Plane Sick: Boarding Aircraft Early Could Be Bad For Your Health
Love to get on the plane ahead of everyone else? It could increase the possibility of picking up a cold – or something worse.
Certain boarding patterns expose us to more risks, according to new research by the Arizona State University.
Researchers looked at various boarding scenarios using a mathematical model, in order to see how a disease might spread on board a plane if a single person was infected.
The results suggested that the zone boarding method, whereby first class is seated at the front, raised the risk of being infected by an individual.
For instance, if a sick person had been assigned seat 20A, they would need to pass 20 rows of people who were already in their seats. Such a scenario would increase the likelihood of the illness spreading – especially since other passengers would pass the infected person as the cabin filled up.
In scenarios where airlines do not assign seats, those who join the queue as soon as boarding commences could be most at risk. Getting to the head of the line and having the choice of seats might be satisfying, but such a person may end up having people file past them – upping the chances of picking up a bug.
Presumably, being last to board and sitting near the front would be best. Exiting the aircraft first would also reduce the risk of infection, since such a passenger would pass very few people on the way out.
However, a solution that benefits all was arrived at by researchers. They suggested a two-zone boarding process, with half of passenger boarding from the front and half from the rear. Researchers said this would reduce passenger contact by 27 per cent.
Another idea proffered by the researchers was to use smaller planes with just 50 seats. This would apparently reduce contact with an infected person by a further 13 per cent.
However, in the age of mass travel and cut-price seats, airlines are unlikely to greet the idea of 50-seat planes with much warmth.
Airborne bugs: Tips for staying well on your next flight
Keep your air vent on. It may be chilly on your next flight, but having the air vent on means any airborne diseases are kept away from your respiratory tract. Be sure to bring a sweater to keep you warm.
Keep your hands clean. Those free scented wipes aren't just for wiping pasta sauce off your front – clean your hands with them and remove any nasties you might have picked up while touching the seats, arm rests etc. In particular, ensure your hands are clean before you touch food – such as those delightful bread rolls.
Wipe down your tray table.
Get plenty of sleep before you fly. Studies have shown that your immune system will be under-par if you're tired.
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