Small chances of contracting Covid on a flight

Being contaminated by Covid-19 during an air trip can be a low risk. One explanation for the apparently low risk level is that the cabin air in modern aircraft is replaced by fresh air every two to three minutes. Most aircraft are also equipped with air filters designed to retain 99.99% of the particles. In addition, new protocols implemented by airlines, such as mandatory mask use, temperature measurement, limited in-flight movements and intensive cabin cleaning also ensure greater protection.

Analysing the benefits of the rule of leaving empty seats interspersed, followed by some companies, expert Arnold Barnett, professor at MIT Sloan School of Management, tried to quantify the chances of becoming infected with the virus. According to his findings, based on short-haul flights - up to two hours - in the United States on aircraft configured with three seats on each side of the aisle and assuming everyone is wearing a mask, the risk of catching the virus in mid-flight is only 1 in 4,300, Barnett said.

Based on short-haul flights - up to two hours - in the United States on aircraft configured with three seats on each side of the aisle and assuming everyone is wearing a mask, the risk of catching the virus in mid-flight is only 1 in 4,300, Barnett said. Those chances fall to 1 in 7,700 if the middle seat is vacant.