Why You Should Always Choose a Window Seat on a Plane During Flu Season

Stacey Leasca
·2 min read
Side view of young adult wearing glasses and protective mask checking smart phone while sitting in airplane window seat in time of COVID-19.
Side view of young adult wearing glasses and protective mask checking smart phone while sitting in airplane window seat in time of COVID-19.

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Getting ready to fly soon? You may want to book early and snag a good seat so you can avoid any sniffles.

Since 2020, much of the attention on health and flying has been focused on the spread of COVID-19. (Many studies have come out concluding that flying is a relatively low-risk activity, though like everything now, it's up to you to determine your risk tolerance.) However, it's also important to remember that the good old-fashioned flu is back, so you may want to take a few preventative measures to avoid that too. The good news is, many of the things you're doing to avoid COVID-19 (including washing your hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing) all work to prevent the flu as well. But if you're flying, we've got one more tip: Book a window seat.

According to a 2018 study from Emory University, which followed more than 1,500 passengers on 10 transcontinental flights, the "infectious zone" in a plane is likely much smaller than you may think.

According to the study, most passengers on an airplane have just a 3% chance of becoming infected with the flu by a fellow passenger. However, this number greatly increases within that infectious zone, which is defined as sitting within three feet of a sick passenger. If you're in that hot spot, your risk of illness jumps to 80%, according to the study.

How does a window seat help? According to the authors, it's the safest spot because it's the most isolated seat you can find (other than those ultra-luxe first class mini cabins). That's because there is only one passenger beside you, and gives a passenger much-needed inches from the aisle, where crew and other passengers can frequently pass by.

According to the study's findings, passengers in aisle seats had 64 "contacts" with other passengers during a flight, making it the greatest contact space. The middle seat came in with 58 contacts, and the window seat passengers had just 12. So, go ahead, claim that window seat. As a bonus, you'll get an excellent view, too. And before you embark on your journey, don't forget to wear sunscreen (really!) and pack these travel essentials, which could help make for a safer flight for you and your fellow passengers.