As millions of Brits prepare for summer holidays, seat selection on flights with Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI could significantly impact health. Dr. Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Affairs at MedExpress, advises that window seats reduce contact with passengers and crew by up to five times compared to middle or aisle seats, lowering the risk of catching viral infections.
Why Seat Choice Matters
Dr. Dix explains that proximity to infected individuals is the biggest factor in infection risk, followed by flight occupancy. Window seats are farther from high-traffic areas like bathrooms and walkways, while aisle seats increase exposure to passing passengers and those queueing for toilets or accessing overhead bins. Research suggests leaving the middle aisle empty can reduce airborne disease spread by 37%.
Additional Hygiene Tips
Dr. Dix recommends wiping down tray tables, armrests, seatbelt buckles, touchscreens, and window shutters with disinfectant wipes. Regular hand washing with soap or sanitiser, especially after touching surfaces, is crucial. Cabin air can be dry, so staying hydrated by drinking water regularly strengthens the immune system. Wearing a face mask reduces airborne virus spread, particularly on crowded flights. Finally, being well-rested is vital: those who lack adequate sleep are over four times more likely to catch a cold due to a weaker immune system.
