Travel Confidently: Is It Safe to Fly?

The biggest question posed to airports and airlines all around the world: Is it safe to fly? There is no easy or universal answer. However, there are many aspects for travelers to take into consideration so they can answer the question for themselves. 

Public guidance from CDC states that air filtration systems on airplanes makes it difficult for most viruses to spread easily during a flight. Like hospitals, airplanes typically are equipped with high-grade HEPA filters that fully and frequently filter the air.

Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and sitting within 6 feet of others, sometimes for hours, may increase your risk of getting COVID-19.

Also consider how you get to and from the airport, as public transportation and ridesharing can increase your chances of being exposed to the virus. —taken from the CDC website

Pensacola International Airport, like many airports, has changed the way we operate in order to make it safer to fly. With enhanced cleanings, face mask requirements, social distancing reminders, and safety shields, PNS is taking every precaution to create an environment that is safe. Click here to learn more about PNS #AtTheReady.

MIT Medical has a similar view… “At first thought, a narrow metal tube in which strangers are crammed together for hours might seem like a flying petri dish, especially during a pandemic. The reality is a bit more nuanced. While there are risks associated with flying, it may be safer than you think.” Read more from MIT Medical

Unfortunately, airports and airlines cannot answer this question for you. The best we can do is make every effort to provide passengers with a safe environment, using the guidelines by medical professionals and best practices. Defintely an argument can be made that it has never been safer to fly, but every person will have to answer the question for themselves. If you have questions about what PNS is doing in response to COVID-19, please feel free toemail your questions to info@flypensacola.com or fill out the form on the CONTACT US page.