But, we are back on schedule today.
I was asked the other day if we thought it was safe to fly. Of course, if we are to be in Europe next month to look at and buy a motorhome, we have to somehow get there right? And the only way to get there from Canada is by airplane.
Many people are not yet ready to fly. We personally know of some avid travelers who say they aren't going anywhere yet if it involves getting on an airplane. Of course with everything in life, it's all about the risk. But very little in life is without risk. So it's all about the level of risk and if the risk is low enough to warrant flying.
Everything I have read says that it is pretty safe to do so.
A "risk management" professor at MIT University did a study this past summer that concluded your odds of catching Covid on a full flight were 1 in 4,300 and if the seat beside you was empty it was 1 in 7,700 . In other words, about the same as going to a grocery store.
See the person who got Covid? He's down in the lower right corner.
Real life studies seem to point in the same direction. Australia has been using contact tracing to investigate Covid transmission on hundreds of flights, and has found that while infected people do get on planes, nobody has got infected on a plane.
When you look at the numbers, it's easy to make a logical decision that doesn't involve emotion. So, what it comes down to is that the odds of being okay are hugely on our side.
Probably the main thing we're worried about is the stupid people. You know... the ones who might remove their mask in order to sneeze, or the ones who think that the rules don't apply to them. Fortunately, we're flying with Westjet and they have been very strict about enforcing the mask rules.
I've also read that the most risky part of the actual flight is boarding and disembarking. You want to try to get on the plane when everybody else is already seated, and get off when everybody else has already left. And you don't want to be one of the people who get out of their seat and crowd the aisle as soon as the plane lands!
Anyhow, bottom line is we don't have a problem with flying... and we are actually looking forward to the adventure!
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The problem a lot of us have is the quarantine period - as working parents, we can't afford to go to certain places due to the mandatory quarantine when we return. I agree, flying is fairly safe!
ReplyDeleteYes, we understand that is a problem. And we have no intention of doing the quarantine again!
DeleteHave you looked into the cost of bringing the RV back to Canada? We are thinking of doing the same thing, Thanks for doing the research for us
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry
No, we haven't looked into it because we have no interest in bringing a European motorhome back to Canada. I have heard people say that it is around $4,000.
DeleteThat's interesting odds. Haven't seen that before.
ReplyDeleteWe thought so too! As you know Kevin always likes to look at the numbers to decide what the risk factor is and by the looks of this as long as you take all the proper precautions, we should be very safe to fly.
DeleteYes, I saw your post about the potential new RV. I wondered why buy across the pond and what the cost is to ship it back to Canada. We picked up a 2013 Navion 24V and 26 ft. It is a dream to drive after the the 29 ft Coachman (1999). Sold one week bought the following week and were on the road west the week after. Excited for you but as a precaution, maybe add a face shield to the mask. That way if you want to eat or drink you will have yourselves covered. Just don't sneeze with it on. Could get messy.
ReplyDeleteWe are not buying the RV in Europe to have shipped back to North America to use. We are buying an RV in Europe to use in Europe and when we are finished traveling there with it then we will sell it in Europe as well.
DeleteDepending on the situation, we figure that we just won't eat on the plane, that way we don't have to remove our masks, however if we don't have anyone sitting close by then we might just eat.
I would agree the actual plane ride is safe travel, but not so much the surfaces within the airports. Stay Safe!
ReplyDeleteThat's when antiseptic wipes, hand sanitisers and hand washing come into play. We will be well prepared and we will be very careful of what we have to touch.
DeleteI've made 3 RT flights since Covid. Not too bad. 2 were on Southwest so middle seats were vacant, very nice. The 3rd flight was American and EVERY SEAT was taken.
ReplyDeleteAt the airport there are many surfaces, so be mindful. However, there's no avoiding the trays at TSA where you put your shoes, phone, etc. On the first flight I was stressing over all the surfaces, but for the 2nd and 3rd flights, I avoided what I could, then as soon as I exited TSA I went to the restroom washed my hands. And after I got seated on the plane, I wiped down the surfaces then my hands. I also chose to sit at the back of the plane at the window. Reason being...when the plane stops, social distancing is forgotten and everyone bunches up in the aisles waiting to disembark. Seated in the back, no one was hanging over me for those 10 minutes.
TSA allows you to carry liquid sanitizers over the 3.4oz limit so I had my spray bottle plus a tub of wipes. Check with your airport security to see if they do the same.
As I said, it wasn't bad... just be mindful and wash and spray.
That's a good idea about sitting near the back of the plane, the only issue with that would be that on our long flight we would have people standing nearby as they wait for people to finish in the toilets.
DeleteAs for the surfaces in the airport, we will be like you and use antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizers and hand washing and we will be very cognisant of what we will be coming in contact with and only touch surfaces that we absolutely can't avoid.
Its alwasy best to assume it is dangerous, that way you are more careful. I dont think surgaces are the issue, they disinfect the plane first anyway. The danger is airborne from others
ReplyDeleteWe intend to be very cautious and will be taking all the necessary precautions!
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