Can Flying on an Airplane Increase My Risk of Getting COVID-19?

• Is It Safe To Travel?
  • Is it safe to travel after I get vaccinated for COVID-19?
• How To Travel Safely
  • How do you travel safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Air travel can increase your risk of COVID-19 infection; however, reduce that risk by getting vaccinated, wearing a face mask, and maintaining social distancing.

Yes, the risk of COVID-19 infection may be higher during air travel. The increased risk can be attributed to a higher likelihood of coming in close contact with people in situations, such as when in queues for baggage drop, security check, waiting, or dining at the airport terminal. 

Most airlines follow coronavirus prevention measures through proper sanitization of the aircraft and ensuring passengers wear a mask all the time. Furthermore, the air circulation and air filtration while onboard reduce the risk of the spread of germs in the airplane. 

Nonetheless, it is better to avoid traveling unless it is important because you may find it difficult to maintain social distancing (keeping a distance of at least two meters) during air travel. This is especially the case in crowded flights where you may be sitting close to a co-passenger for hours.

Vaccination does decrease the risk of getting a COVID-19 infection. Additionally, vaccinated people are at a lower risk of getting a severe disease due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, no vaccine gives 100 percent protection against COVID-19. Hence, although vaccinated people are at a lower risk of infection and severe disease, avoid traveling unless necessary.

People do not develop immunity right after getting the jab. For the two-dose vaccines (such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines), there is only partial protection after the first dose. About two weeks are needed after the second dose for the protection to be most effective against COVID-19. In the case of the one-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson vaccine), the maximum protection is attained only after two to four weeks of getting the jab. 

People who have a weak immunity due to diseases or medications may not be well-protected despite being fully vaccinated, hence the need to follow the COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask.

Even vaccinated people should follow the safety precautions (such as wearing a mask, hand-washing or sanitizing, and practicing social distancing). One must travel, if necessary, only after getting the requisite doses of the vaccine and waiting for the time needed to achieve maximum protection against COVID-19.

To reduce the risk of coronavirus infection while traveling, follow these tips:

• Travel only after getting fully vaccinated.
• Wear a protective face mask.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Avoid being in crowded or poorly ventilated places.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, mouth, or mask. Use a hand sanitizer after touching or adjusting the mask.
• Avoid touching places or objects that are frequently touched by others (such as elevator buttons, handrails, and taps). Use a hand sanitizer if touching such surfaces.
• Ensure to share the current contact information with the airlines when booking the air ticket so that they may notify in case of exposure to a sick traveler on the flight.
• Practice frequent hand washing or sanitizing (use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol).
• Prefer staying outdoors whenever possible.
• Avoid traveling to an area with a high COVID-19 infection rate.
• Avoid traveling if not well or having any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
• Avoid eating and drinking while on a flight or other modes of public transportation.
• Follow respiratory hygiene. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. If wearing a mask, cough or sneeze inside the mask.