Is it safe to fly? A doctor explains

With the raging coronavirus pandemic, particularly in the United States, many people are afraid to travel. They’re understandably reluctant to go on an airplane or walk through busy airports. Can it be done safely?

As a doctor and frequent traveler during the pandemic (I’ve flown six times since the pandemic started), I believe you can safely travel by air. 

Before I give you my travel tips, you will want to be extra cautious if you fall into a high-risk category. Here are some situations that might put you at particularly high-risk:

Advanced age

Multiple chronic medical conditions

Obesity

Sharing a household with another high-risk individual

If you don’t fall into one of the above groups, you can safely go out and enjoy the low airfares and relatively empty flights! Here are my tips for airplane safety:

Wear a tight-fitting mask. Don’t use cloth like a bandana; use a real mask.

Try to sit in the back of the airplane. COVID-19 is mostly spread by people breathing, so you want as few people breathing behind you as possible.

Turn on your overhead fan. While this may seem counterintuitive, the fan blows HEPA-filtered air. That air should be free of viruses and will act as a curtain or shield to keep our neighbor’s air away from you.

Minimize eating and drinking on the plane so you can keep your mask on the whole flight.

Take alcohol wipes with you to wipe down surfaces, including your seatbelt buckle, armrests, window cover lever, air vent, and tray table.

Bring an alcohol gel with you and sanitize your hands often.

Avoid touching your face.

Now that you know what to do, go out there and have some fun! For those that need help with their masking skills, I’ll leave you with this video from the CDC:

Contact Dr. Charlop to arrange a free telemedicine consultation (California or Texas residents). Or, check out his new book, Why Doctors Skip Breakfast: Wellness Tips to Reverse Aging, Treat Depression, and Get a Good Night’s Sleep