Things to know to make flying less stressful
Air travel is increasing, which means prices are rising and middle seats are filling up. Just about every Sunday in October, the Transportation Security Administration counted more than 900,000 passengers for the day. That means the number of people flying has nearly doubled since June. Here are things to know if you’re traveling by plane.
Some carriers, including Hawaiian Airlines, are boarding planes back to front, which allows for better social distancing.
The TSA has relaxed its 3.4-ounce limit on liquids when it comes to hand sanitizer. You can bring up to 12 ounces onboard the plane.
Bring plenty of wipes with you. Even though the airline crew has probably already done it, you’ll feel better if you wipe down your armrests, seat and seatbelt, tray table and seatback in front of you.
If you have an adjustable air nozzle above your seat, point the airflow straight at your head, full strength.
The days of guaranteed empty middle seats are ending. Southwest Airlines stopped blocking them Dec. 1. Hawaiian Airlines will stop Dec. 15. Alaska and Delta airlines will stop Jan. 6. Most of the other carriers have already returned to filling middle seats.
Jets have powerful air filters. The International Air Transport Association issued a report saying it found just 44 known cases of COVID-19 transmission this year. Though there’s debate about studies trying to measure COVID19 danger, the Journal of the American Medical Association said the risk of contracting COVID-19 in flight is lower than in an office building, classroom, supermarket or commuter train.