During the pandemic, many people are being skeptical to travel by air. Mostly, their concern was the virus could easily circulate the aircraft because of course, you cannot open the windows for the air to circulate. But with confidence, based on research conducted by the US Defense Department and United Airlines, air travel is safe! The researchers also told the Washington Post “Your chances of COVID exposure on a United aircraft are nearly nonexistent, even if your flight is full,”
But how do they make it safe aside from wearing a mask? There is a filter equipped in aircraft called high-efficiency particulate air filters (commonly known as HEPA filters) These filters are also used in hospital operating rooms. They capture at least 99.97% of airborne microbes.
How do they work?
HEPA Filters are being used extensively in aircraft from the late ’80s to the ’90s. It is not relatively new and it is primary goal is to keep the circulating air clean.
HEPA Filters make the COVID transmission decrease. It is also designed to filter a wide variety of sizes of airborne particles, resulting in a reduced risk of infection.
The fresh air outside and filtered air inside will be mixed and pushed back into the cabin. But to take note, the amount of fresh air supply will be varied depending on the size of the aircraft and how long the flight duration is. For example, according to Lufthansa, the Airbus 320 consist of about 60% conditioned outside air and about 40% filtered air inside the aircraft.
How about the lavatory, are they ventilated?
The lavatory is also ventilated, but there are surfaces apart from the toilet itself that may have been touched by fellow passengers on board. While it is unlikely, there is a possibility that the COVID particles could get into your hands, so washing hands with soap is still important.
Things to consider
Even though it is safe, there are still things to be considered. HEPA filters alone cannot stop the spread entirely. There are even small cases where virus infections happen inside the aircraft.
The movement of the people inside the aircraft and their hygiene also needs to take into consideration. As much as possible, it is also advised to avoid eating and drinking during the flight. It will significantly decrease the risk of your infection according to a Harvard University report.
Always wear your mask on board, practice good hygiene and when you are qualified or next in line, get your vaccine shot!
So when you travel, don’t worry, you are safe and breathe without having so much in mind.
Sources:
DW (n.d) Fact check: How safe is flying during the COVID pandemic? https://www.dw.com/en/how-safe-is-flying-during-the-covid-pandemic/a-57284835
Duncan, I (2020, October 15) Defense Department study finds low risk of coronavirus infection through air on a packed airline flight. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/defense-department-study-finds-low-risk-of-coronavirus-infection-through-air-on-a-packed-airline-flight/2020/10/15/e84aa092-0e30-11eb-8a35-237ef1eb2ef7_story.html
