Should you wear a face mask when flying? What travelers should know about Covid when traveling this fall and winter

Originally from Toronto, Natalie DiScala is a writer, editor and content creator who now calls Los Angeles home. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s journalism program and is now the Executive Editor of JohnnyJet.com. She and her husband, Johnny Jet, have traveled to 75 countries together and now travel with their two children.

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The U.S. government recently announced that Americans can now order free Covid tests again. And as we enter the fall and winter travel season, many people are gearing up for holiday trips, whether it’s visiting family or planning long-awaited vacations. But with Covid-19 still circulating, the question has resurfaced: Do travelers need to take precautions, such as wearing face masks, when they fly?

Should you wear a mask when flying? With the pandemic’s initial peak well behind us and vaccines widely available, many are wondering if Covid is now just another virus like the flu or a cold. Dr. Nina Shapiro, a Pediatric ENT at Westside Head and Neck in Los Angeles and the author of The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Being Super Healthy, shares her expert insights on what travelers should know.

Is Covid still a serious concern?

Covid is no longer the global crisis it once was, but Dr. Shapiro points out that the virus hasn’t entirely morphed into a simple cold. “While most people who contract Covid experience mild symptoms, such as a few days of fever, cough, and runny nose, there are still many individuals who can become seriously ill or even die from a Covid infection,” she explains.

Travelers need to think about both their personal risk and the risk to those around them. “It’s not just about how sick you might get, but whether you could expose a vulnerable person, like a family member or colleague, who could become critically ill,” says Dr. Shapiro.

Precautions for immunocompromised travelers

Immunocompromised individuals remain at heightened risk for severe illness from Covid. While many have been able to receive the vaccine, not all of them gain full protection. Dr. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of continuing to practice caution around immunocompromised people, saying, “Providing an extra layer of distance, through masking or physical separation, is still crucial for their safety.”

What if you test positive before traveling?

Testing positive for Covid right before a trip can be stressful. While there are no longer strict bans preventing Covid-positive people from traveling, Dr. Shapiro says it’s best to use common sense. “If you have an active infection, wearing a high-quality mask, such as an N95 or KF94, will help reduce the risk of spreading it to others,” she notes. But if you feel truly ill, Dr. Shapiro recommends postponing travel. Not only will the journey be uncomfortable, but you’ll also be exposing more people during your trip to the virus, especially in shared spaces like airplanes, hotels and restaurants.

Should you wear a mask when flying this season?

Whether or not to wear a mask in public spaces has become a personal choice. However, Dr. Shapiro advises considering the environment. “Indoor, crowded settings, such as airplanes, airports, and trains, are where you’re most likely to contract Covid,” she explains. Masks can still offer protection in these settings, especially for people at higher risk.

Looking ahead to winter travel

Looking forward, there are new Covid variants, such as XEC, emerging across Europe, which may result in a winter surge in the US. Dr. Shapiro recommends staying up-to-date with the latest booster shots, which, while not perfect, provide some level of protection against multiple variants. She also stresses the importance of the flu vaccine, reminding travelers that influenza can be a miserable illness, especially during busy travel seasons.

Ultimately, traveling during the colder months doesn’t have to be fraught with anxiety over Covid, but it does require awareness. From wearing masks in high-risk areas to staying mindful of symptoms, taking small steps can make a big difference in protecting yourself and those around you.

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