Flying with the New Normal

Many people wonder if boarding a plane is safe or, if on the contrary, the probability of being infected by COVID-19 is high. To most, it might seem that getting into a confined space like an airplane right now is not the best of ideas.

The air that circulates inside the cabin of most aircraft comes from two ways. Approximately 50% of it is new air that comes from outside and is captured through the engines. This reaches a temperature higher than 200º C (although later it is conveniently refrigerated to be able to be used in the cabin properly), which ensures that any pathogen is destroyed thanks to this temperature jump.

The rest of the air we breathe inside the planes is recirculated. This is recovered from the cabin and goes through a 'cleaning' circuit before returning it. During this process, high-efficiency filtering systems are used, among which the HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and the activated carbon filters stand out. These filters also have other applications, notably their use in hospital operating rooms.

The air inside the plane is renewed in its entirety 20 to 30 times every hour, which is once every 2-3 minutes, much less time than in other conventional closed spaces such as supermarkets, gyms or offices. In addition, the air flow in the aircraft follows an adequate path, helping to reduce the possibility of contagion since it is incorporated through the upper part of the aircraft fuselage and is recovered from the lower part (at ground level), so that its circulation is reduced longitudinally or transversely, minimizing its sharing between passengers seated in adjacent rows or seats.

While all these technical characteristics are important, not less are all the actions that airlines are taking in terms of distancing and cleaning airplanes. Thus, more and more companies are adopting new protocols of action such as the measurement of body temperature of all passengers before boarding, the obligation to wear a mask during the duration of the flight, the reduction of sales services on board or exhaustive disinfection of airplanes between flights.

Although the risk is low, there is never zero risk and therefore when you come to visit us and stay with us you should not lower your guard. Already common measures such as regularly disinfecting your hands, avoiding moving around the plane during the flight or touching surfaces that are not strictly necessary are highly recommended on journeys, not only by plane but also in any type of collective transport.

Follow all the sanitary measures, and live an experience of magic, comfort and pleasure staying with us.

Make yourself at home!