Did you know that the average traveler spends over 50 hours a year in airplanes? The Truely eSim team has uncovered alarming insights from experts about in-flight air quality and the effectiveness of airplane filters. “The sky is not a limit if you have the right equipment.” That’s the mantra of many aviation experts while discussing in-flight safety measures. But when it comes to airborne pathogens, can the typical airplane filtration systems guarantee passengers a safe journey?
The Science Behind Airplane Filters
Airplanes rely on High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters to maintain cabin air quality. Originally designed in the 1940s to prevent radioactive particles from escaping laboratories, these filters are now a mainstay in many areas involving air quality, including commercial aviation.
Key features of HEPA filters include:
- They can filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 99.97 percent efficiency rate.
- HEPA filters are non-renewable and need to be replaced periodically.
- They don’t generate harmful byproducts or ionize the air which is bad for allergies and respiratory conditions.
- HEPA filters eliminate airborne particles, but not gases or smells.
“HEPA filters are a robust line of defense against most microbial threats,” says Alexandra Bowman, a leading travel consultant at Truely eSIM. “While they might not eliminate all health risks, they significantly reduce the presence of airborne particles that can carry viruses and bacteria.”
Are There Regulations for Airplane Filters?
Despite their critical role in maintaining in-flight air quality, there is currently no federal mandate in the U.S. requiring the use of HEPA filters on airplanes. This leaves the decision up to individual airlines, creating a variable standard across the industry. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) does recommend the use of HEPA filters but does not legally require them. “Given these filters’ capabilities to screen viruses, it would be prudent for regulatory bodies to universally mandate their use in aircraft, recognizing the potential health threats that airborne pathogens pose,” says Bowman.
Pro Tip: Before booking a flight, check with the airline about their filtration strategy. Most and not all airlines voluntarily use HEPA filters and highlight this feature in their marketing materials.
Are You Really Protected in the Sky?
Airborne transmission poses a significant risk of infection, especially in confined spaces like airplane cabins. While HEPA filters are effective in reducing the risk, they do not offer a 100 percent guarantee of protection since they are heavily reliant on the quality of air that passes through it which is why wearing masks onboard even when the pandemic is over is still recommended.
“Passengers should take their protection seriously, enact personal measures such as wearing masks, frequently washing their hands, and maintaining good personal hygiene,” says Bowman. “This, combined with HEPA filters, significantly limits the risks.”
In understanding the protection HEPA filters provide, it is crucial to grasp the extent of their efficacy. They carry the weight of responsibility in maintaining the purity of cabin air quality, despite the lack of regulation, and contribute significantly to mitigating the risk of infection. However, individual responsibility also plays an indispensable role in ensuring a safe flight. So, determine your risk levels, take proactive measures, and fly with caution.
