Passengers urged to book 'best seat to avoid colds' on flights this winter
Choosing the right seat on a plane could mean the difference between ending up sick on holiday or relaxing sniffle-free.
The festive season is one of the busiest times for winter travel, with as many as five million people expected to flock from the UK overseas this December. That means if you're catching a flight during the peak festive period, it will likely be busy.
Given that colds, coronaviruses and flu viruses are circulating in the UK population, upping your chances of avoiding catching anything on a cramped flight is a good idea.
Travel expert Yasmin Peckel has provided key tips for picking the perfect seat when flying, on behalf of Blue Cruise. She has warned against picking the aisle seat, if remaining healthy is your priority.
"Research indicates that those seated in the aisle are more at risk of catching germs, as you’ll come into contact with a far greater number of people during your flight. If you’re concerned about catching something, its a sensible idea to choose a window seat instead. Aeroplane air is usually circulated through hospital grade filters, designed to contain and remove bacteria. This means that germs are unlikely to be directly transmitted beyond a meter," she said.
Brit uses browser hack to bag business class seat for less than price of economy
Wearing a face covering is not a bad idea if you want to avoid getting ill (NurPhoto/PA Images)Other ways to maximise your chances of keeping healthy include using hand sanitiser with a high percentage of alcohol in to kill any bugs that you may have got on your hands, as well as wearing a face covering. Keeping yourself hydrated and ensuring you're well rested ahead of the journey are other ways to help your body be in the best position to fight off any possible infections.
If you have faith in your immune system to keep you feeling alright and are more interested in remaining comfortable, then consider opting for an exit row or bulkhead seat.
Yasmin continued: "Exit row seats are typically situated near emergency exits, and passengers sitting in these seats must be non-disabled adults in full fitness as they may be required to physically assist in an emergency evacuation. Bulkhead seats, meanwhile, also offer additional legroom. These seats are located behind a physical divider, so there’s no chance of anybody reclining their seat into your space. Be wary if you plan to take a lot of belongings on board, however, as bulkhead seats often have limited under-seat storage."
As airlines use different seating systems, it can be helpful to find a map of the carrier you're flying with online, to work out the optimal seat for you. "If you’re in the market for a peaceful flight, make sure to avoid lavatories and the kitchen/galley, as these areas tend to experience more foot traffic, particularly during longer journeys," Yasmin advises.
"Choose the front of the cabin as it is further away from the engines. Window seats away from the wings are also normally fairly quiet. Avoid bulkhead seats, as they are sometimes located near areas preferred by parents of young children."
Those who are more concerned about getting off the plane and through passport control as quickly as possible should choose an aisle seat. "Sit near to the front of the plane, or near to an exit. If you meet the criteria, consider booking an emergency exit row. If you can, choose an off-peak flight, as these often have fewer passengers aboard," Yasmin said.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
