We all know flying is the safest mode of transport, and it always has been, but what about now? Is flying still safe even with a pandemic at large? Find out more as I uncover the truths about how the travel life is like now...
It is clear how this pandemic has affected us all, and our need to travel really exists whether it's for work or pleasure. The tourism and travel industry is something we all desire for, albeit now it has taken a rather significant hit due to Covid-19, but it will bounce back sooner or later.
How risky is flying during the pandemic?
Let me tell you something, you're more likely to get the virus going to your local supermarket than you are on an aeroplane!
The chances of getting the coronavirus on an airplane are still existent but very slim. The chances of having a fatal accident travelling by plane are so little, in fact 1 in 29 million. That being said, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), published an article during their studies between January and July of 2020, that there had been just 44 cases where coronavirus is thought to have been transmitted during a flight. This number includes confirmed, probable and potential cases. IATA recognises that this may be an underestimate but even if 90% of the cases were un-reported, it would be 1 in every 2.7 million travellers. During this time the industry association said it was believed that 1.2 billion passengers had travelled by air, representing a 1 in 27 million probability of catching Covid-19 on a flight – significantly less than the chances of being struck by lightning...
That's great but what is it like flying now?
During the what was once so busy Christmas period, I travelled from Madrid, Spain to London, England. To put it into context, less than 24 hours before my flight was due to depart, more than 50 countries had already created a blockade of movements to/from the UK since the discovery of a new strain of the virus which was more transmissible. On the return journey back to Spain, the Spanish Authorities had banned passengers who were not Spanish nationals or residents of Spain with the appropriate documentation. Nevertheless both flights (luckily) still went ahead...
(Left) London Stansted Airport, England & (Right) Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Spain
I want you to observe these two photos carefully, we can clearly see how hard the aviation industry has been affected. On the left you can see a photo of London Stansted Airport in England, the photo was taken at 17:55 on Tuesday 5th January 2021. On the right you can see Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport in Spain, taken at 13:00 on Wednesday 6th January 2021. Both photos are eerily quiet, but we can see how this pandemic has deeply affected the United Kingdom (bearing in mind this is within a few days after the UK officially leaving the EU which may be a considering factor).
What are airlines and authorities doing to protect their customers?
Before even getting on the flight there are precautions which have to be taken into account. Of course you are asked to not travel under any circumstances if you have, or are believed to have, symptoms of the virus. Airports are taking regular temperature checks of passengers passing through the airport; although I have to say, on departure from Madrid, arrival to London, and departure from London, my temperature was not taken, it was only until I arrived back in Madrid where they took my temperature.
In my experience, entry into both the UK and Spain required me to fill in a Public Health Passenger Locator Form (nobody checked my UK one). However upon arrival I was required to quarantine for 10 days, and I was asked to do the same on my return. Coming back to Spain, the situation was a little bit more severe since during the Christmas period the situation in the UK had become catastrophic. The Spanish authorities requested each passenger to fill in their form and obtain a QR code, as well as a negative PCR test, all of which was asked for before departure and upon arrival.
Anyway in terms of the airlines, many have blocked out the middle seats on flights in order to maintain social distancing and separation. As you can see in the photo above, there was no-one around me during the flight. We can argue that this is because of a number of factors (to keep the distance, not many people wanting to go to the UK, empty flight, close to Christmas, etc), but still the airline Ryanair maintains its hygiene and safety measurements.
In addition, all major commercial jets have newly-fitted ventilation systems with high quality HEPA filters capable of removing 99.97% of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and other airborne particles. Of course the use of masks covering the nose and mouth are mandatory onboard the aircraft and within the airport building - some airlines require specific masks so make sure you check in advance.
Top tips:
Wear a mask at all times. Remember some airlines require specific masks, and make sure it covers the mouth and nose.
If possible, avoid using the lavatory. If you must, wait some time after another passenger used it.
Disinfect surfaces around your seat you may touch during the flight.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your fingers.
Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly especially after using the lavatory.
The shorter the flight the less the risk of getting infected.
Don't get me wrong, I don't want you to think I'm defending air travel just because I'm a pilot (well, a little), I want to provide you with the facts and tips to ensure you can continue travelling in the safest manner possible. Whilst it's been proven that flying is the safest way to travel and it is highly unlikely that you will actually catch the virus on a plane, the risks of getting infected are of course higher within the airport such as in security queues, so make sure you follow the rules and procedures and maintain your distance with other people at all times. Now we need to think about the full travel experience and not just about the flight itself.
I hope this pandemic comes to a stop soon. I believe that "vaccine passports" will become a thing, where those who have the vaccine will be permitted to travel without restrictions, but let's see what happens. Who knows, maybe as you're reading this it's all over...
Stay safe, take care and happy travels!
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