The news of the day is all about Coronavirus – the World Health Organization (WHO) name for the virus is COVID 19 – its spread, health effects, and impacts on economies worldwide.  Airplane travel means being in a sealed metal tube for hours in close proximity to scores of strangers.  Anyone who flies domestically and internationally might get a little concerned.

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Not willing to totally give up on flying until the crisis is over, I’ve looked into what  experts are saying about the risks of travel (airline travel particularly) and ways to mitigate them.  The good news is international airliners use HEPA filters like ones in operating rooms that remove 99.97% of dangerous airborne particles.  The bad news is air filters do not prevent contact with viral particles on surfaces or those expelled in coughs or sneezes.

Below are some of the ideas I’m adopting to minimize my exposure, hopefully.

  1. Review the Centers For Disease Control (or applicable local agency) and WHO recommendations, if any, for the destination and any intermediate stops.
  2. Weigh the advantages of flexible/refundable fares versus cost.
  3. Monitor reservations frequently for cancellations or changes.
  4. In the event of a cancellation or unfavorable change, request a refund even if the rules of the fare purchased do not permit it.  A refund can be spent on anything or any airline.  A credit is only good for travel on the original carrier.  If a flight is to or through a country suffering from a major coronavirus outbreak, some airlines are allowing credits or refunds even if the rules of the fare purchased do not permit it.  When contacting the airline, if the rep doesn’t give the desired answer, HUCB (hang up call back).
  5. Avoid shaking hands, high fives or other hand contact.
  6. Choose a window seat.  Window seats are farthest from the aisle and are best for minimizing contact with others.20200229_180402
  7. Limit or eliminate bathroom or stretch breaks.
  8. Sit next to one or more empty seats, if possible.
  9. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly and/or use hand sanitizer.
  10. Use sanitary wipes to clean tray tables, video remotes, seat controls, etc.
  11. Review medical insurance to ensure it covers international travel and carry  documents describing the coverage.  I have a policy with Allianz that has very good coverage including medical evacuation.
  12. Wear a face mask.  This is controversial because masks are most effective at preventing the wearer from infecting others not the other way around.  Only N95 face mask/respirators create a good facial seal.  But reports are they are too uncomfortable to wear for extended periods.  I’ll wear the less bulky face masks as a way to prevent touching my mouth and nose.
  13. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the elbow rather than the hand.
  14. Cancel travel if the threat level elevates to a dangerous level.20200229_180054

 

Final Thoughts

Using these precautions is obviously no guarantee of staying disease free.  On the other hand, with community spread having been detected in America, staying home  is also no safety guarantee.

Would you add items to this list?  Are there any items on the list you disagree with?