Medical Expert Recommends Window Seat to Avoid Illness on Holiday Flights
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As millions of Americans prepare to take to the skies this Christmas season, a medical expert has offered advice on how to minimize the risk of falling ill during holiday flights. Dr. Neha Pathak, chief physician editor of health and lifestyle medicine at WebMD, emphasized that the primary route of transmission for respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19 is through the air and close contact, rather than contaminated surfaces.
“Most respiratory viruses spread mainly through the air and close contact, not from tray tables or armrests,” Dr. Pathak told Fox News Digital. She stressed the importance of hand hygiene, noting that regularly cleaning hands and avoiding touching one’s face can dramatically reduce infection risks associated with surfaces.
With a record 3.1 million travelers screened by the Transportation Security Administration on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, and even higher numbers anticipated during the Christmas rush, crowded airports and packed planes create ideal conditions for viruses to spread.
While respiratory viruses are the main concern, Dr. Pathak highlighted viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the “stomach bug,” as particularly worrisome due to its resilience on surfaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this virus can survive on surfaces for days, making airplane bathrooms and high-touch areas potential hotspots for transmission.
“The virus that gives you vomiting and diarrhea is more likely to hitch a ride on a tray table than the viruses that cause flu or COVID,” Dr. Pathak explained. This insight led her to recommend that travelers select a window seat far from the bathroom to reduce exposure.
“You will have fewer people brushing past you, less exposure to aisle traffic and, overall, fewer close contacts,” she said. This seating choice limits interactions with other passengers and reduces the chance of airborne transmission.
In addition to seat selection, Dr. Pathak advised wearing a mask during flights, especially in crowded settings, to further mitigate risk. The CDC continues to recommend masks for travelers in enclosed spaces where social distancing is difficult.
Experts also urge travelers to maintain hand hygiene by using hand sanitizer or washing hands frequently, particularly after touching surfaces or before eating. The combination of strategic seat choice, mask-wearing, and diligent hand hygiene can help travelers enjoy safer journeys during the busy holiday season.
As the holiday travel season reaches unprecedented numbers, with airports bustling and flights fully booked, these practical steps offer a way for passengers to protect their health and reduce the spread of illness while reuniting with loved ones. For more travel health tips, the CDC’s travel health site provides comprehensive guidance for safe and healthy trips.
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