Is it still safe to fly during the pandemic?

Is it still safe to fly during the pandemic?

Public health experts say it’s best to stay home to protect yourself and others from infection. But if you are planning to fly for the holidays, you need to know what to expect.

Flights are increasingly congested and more and more airlines are planning to stop blocking seats to accommodate the growing number of people taking to the skies again.

From December 1, Southwest will join United and American in enabling the sale of all aircraft seats. JetBlue will reduce the number of stranded seats and, with Delta and Alaska, plans to drop all limits next year.

The airline industry says it’s safe to fly, pointing to a report it funded that the risk of viral spread on airplanes is very low if everyone wears a mask, as planes have a good ventilation and powerful air filters.

But the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that sitting within six feet of others – sometimes for hours – can further increase your risk of getting infected. And while airlines still require passengers to wear masks, there is no guarantee that everyone will comply. More than 1,000 people who refused to wear masks have been banned by US airlines.

Remember that flying also means spending time in airport security lines and in entry areas, where you might be in close contact with others.

In an October travel update, the CDC highlighted the importance of wearing a mask and recommended checking to see if infections are increasing in the area you are visiting.

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The AP answers your questions about the coronavirus in this series. Submit them to: [email protected].

Read the previous viral questions:

Do I have to wear a mask if I am six feet from others?

Is it safe to stay in hotels during the pandemic?

Is the weather affecting the spread of the coronavirus outdoors?