Fear of Flying
If, like me, you can’t wait to start traveling again, you are scouring the news for indications that its both safe and possible.
Our own straw poll indicates that what frightens travelers the most is the idea of boarding a flight.
But according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) The risk of COVID-19 on Sept. 21 transmission on an aircraft is low.
Although presently flights are down 72% from last year at this time, there have been millions of flights since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. And there are very few reported incidents where onboard transmission is suspected. IATA believes that the data is telling us that the risk of onboard transmission of the virus is low when compared with other public indoor environments, such as trains, buses, restaurants and workplaces. There are published examples which indicate a much higher risk in these environments. Aircraft benefit from very high air exchange rates and HEPA filters which filter more than 99.99% of all particles including viruses.
Face masks and face coverings are now required during flights and other environments where social distancing is not possible. If you refuse to fly without wearing a face mask, you're going to be added to a no fly list. There are exceptions if you have a medical condition or the passenger may briefly remove the mask while they are eating or drinking.
While the risk of transmission on an aircraft is low, passengers can take additional precautions to further lower the risk. Following guidance to wear a mask or face covering provides significant protection to all onboard. Passengers are also encouraged to practice good hand hygiene – washing hands regularly with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth, especially after contact with commonly touched surfaces.
International Air Transport Association continues to keep an open mind and a close watch on emerging data and medical literature.
Chris McGinnis, Travel Editor SF Chronicle argues : “…according to a new study that finds the odds of catching COVID-19 on a flight are actually pretty low. The study shows that passengers have 1 in 4,300 chance of catching the coronavirus on a full, two-hour flight. If the airline leaves the middle seat open, your chances of contracting the bug are nearly cut in half, to 1 in 7,700. And the chances of dying from COVID-19 contracted on a flight are between 1 in 400,000 and 1 in 600,000 depending on your age and other risk factors. That's according to Arnold Barnett, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who has been trying to quantify the odds of catching COVID-19 while flying.”
Where to find cheap tickets
Our current favorite site for finding the best prices and flight times is skyscanner.com. Because of the downturn, 2021 flights are currently running about $100. less than in 2020.
Where to find an Agent
When our trips for 2020 were all postponed, victims of Covid 19, we were delighted that we were ticketed by Michelle at Scandia Travel www.scandiatravelsfo.com. Instead of having to pester 6 different airlines for refunds ourselves, she went to battle for us. Travel agents provide wonderful service for little reward. Make use of them.
What about you?
How likely are you to take a commercial flight between now and the end of the year? Tell us: danu@earthlink.net
