Flying 2021

[Khush khan]

Anyone have thoughts positive or negative about flying in 2021? I’m due a trip in June but not sure the extra risks it could be towards diabetes.

 

[trophywench]

What negative diabetes risks? I've been flying nearly all my adult life both prior and post diagnosis when I was 22. I'm 70 now and nobody has ever even suggested my diabetes posed a risk. Good grief - being diabetic doesn't even stop you becoming a pilot!

 

[Docb]

I suspect Khush khan is thinking about COVID risk. If that is the case, then June 2021 is a long time off and goodness knows what the position might be like then. Impossible to judge the risk.

 

[grovesy]

I think Covid is still going to be with us then, all the Global experts have been saying this from the begining and so far they have been right about it to my mind.

 

[Khush khan]

I suspect Khush khan is thinking about COVID risk. If that is the case, then June 2021 is a long time off and goodness knows what the position might be like then. Impossible to judge the risk.

Yes that’s correct and thank you.

 

[Becka]

Whilst there have been cases of Covid transmission on aircraft, it does not seem to be that common despite being a confined space. The air flow on an aircraft tends to be top to bottom, that is it is released into the cabin from the ceiling and exits through the floor, so that helps reduce particle spread. Recycled air is also filtered, along with clean air from outside, to remove particles including viruses and bacteria. That everyone faces forwards, rather than face-to-face, also helps reduce the risk.

How isolated are you at the moment, as you going into supermarkets, other enclosed spaces, or using public transport? If so then I would not expect a plane to pose a much greater risk. I would also imagine an airline would be much better at enforcing the requirement to wear masks than most other businesses.

The risk will also depend on the size of the plane and how full it is, and how long the flight is. A short flight on a big empty plane will have less risk than a long flight on a full small plane.

Ultimately it is a personal decision based on what makes you feel comfortable and safe in a particular environment, the same as with any other activity at the moment. It is not something, though, to which there is any specific added concern compared to any other similarly enclosed space.