CDC: Vacant middle seats on flights reduce COVID exposure risk
CDC: Vacant middle seats on flights reduce COVID exposure risk
Blocking off middle seats on airplanes can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At this point, however, nearly all major domestic airlines have stopped blocking middle seats.
We’ve all known for a while now that wearing masks and social distancing are two of the best ways to prevent COVID from spreading. Turns out the same is true on airlines. “Distancing can have a significant protective effect,” said James Bennett, a research engineer at the CDC who worked on the study.
Bennett explained just how much a difference it makes when airlines block middle seats varies.
“At the low end, we were looking at a 23% reduction in exposure, just from the fact of not being seated right next to another passenger if they happen to be infectious,” he said. At the high end, it’s a 57% reduction in exposure.
But, for airlines, at this point in the pandemic, “I don’t imagine this is gonna make a whole heck of a lot of difference,” said aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia. “The airlines have been really diligent at enforcing mandatory mask policies. It’s been a really effective tool.”
And, as vaccination rates rise, more and more people are feeling comfortable booking flights, Aboulafia said.
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