The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against non-essential travel – even if you are fully vaccinated – but sometimes travel is inevitable. I traveled between my university and my hometown last year while on vacation. And after researching the best safety practices to be followed while traveling during the pandemic, I overcame my fear, including having to sit very close to a stranger for more than two hours on a plane.
I also drove from New York to Chicago in the fall, before classes started. I put my own snacks and drinks in a refrigerator so I wouldn’t have to buy them along the way. Rest stops were usually empty and everyone in the house wore masks (I only traveled through states with mask mandates in place). I used hand sanitizer frequently and bought an anti-touch door opener that is also useful for pressing elevator buttons and typing numbers on a keyboard.
Despite the success of my trip, I couldn’t drive around the country in the winter, when the roads were covered with ice and snow – I had to board a plane for the first time in a year. When I started reading air travel studies during the pandemic, I learned that being physically on the plane poses little risk to my health, as long as proper safety procedures are followed – including wearing a mask. Research on Covid-19 and airplane travel by Harvard University’s Aviation Public Health Initiative (APHI) found that, with appropriate precautions, “the risk of transmission on board an aircraft is lower than that of other routine activities during the pandemic. , like shopping or eating out. “
If you have to travel during the pandemic, we have compiled some of the best face masks to use, as well as other items that may be useful to take with you on your journey. We also broke the CDC’s guidance on the precautions to be taken during the trip and how safe it is to fly now in the first place.
Best masks to wear while traveling
In January, the CDC issued an order requiring masks on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transport traveling to, within or outside the United States. Masks are also required at US transportation hubs, such as airports, train stations and bus stations. Bearing in mind the guidance of an expert that we previously reported regarding the double mask, KN95 masks and other types of face coverings, here are some of the best masks to use on an airplane.
1. WellBefore KN95 face mask
WellBefore’s KN95 masks are registered with the Food and Drug Administration and have undergone laboratory tests to ensure that they filter 95 percent of the particles. They feature five layers of non-woven fabric, an adjustable nose clip and elastic ear loops. The masks are individually wrapped so you can put them in the bag without worrying about dirt. In addition to this white KN95 mask, WellBefore also sells children’s KN95 masks.
2. HaloLIFE face mask
HaloLIFE face masks meet the ASTM International face mask standard. The masks are designed with adjustable ear clips and an adjustable nose clip, as well as a chin guard to prevent gaps between the mask and the skin. The masks come with a replaceable HALO nanofilter that is effective for up to 200 hours, as well as a replaceable latex nasal pad. They are available in colors such as Black, Bright Blue, Pink, White and Mint Green and are sold in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large.
3. WeCare disposable face masks individually packaged
When I travel, I wear one of these disposable masks under a reusable face mask. They are individually wrapped, made of three layers of non-woven fabric and feature elastic ear loops and an adjustable nose clip. The masks come in a pack of 50 and are available in a variety of colors and patterns. WeCare also sells disposable face masks for children.
Face masks and alternatives for use in public transport, according to the CDC
The CDC states that masks manufactured and made at home can be used both in public transport and in public transport centers, as long as they fit correctly. Reusable, disposable and medical-grade masks, as well as respirators such as N95 and KN95 masks, are permitted. Leg warmers can also be used, as long as they are made of two layers of fabric or folded to form two layers. And while travelers can wear face shields or goggles while traveling, they cannot be used to complement the mask. Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas and bandanas cannot be used as a substitute for the mask. All travelers over 2 years of age must adhere to these mask guidelines, regardless of the transportation period during which they will be staying.
According to the CDC, the masks you use on public transport must:
- Completely covers nose and mouth
- Be done with two or more layers of well woven and breathable fabric
- Be attached to the head with ties, ear ties or elastic bands this goes behind the head
- Well-adjusted against the side of the face
- Be one solid piece of material no slits, exhalation valves or holes
Other products for traveling during the pandemic
- Hand sanitizer: If you do not have access to soap and water, CDC recommends the use of hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol. In addition to bringing travel-sized containers to the plane, TSA allows passengers to bring a container of liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 oz. per passenger in hand luggage.
- Disinfectant wipes: Although public transport is cleaned frequently, I always clean the seat, seat belt and armrests to keep it cool.
- Bottle of water: Pulling the mask down when eating or drinking is permitted on public transport. I bring my own water bottle on the plane, train and subway, as well as take an empty water bottle to the airport to fill up before boarding. I like the foldable water bottle, which doesn’t take up much space in my bag.
- Reusable straw: I take a reusable straw with me during the trip to store any glass or bottle I’m drinking from. I can put the straw under the mask to drink, so I don’t have to completely remove the mask from my face.
- Stasher Bags: Instead of buying snacks at the airport or at rest stops during a trip, I put food in Stasher Bags in advance.
- Thermometer: I got into the habit of taking my temperature every morning at school and I always keep this infrared thermometer untouched with me while traveling (just in case).
How safe is it to travel by plane during a pandemic?
The US has recently seen an increase in air travel, despite the care of the CDC. TSA scanned 1.357 million passengers at U.S. airports on March 12, the highest number since March 15, 2020 – On March 21, it scanned more than 1.5 million people. Experts say that an increase in air travel, specifically, may result from students across the country going on spring break, and people feeling safe to use public transport again after being fully vaccinated.
Whatever the case, the APHI study showed that traveling by plane is generally safe, as long as travelers and airlines follow safety precautions. Travelers should distance themselves physically, wear face covers at all times (except when eating and drinking), avoid touching surfaces as much as possible and sanitize their hands. For airlines, the consistent use of ventilation systems on planes during boarding, disembarking and flying is essential. Disinfecting surfaces such as trays and seats is also important.
According to research by Boeing, as well as the US Military’s Transport Command, the environment in an aircraft cabin significantly reduces and removes cough particles from the air. This is because air in an airplane cabin flows mainly from the roof to the floor, not from the front to the back. The cabin’s internal air is exchanged every two to three minutes with the external air through HEPA filters, similar to those used in hospital operating rooms. Taking this into account, research shows that the design of an airplane’s cabin and its airflow system create the equivalent of more than 7 feet of physical distance between each passenger – even on a full flight.
APHI also conducted research on Covid-19 airport mitigation efforts. He found that the general strategy to decrease transmission is similar to the aircraft’s efforts: ventilation, disinfection and cleaning procedures, as well as the traveler’s behavior, such as wearing a face mask, hand hygiene and physical distance.
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