RFT 413: Safe Airline Travel During COVID-19

Now more than ever, preparation is key.

Conditions changing day by day. Reminds me of how we improvised securing the cockpit post 9/11.

If you are in the high-risk group (over 65, asthma, heart disease, other underlying disease) don’t fly.

Research your destination.

Don’t fly if you have a cold.

TSA bins probably filthy

You may be sitting next to a total stranger – not all airlines block middle seats.

Clothing:

no shorts or flip-flops!

I recommend long pants for women as well as men, and no high-heel shoes for women 

I will discuss evacuation shortly

Face mask – actually TWO face masks (in case head band breaks) carbon filter n95

aerotoxic syndrome – only B787 does not use bleed air from pneumatic system

Anti-bacterial wipes

Hand sanitizer

Take your temperature before leaving home

If it’s above 100 you may not be allowed on the airplane

Put ALL medications into hand-carried bags

fanny pack even better

Wash hands after TSA screening

Bring empty water bottle – fill at filling station, not water fountain

Stay hydrated! 

airline cabins have very low humidity

low humidity makes it harder for your body to fight off viruses

some aircraft, such as A350 and B787, have humidification systems.

Don’t drink alcohol

cabin typically at 8000 feet

already party hypoxic

being drunk is a type of hypoxia

easier to get drunk at altitude

Bring up to 12 ounces of sanitizer – possibly screening delay

Bring reading material, computer or kindle – DO NOT touch inflight magazine (if it exists)

Disinfect ALL seat surroundings

seat belt buckle

armrests

air vent

safety information card

tray table

Direct air vent onto yourself

Pay attention to FA safety briefing

Lavatories – disinfect EVERYTHING you touch!

flush handle

faucet handles

door handle

faucet will not give you 20 seconds to wash hands AND water may not be safe! – use hand sanitizer instead

disinfect everything again when you return to seat, including hands

Evac – Keep your shoes on for takeoff and landing

All occupants must be able to evacuate thru half exits in 90 seconds

One FA per 50 pax, more if needed to pass evac test

DO NOT bring bags with you – 

loss of life for other pax

open overhead bins pose head risk to passengers

British Airways 2276 Las Vegas

American Airlines 383 Chicago photo Jose Castillo

Emirates 521 Dubai

Aeroflot SU 1492 Moscow