Many people have questions about flight safety. Here are some links and some thoughts on flying this fall and winter.
The airline industry understands safety perhaps better than any other. U.S. air travel is incredibly safe. Amidst global pandemic, the airline industry has turned its attention to preventing the spread of the corona virus. Masking is required, airports are sparkling clean, air filtration systems run on high. A recent National Geographic article explains why flying is safe than you think.
A recent study by Arnold Barnett of MIT finds that the risks associated with COVID-19 while flying are comparable to “two hours of everyday activities during the pandemic.” Another article published in Forbes compares the risk of COVID-19 during air travel higher than that of overall airline safety and less than the risk of being struck by lightning.
Nationally, air travel is recovering steadily. On August 16th, air traffic as measured by TSA was about one-third that of the previous year, yet almost ten times more than recorded on April 14th.
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Airport offers service to some of the largest airline hubs in the country, allowing visitors to connect from almost every airport in the country. United Airlines provides year-round service to Denver (DEN). This winter United will fly non-stop from Houston and American Airlines will fly non-stop from Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW).
American Airlines and United Airlines web sites provide more information on both what they are doing and what they are requiring of their passengers to ensure the safest possible air travel experience. Please take a few minutes to learn more as you consider your next airline travel experience.
