Flying soon? Here’s what you need to know to stay safe on a plane

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Holiday travel plans are underway, and those travels bring along the possibility of COVID-19 infections, especially for those traveling by air. 

Whether people plan to spend the holidays with family and friends in the U.S. or somewhere across the globe, there are several protective measures individuals can take while in flight to help avoid a COVID-19 infection. 

News 8 spoke with Dr. Christopher Doehring, vice president of medical affairs at Franciscan Health, about what passengers can do to protect themselves while 30,000 feet in the air. 

“Directing the vent above you to blow air away from you may create a safer environment,” said Doehring. For those who travel on open seating with family, try to get your entire row together, which can certainly be helpful. Those are folks you’re with anyway. They’re part of your household unit.”

In addition to those measures, health experts recommend choosing a window seat. Research shows sitting by the window means travelers are less exposed to other potentially infected travelers as well as contaminated surfaces. Also, try to limit trips to the restroom. This allows a person to maintain six feet of distance from as many people as possible.  

Doehring says while these are all tips that can help mitigate a super surge like we saw in 2020, the most important thing you can do prior to travel is getting vaccinated.