The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises non-essential travel – even if you are completely vaccinated – but travel is sometimes unavoidable. I have traveled back and forth between my university and my hometown during holidays over the past year. And after following the best security practices to travel during the pandemic, I overcame my fears, including having to sit in a plane very close to a stranger for more than two hours.
I also drove from New York to Chicago in the fall before school started. I packed my own snacks and drinks in a cooler so I didn’t have to shop along the way. Rest points were generally empty and everyone inside wore masks (I only traveled through states with mask mandates in place). I regularly bought hand sanitizer and bought an anti-touch door opener which is also handy for pressing elevator buttons and pressing numbers in a piano.
Despite the success of my trip, I could not drive through the country in winter when there were ice and snow roads – I had to get on a plane for the first time in a year. When I started reading air travel studies during the pandemic, I learned that being on a plane poses little risk to my health, provided I follow the proper safety procedures – including wearing a mask. Research on Covid-19 and air travel by Harvard University’s Aviation Public Health Initiative (APHI) has found that, with the necessary precautions, ‘the risk of transfer on board an aircraft is lower than that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as shopping or eating out. ”
If you have to travel during the pandemic, we have put together some of the best face masks to wear, as well as other items that may be helpful to take along on your trip. We also interrupted the CDC’s guidelines on precautions you should take and how safe it is to fly in the first place now.
The best masks to wear while traveling
In January, the CDC issued an order requiring masks for airplanes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation traveling inside, inside or outside the US. Masks are also needed in US transportation centers such as airports, train stations and bus stations. Taking into account expert clues we have previously reported on regarding double masking, KN95 masks and other types of face masks, here are some of the best masks to wear in an airplane.
1. Well, for KN95 face mask
The KN95 masks from WellBefore are registered with the Food and Drug Administration and have undergone laboratory tests to ensure that they filter 95 percent of the particles. They have five layers of non-woven fabric, an adjustable nose clip and elastic earmuffs. The masks are individually wrapped so you can put them in your pocket without worrying about them getting dirty. In addition to this White KN95 mask, WellBefore also sells KN95 masks for children.
2. HaloLIFE face mask
HaloLIFE’s face masks meet the ASTM International face mask standard. The masks are designed with adjustable earmuffs and an adjustable nose clip, as well as a jaw wrap to prevent gaps between the mask and the skin. Masks come with a replaceable HALO Nanofilter that is effective for up to 200 hours, as well as a replaceable nose block for latex. 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 individually wrapped disposable masks
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 material, with elastic waistband and an adjustable nose clip. Masks come in a pack of 50 and are available in different colors and patterns. WeCare also sells disposable masks for children.
Face masks and alternatives to wearing on public transport, according to the CDC
The CDC states that manufactured and homemade masks can be worn both on public transportation and in public transportation hubs, as long as they fit properly. Reusable, disposable and medical masks, as well as respirators such as N95 and KN95 masks, are allowed. Gaiters can also be worn, as long as it is made of two layers of material or can be folded to make two layers. And while travelers may wear face shields or goggles while traveling, it cannot be used to complement a mask. Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas and bandanas cannot be worn as mask substitutes. All travelers older than 2 years must adhere to these mask guidelines, no matter how long or short they will be transported.
According to the CDC, masks you wear on public transport must:
- Completely cover the nose and mouth
- Made with two or more layers of densely woven, breathable fabric
- Hold on to your head ties, ruffles or elastics what goes on behind the head
- Fit tight against the side of the face
- Be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves or leaks
Other products you can use during the pandemic
- Hand cleaner: If you do not have access to soap and water, the CDC recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol. In addition to bringing travel size containers into the aircraft, the TSA allows passengers to bring one oversized liquid hand cleaner container up to 12 oz. per passenger in handbags.
- Disinfectant wipes: While public transportation is regularly cleaned, I always wipe my seat, seat belt and armrests for peace of mind.
- Water bottle: You can take off your mask while eating or drinking by public transport. I bring my own water bottle by plane, train and subway, and also bring an empty water bottle to the airport to refill before boarding. I like the Que collapsible water bottle because it does not take up much space in my pocket.
- Reusable straw: I take a reusable straw with me while traveling to put a cup or bottle from which I drink. I can tuck the straw under my mask to drink and therefore not have to remove my mask completely from my face.
- Stasher Sakke: Instead of buying snacks at the airport or driving at rest, I pack food in Stasher Bags beforehand.
- Thermometer: I used to take my temperature every morning at school, and I always keep this infrared thermometer with me while I’m traveling (just in case).
How safe is it to travel by plane during the pandemic?
The US has recently seen an increase in air travel, despite warnings from the CDC. The TSA selected 1,357 million US airport passengers on March 12, the highest number since March 15, 2020 – on March 21, more than 1.5 million people selected. Experts believe that an increase in air travel may specifically stem from students across the country going on spring break, and that people feel safe to take public transport again after being fully vaccinated.
Either way, the APHI study showed that air travel is generally safe as long as travelers and airlines follow safety precautions. Travelers should physically distance themselves, wear face masks at all times (except while eating and drinking), touch the surfaces as much as possible, and disinfect their hands. For airlines, consistent use of ventilation systems on aircraft is essential. It is also important to disinfect surfaces such as dish tables and seats regularly.
According to research by Boeing, as well as the U.S. military military command of the military, cough particles from an airplane reduce and remove the cough particles from the air. This is because the air in an aircraft’s cockpit flows mainly from ceiling to floor, not from front to back. The air inside the cabin is exchanged with air every two to three minutes using HEPA filters, similar to those used in hospital operations. Taking this into account, research shows that the design of an aircraft’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 has also conducted research on the mitigation of Covid-19 at airports. The general strategy to reduce transmission is similar to aircraft efforts: the ventilation, disinfection and cleaning procedures, as well as travelers’ behaviors such as wearing a face mask, hand hygiene and physical distance.
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