Support our non-partisan non-profit newsroom 💜 Donate now
COVID-19

CDC: Vacant middle seats on flights reduce COVID exposure risk

Samantha Fields Apr 19, 2021
Heard on:
HTML EMBED:
COPY
This late in the pandemic, though, this data might not make a whole lot of difference when it comes to airlines' policies. Nelson Almeida/AFP via Getty Images
COVID-19

CDC: Vacant middle seats on flights reduce COVID exposure risk

Samantha Fields Apr 19, 2021
Heard on:
This late in the pandemic, though, this data might not make a whole lot of difference when it comes to airlines' policies. Nelson Almeida/AFP via Getty Images
HTML EMBED:
COPY

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.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.