Last week, I talked about the lesson in this story on the radio—and because it’s important, I’m making it a tip. A doctor interviewed by Travel + Leisure shares a medical reason to keep the vent above you on a plane on for the whole flight. From the story:
“Airborne viruses, like tuberculosis and measles, are transmitted by tiny droplet nuclei that can hang in the air for up to five hours, Gendreau said.
While viruses associated with the common cold and upper respiratory track infections tend to be larger in size and heavier (consequently falling to the floor rather quickly), these particles linger. Which is where your vent comes in.
By using the vent and turning it on medium or low, you can create an invisible air barrier around you that creates turbulence — simultaneously blocking these particles and forcing them to the ground faster.”
As I mentioned in last week’s tip on why you shouldn’t use the hotel hair dryer, I’m a borderline germaphobe, so this is something I’m taking seriously. For more on the science behind this idea, see the full story.
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All well & u don’t good in smaller jets BUT in the newer jumbos you don’t have any control of the air flow
I always turn it on while on the ground because the planes are stinkin’ hot usually. But they always give me the sniffles even when I turn away from being directly on my face. But sometimes, the aircraft is so bloody hot, I have no choice to suffer the sniffles.
It’s a hard life eh! Should I turn the vent on or turn the vent off? Meanwhile, let’s talk about North Korea.