Essential COVID-19 Travel Tips for Safe Journeys

Are you planning to head home for the holidays? It's that time of year when many of us eagerly look forward to traveling to see family or just to take a vacation. However, with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this much-anticipated aspect of our lives has turned a bit risky. Studies have shown that individuals with underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are at a significantly higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection, which underscores the importance of assessing your health status before traveling^[1]. While it's advisable to avoid all nonessential travel, some might find themselves needing to travel for various reasons. Before you make any travel plans, consider whether COVID-19 cases are on the rise at your destination, if you have any underlying health issues that could exacerbate your vulnerability to severe COVID infection, and if you live with someone who is at high risk. If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it might be wise to think twice about your trip.

Here are some tips to help you travel safely during this COVID-19 pandemic:

Prepare a Travel Packing Checklist

Before you start throwing clothes and toiletries into your suitcase, remember to include protective gear. You'll want to pack items like masks, hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol), disinfectant wipes, tissues, and a couple of pairs of gloves. It's crucial to have a checklist for these essentials—don't forget to include them! These items will help you maintain hygiene and shield you from virus-laden respiratory droplets. Notably, wearing a mask has been shown to significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19^[3].

Be Mindful About Touching Surfaces

You may have heard that the new Coronavirus can linger on surfaces such as doorknobs, tabletops, and even your luggage. This is one reason the virus spreads so quickly. Therefore, you need to be extremely cautious before touching anything. Always disinfect your hands before and after you touch high-contact surfaces like check-in kiosks, ATMs, escalator handles, or toilet seats. Use a good amount of sanitizer and make sure to rub every part of your hands thoroughly. Research indicates that COVID-19 can survive on various surfaces for extended periods, making regular disinfection crucial^[4].

Opt for a Window Seat on the Plane

Getting your preferred seat might be tricky with fewer flights available, but if you can, always go for a window seat. Research suggests that the best way to reduce your risk of infection during an airplane journey is to sit by the window and try not to leave your seat throughout the flight. An infected passenger is most likely to transmit the virus to those seated just a couple of seats away. Additionally, studies reveal that the air filtration systems in airplanes can significantly reduce the concentration of airborne pathogens, further lowering the risk of transmission^[5]. Remember, avoid touching your face without washing your hands first.

Clean Your Surroundings

Before settling in, grab some disinfectant wipes and clean all the hard surfaces around you—this includes the seat flap, tray table, the back of the seat in front of you, armrests, and any other surfaces that could carry germs. However, steer clear of using disinfectants on soft surfaces like your seat, as they can become damp and more likely to harbor bacteria. Consider carrying a disinfectant spray to use on the toilet seat before you take a seat, as cleanliness in restrooms is particularly important given the high touch frequency of these areas.

Reduce Human Interaction

Whenever possible, use technology to limit human contact. Instead of standing in line for a boarding pass, use the self-service machines and remember to sanitize your hands afterward. Keep a distance of at least six feet from others while boarding or when at food and retail outlets in the airport. Always wear your mask and keep sanitizing your hands—or even better, wash them. Studies indicate that maintaining physical distance can significantly reduce the risk of transmission^[2]. And, try to pay using contactless options when you can.