, and statistics show a surge in COVID-19 cases after long weekends and holidays.

Understand the Studies

Numerous studies have examined the safety of flying during the pandemic; some highlight relative safety, while reports of airplane super-spreader events indicate that the virus can spread during flights. The truth likely lies somewhere between the two extremes. Each flight presents its own unique risks. In September 2020, the CDC reported to CNN that nearly 11,000 people may have been infected on flights connected to 1,600 cases. However, the absence of thorough contact tracing and the virus’s lengthy incubation period make it challenging to conclusively link infections to specific flights.

Reduce Your Overall Risk

The primary step is to acknowledge your responsibility. When deciding whether to fly, consider other passengers. “Start by wearing a face covering,” advised Harteveldt. “This is a critical step travelers can take to reduce potential virus spread. Remember, you could be asymptomatic and still carry the virus.” His advice was reinforced by nearly every expert we consulted. Harteveldt also recommended utilizing any mobile apps or contactless processes to enhance safety, such as streaming in-flight entertainment on personal devices, avoiding checked baggage, and minimizing your time spent in the airport.

Dr. Just encourages travelers to choose direct flights whenever feasible. “Taking a single flight is much safer,” he stated. “Multiple legs mean sitting next to numerous passengers.” Direct flights reduce overall airport exposure. In addition to mask-wearing, he suggests advocating for the safety of all passengers whenever someone neglects to wear a mask. If necessary, approach a flight attendant for assistance.

Moreover, Kelly recommends that travelers lower their risk by driving themselves to the airport, wearing sunglasses during the flight to reduce face-touching, selecting secure face coverings, and packing their own snacks, as in-flight services may be limited.

Additional expert recommendations include opening the in-flight air vent to circulate air around you, bringing your own supply of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, sanitizing your entire seating area, and packing your own blanket and pillow (with regular washing). Make a habit of immediately sanitizing your hands whenever coming into contact with surfaces or potential contaminants.

“If you prefer to bring your own cleaning supplies or snacks, there’s no harm in doing so,” stated Kelly. “Self-admittedly, I was not a big seat scrubber previously; however, now it’s widely accepted. Feel free to establish your cleaning protocols or bring your own food on the plane without apprehension.”