Is it actually safer?
In other words, not really. CN Traveler presented this concern to 2 infectious disease experts, and neither appeared to think that flying very first class is a safer alternative for travelers from the point of view of COVID-19 transmission risk.
Why first class may appear much safer.
When you believe about it, the theory makes good sense. According to a study conducted by the International Air Transport Association, 65% of participants stated that sitting beside somebody with COVID-19 on a plane was their most significant concern about air travel. Naturally, having more individual area– like you would in very first or business class– could assist reduce those issues.
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Its been about seven months given that air travel as we understood it changed amidst the unique coronavirus outbreak. One concept drifting around is that flying in the superior cabin offers you a bit more range between you and your fellow passengers, and therefore must come with a lowered danger of COVID-19 transmission.
As it turns out, the hospital-grade HEPA air filters used on airplanes are not limited to the first class section– they provide the very same level of defense regardless of where youre seated. “It really doesnt make much difference where you sit on the airplane,” Dr. Mark Gendreau, primary medical officer at Beverly and Addison Gilbert medical facility, informed CN Traveler.
According to Dr. David Aronoff, director of the division of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, theres no information to support the concept that very first class passengers are more secure from COVID-19 than their counterparts in economy. He does, however, explain that he sees the logic in presuming the threat is lower with less individuals in the cabin, “but its hard to state that it is really worth that extra quantity of cash,” he informed CN Traveler.
As it turns out, the hospital-grade HEPA air filters used on planes are not restricted to the very first class section– they provide the very same level of protection regardless of where youre seated. “It truly does not make much difference where you sit on the aircraft,” Dr. Mark Gendreau, chief medical officer at Beverly and Addison Gilbert hospital, informed CN Traveler.
Image: Brostock (Shutterstock).
If youre in a position (thanks to points or cash) to be able to pay for first class, sure, itll probably be a more pleasant and comfortable travel experience (as was always the case outside, pandemic or no). Its not your ticket to more secure flight.
According to a survey performed by the International Air Transport Association, 65% of individuals stated that sitting next to someone with COVID-19 on an aircraft was their greatest concern about air travel. Naturally, having more individual space– like you would in very first or service class– might assist ease those issues.
Theres also the concept that having fewer individuals in very first class could also decrease the risk of transmission. As a current article in CN Traveler explains, this isnt just the case when youre really on the aircraft: “From check-in to deplaning and boarding, premium guests typically deal with smaller sized lines and less commotion throughout their journey.”.
