Airplane travel during the holiday season may prompt concerns about exposure to germs and viruses. While headlines about dirty plane seats and isolated incidents can be alarming, there are practical steps you can take to minimize your risk of infection during a flight.
Infectious diseases can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces. High-touch surfaces on airplanes, such as toilet seats, doorknobs, and tray tables, are considered potential germ hotspots, although comprehensive studies on this topic are limited. If you touch a contaminated surface and then your mouth or nose, you could potentially ingest germs and become infected.
Seatback pockets are highlighted as one of the dirtiest surfaces on planes, as they are rarely cleaned unless a significant incident occurs. However, the risk of falling ill during a flight is generally low.
Certain germs can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, leading some passengers to use disinfectant wipes on tray tables as a precaution. However, experts suggest that it may be unnecessary, as airlines typically maintain stringent sanitation protocols between flights.
Victor DiRita, PhD, a microbiology and molecular genetics expert, recommends focusing on maintaining hand hygiene instead of obsessively cleaning surfaces. Handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer can help reduce the risk of infection. If you are unable to access a restroom during the flight, hand sanitizer is a practical option.
While wearing masks is no longer mandatory on U.S. flights, doing so can still provide protection against respiratory infections in crowded areas like airports. Airports often serve as hubs for travelers from diverse geographic regions, making them potential sources of infections. High-quality masks can help safeguard both you and others from respiratory illnesses.
Commercial airplanes are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that are highly effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and fungi from the cabin air. These filters are more than 99.9% efficient, according to the International Air Transport Association. However, some planes may not activate high-performance ventilation until after takeoff, potentially allowing respiratory diseases like flu and COVID-19 to spread in poorly ventilated spaces.
Dr. Stacey Rubin Rose, an associate professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases, emphasizes that wearing a mask can be especially helpful to prevent the transmission of germs spread through droplets or airborne particles. This is particularly important for individuals with underlying immune deficiencies.
While the risk of getting sick on an airplane is generally low, it is advisable for individuals with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems to consult with healthcare professionals about their travel plans.
It’s worth noting that the risk of infection may be higher at your travel destination, particularly during the holiday season. Foodborne illnesses tend to peak during November and December, with certain foods like turkey and roast beef associated with bacterial pathogens like Clostridium perfringens. Practicing safe food handling and hygiene at your destination can help mitigate these risks.
In summary, flying does not pose a significant risk for infections, especially for vaccinated individuals who practice good hand hygiene. However, taking precautions such as wearing masks in crowded areas and maintaining personal hygiene can further reduce the risk of illness during air travel.