So what does this mean for you and the risk of contracting the coronavirus? The CDC is correct in their comments on air circulation and filtering. The filters used by airlines are medical grade with vertical extraction which means the air circulates up and out. But that’s not the danger. You are sitting like sardines in a can, touching shoulder to shoulder, leg to leg and your fingers will touch surfaces.
The secret is to carry your own sanitiser, spray the surfaces you touch and remember not to touch your face until you’re off the plane and can safely either sanitise or even better wash your hands with soap and water.
Just last week when a man refused to keep his mask on after boarding a FlySafair flight the plane simply turned back to the terminal and he was taken off.
Hopefully, this now sets a precedent for such behaviour. Keeping your mask on throughout the entire flight is essential at least until we’re at level 0. And eat before you fly as snacking and drinking onboard is now taboo.
From the minute you arrive at the airport you have to be super vigilant. There are so many dangerous touchpoints. Queuing to check-in, go through the x-ray machines, maybe grabbing a coffee and then boarding the plane – these are the danger points also. Keep those social distances.
In the end, the responsibility lies on you – the passenger. Stay safe and travel safe.
