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• COVID-19 travel advice

Lower your risk of COVID-19 as you travel for a safe and fun adventure.

Successful travel starts with being prepared for the unexpected. Coronavirus disease 2019, known as COVID-19, is now a part of standard travel planning.

As you choose a destination, travel group or event, add COVID-19 to the list of things to research. When packing for yourself or anyone you're caring for on the trip, consider COVID-19 prevention and testing.

No one wants to plan for the worst. But having a plan in case you catch the COVID-19 virus while traveling can save time if you need medical care.

To start, it can help to ask these basic questions as you make plans.

Am I up to date with my COVID-19 vaccine?

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent serious illness, the need for hospital care and death due to COVID-19 .

If you need a vaccine, plan to get it at least a few weeks before you travel. Protection from the vaccine isn't immediate.

Am I, a travel companion or a person I live with at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness?

Many people with COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild illness. But for older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions, COVID-19 can lead to the need for care in the hospital or death.

If you or those around you are at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness, take extra safety measures during or after travel.

Ask a healthcare professional if there are any specific actions you should take.

Does my destination, tour group or event need proof that I had a COVID-19 vaccine? Do I need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test?

The country you travel to may not need to know your COVID-19 status. But you might need the information for other reasons.

Events, venues or tour groups might require proof that you are COVID-19 negative or are up to date on a COVID-19 vaccine. Check before you go so you have all the paperwork you need.

What's the plan if I get COVID-19 on my trip?

No one wants to get sick while traveling. But in case you do, it helps to know where you can get medical care and whether you'll be able to stay apart from others while you have symptoms.

Put together a COVID-19 kit with rapid home tests, masks, a thermometer, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Before you leave, gather health information from your healthcare professional. Make sure it gives the details on any health conditions you're managing and medicine you take.

COVID-19 spread during travel

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. When the virus is spreading, spending time indoors with a crowd of people raises your risk of catching it. The risk is higher if the indoor space has poor airflow.

The coronavirus is carried by a person's breath.

The virus spreads when a person with COVID-19 breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings or talks. The droplets or particles the infected person breathes out could possibly be breathed in by other people if they are close together or in areas with low airflow.

The virus carried by a person's breath can land directly on the face of a nearby person, after a sneeze or cough, for example. And people may touch a surface that has respiratory droplets and then touch their faces with hands that have the coronavirus on them.

Clean hands

While you travel, one way to lower your risk of COVID-19 is to clean your hands often.

Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before making food or eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If you touch something that others regularly touch, such as an elevator button or a handrail, make sure to clean your hands afterward.

Also, try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Wearing a face mask is another way to lower your risk of COVID-19 .

Travel brings people together from areas where viruses may be spreading at higher levels. Masks can help slow the spread of respiratory viruses in general, including the COVID-19 virus.

Masks help the most in places with low airflow and where you are in close contact with other people. Also, masks can help if viruses are spreading at high levels in the places you travel to or through.

Masking is especially important if you or a companion have a high risk of serious COVID-19 illness. Choose the most protective mask that fits well and is comfortable.

Get the COVID-19 vaccine

As the virus that causes COVID-19 changes, COVID-19 vaccines are updated, so stay up to date with the recommended shots.

Know when the COVID-19 virus is spreading in your area

Check with health agencies in the area to see where the COVID-19 virus is spreading. Information about the spread of the virus may include the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 or the number of people who test positive for the disease.

Keep some space around you

Choose outdoor activities and keep some distance between yourself and others. Poor airflow plus lots of people crowded together equals a higher chance you'll come in contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 .

If you can, try to avoid spending time with people who have COVID-19 symptoms or who are sick.

There will likely be times during travel when you don't have a choice about how close you are to others. Here are some tips for air travel, public transportation and lodging.

The risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from air travel is thought to be low.

Air in the plane's cabin changes over quickly during the flight, being replaced every few minutes in some planes. Airplane air also is often filtered. So germs, including viruses, are trapped before they spread.

The air flowing down from vents above the seats in each row may help keep germs from spreading. Seats also may act as a barrier to germ spread on a plane, unless the person who is ill is sitting close to you.

You can help lower your risk by spreading out to keep distance between you and others when you can and cleaning your hands regularly.

Wearing a mask in crowded areas, such as security lines and bathrooms, can help protect you from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Trains, buses and cars

Trains and buses may have good airflow and air filtering. But check before you travel so you know what to expect. When a vehicle is crowded, wear a face mask and take other steps, such as cleaning your hands.

Taxis and private cars used for ride-sharing may not have air filtering. But in most cases, rolling down a window could be an option to improve airflow.

Rental car companies may post their cleaning policies on the internet, or you can ask directly when you book the vehicle.

Hotels and other lodging

Cleaning protocols at hotels, vacation rentals and other lodging have largely returned to the way they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have questions about how hosts or businesses protect guests, contact them directly. In public areas of hotels, take steps to lower your risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 .

Put safety first

Despite your planning, an illness may delay or cancel your trip. Stay home if you or anyone you're traveling with has:

• Symptoms of COVID-19 , such as fever or new loss of taste or smell.
• Taken a COVID-19 test and is waiting for results.
• Been diagnosed with COVID-19 .

Keep watch for serious symptoms of COVID-19 , such as trouble breathing or chest pain. If you or a person you're taking care of has symptoms that worry you, get help.

Once the fever is gone and symptoms are getting better, you may choose to travel. But for about five days after feeling better, you could still give others the virus that causes COVID-19 . Take extra actions to protect the people around you.

• Wear a mask.
• Keep your distance from others, especially when indoors.
• Clean your hands regularly.
• Keep the air flowing by turning on fans or opening windows when you can.

If you start to feel worse or your fever comes back, avoid being around others again until you feel better.

Stay flexible

With COVID-19 vaccinations, testing and treatment, events and travel are back to typical levels in many places. But as waves of COVID-19 outbreaks happen, it's important to stay flexible with your plans. Knowing whether the COVID-19 virus is spreading in your area or in places where you're traveling can help you make decisions about whether to go and what to put on your agenda.

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• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel advice for the general public. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-advice-for-the-general-public. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/covid-19. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obtaining health care abroad. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/health-care-abroad/health-care-abroad. Accessed May 15, 2024.
• Goldman L, et al., eds. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, community prevention, and prognosis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 16, 202.
• Taking steps for cleaner air for respiratory virus prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/air-quality.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How COVID-19 spreads. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• COVID-19 overview and infection prevention and control priorities in non-U.S. healthcare settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/non-us-settings/overview/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Hygiene and respiratory viruses prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/hygiene.html. Accessed May 14, 2024.
• About handwashing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Masking during travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/masks. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Masks and respiratory virus prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/masks.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• About physical distancing and respiratory viruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/physical-distancing.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• How can ventilation reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 on airplanes? World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-travel-advice-for-the-general-public. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Bielecki M, et al. Air travel and COVID-19 prevention in the pandemic and peri-pandemic period: A narrative review. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101915.
• Symptoms of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.
• Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html. Accessed May 16, 2024.

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• Travel Tips

Is It Safe to Fly Right Now? Here's What Experts Have to Say

We spoke with medical, aviation, and travel experts to answer the question of whether or not it’s safe to fly during the pandemic. The answer is complicated, full of caveats, and, ultimately, a personal decision.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

Last summer, after months of stay-at-home orders and closed borders, cities around the world began the process of reopening , travel restrictions started to soften, and leisure travelers were itching to hit the road again. We saw travelers dip their toes back in with road trips , daylong excursions, and camping getaways , while others headed back into the sky.

As we look toward summer travel this year, you might be wondering: Is it safe to fly right now? According to the medical, mathematical, aviation, and travel experts we spoke with, the answer is complicated and comes with numerous caveats. While it may be safe to fly, that doesn't mean it's without risk. Ultimately, flying during the pandemic requires weighing the many variables and deciding how comfortable you feel getting back on a plane. Here's what the experts have to say.

How clean is the plane?

While specific cleaning procedures and the frequency with which they're carried out vary by airline, most major carriers are disinfecting planes between flights, giving extra attention to high-touch surfaces and bathrooms. Additionally, airlines like United, JetBlue, Hawaiian, Delta, and Southwest have implemented electrostatic antimicrobial sprays to thoroughly disinfect every nook and cranny of the cabin, either overnight or between certain flights.

However, some fliers we spoke with have noted a slump in enhanced cleaning practices on board over time, particularly in the cabin, citing leftover wrappers, crumbs, or smudges in their seating area, though this depends on the specific airline and flight. Luckily, any lack of visible cleaning is something passengers can rectify on their end by wiping down their personal area as soon as they board. Most airlines offer disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer, though all of the experts we spoke with suggested bringing your own just to be safe.

Many airplanes also use HEPA filters , which completely refresh the cabin air throughout the flight and work to filter out over 99% of airborne viruses, bacteria, and other contagions. However, as reported in an August 2020 National Geographic article, that's only effective for air that has made it through the filtration system. If you're sitting next to someone who is shedding the virus and not wearing a mask, you run the risk of inhaling virus particles before they can be filtered through the HEPA system. Plus, some airplane filtration systems do not start running at full capacity until the aircraft is airborne, meaning the air is not being recycled and filtered at the same rate when the plane is taxiing or grounded. That's why wearing masks as much as possible for the duration of a flight is imperative.

Is it safer to fly domestically or internationally?

Travelers should consider the same factors — safety protocols, seat spacing, aircraft cleanliness, and flight time — for both types of flights. The main differentiating points to look at when deciding whether to fly domestic or international don't actually have to do with the flights themselves but focus rather on external variables, such as where you're going, infection levels at your destination, what precautions are in place, if you'll have access to adequate health care, and any travel restrictions or quarantine rules.

Dr. Winfried Just , a researcher in mathematical epidemiology and professor at Ohio University, and Dr. Georgine Nanos , a board-certified physician specializing in epidemiology, both agreed that a long-haul flight could be riskier, but only because it leaves the door open that much longer for potential exposures. Longer flights mean more people using the bathrooms, more instances of masks being removed (even if just temporarily for eating and drinking), more exposure to anyone nearby who might be shedding the virus, and so on. Since both domestic and international flights can last anywhere between one hour and double-digits, it's safer to choose destinations with shorter overall flight times.

Flying internationally carries a few pros that many domestic flights do not, namely due to the entry requirements of several overseas destinations. Many times, proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken preflight or an on-site PCR test at the airport is required to board the plane. While pretesting functions as a way to keep any COVID-positive passengers from boarding flights, it's not a foolproof method.

When it comes to flying during the pandemic, safety is measured on a sliding scale. Dr. Just cautions that "safe is never 100% safe," since it's impossible to completely eliminate risk.

Consider safety protocols and enforcement.

There is evidence that wearing a face mask is key to preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, making this one of the easiest ways to help mitigate risk while traveling. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came out with a statement saying that masks not only protect the wearer, but also people around them .

Following a federal ruling in April 2022 , the mask mandate for planes, trains, and airports was voided. U.S. airlines and airports no longer enforce mask-wearing, but the ruling may not apply if you are flying internationally. Although many countries have also lifted their mask rules for travel, you should confirm which rules are in place with your airline before your trip.

Is it safer in business or first class?

For travelers wondering whether it's worth splurging for a seat in business or first class for added safety, it depends. While the experts agreed that there is likely to be more overall space, especially between passengers in first class, it's probably not going to make much of a difference, unless you're in a particularly secluded seat or suite. It's also worth noting that food and drink service has made its return with meal selections that go beyond snack boxes and drink options that include beer and wine.

Expect changes in flight schedules.

While flights are operating at much higher percentages than a year ago, some airlines are still operating fewer routes. Fewer available flights mean a smaller breadth of options when it comes to choosing what time or day to fly. Ideally, you should aim for nonpeak flight times, but it may just come down to what's available. As demand rises and airlines test their legs and schedules, domestic flights are more likely to ebb and flow, so expect disruptions , sudden changes, and/or flight consolidations. Depending on demand, the airline may change, cancel, or rebook you.

Is it safe to fly with family or friends?

If you're traveling with anyone else — be it, family, friends, or a significant other — consider yourselves as one unit. "Family should sit together," said Dr. Just. "Significant others and close friends, they should sit together — and away from others." Splitting up or dispersing around the plane only increases the amount of exposure of the unit.

Are there alternative options to commercial flights?

For those who can afford it, private charters offer a safer space, control over the details, and overall less risk than commercial flights. Andy Christie, global private jets director at Air Charter Service , a global charter brokerage service that helps connect travelers with private charter flights, said taking a private charter flight can almost "completely minimize the risk of transmission," simply by reducing the number of contact points and exposures. Private charters eliminate the need to wait in lines, share a plane with strangers, or even step foot inside a terminal.

The hop-on, short-haul jet service JSX offers a compromise: a private jet experience at near-commercial prices (fares include checked bags, seat assignments, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol). Their flights operate out of private hangars and terminals, and planes have been reconfigured from 50 seats down to 30, giving passengers around 36 inches of seat pitch — or a similar experience to business class seats on a major domestic airline. CEO Alex Wilcox said JSX has also implemented new pandemic-focused safety features and procedures, like enhanced cleaning.

What about airports?

When we talk about flying, we also have to assume the risks of being in the airport. Overall, airports are doing their part to create safe, clean spaces for travelers. Henry Harteveldt, a travel analyst and principal at Atmosphere Research, said some precautions include touchless kiosks, frequent cleaning, hand sanitizer stations, self-removal of personal items during security checks, and plexiglass shields in front of traveler-facing employees, from gate agents to shop cashiers.

"Airports are required to follow local laws or guidelines," explained Harteveldt. "So, if there's a state or local guideline that says that face coverings are required, you are required as a passenger to keep your face mask on." He noted there are exceptions, like if you're eating or drinking, or going through TSA and need to pull down your mask to show identification.

Still, Dr. Nanos urges travelers to make a comparative risk assessment. "Take the same precautions that you would be indoors, whether you're going to a restaurant or movie theater," she advised.

Is flying safer now that more people are vaccinated?

Now that vaccines are available throughout the United States, more people may feel comfortable flying again. Bryan Del Monte, an aviation industry expert and president of The Aviation Agency, said, "As more people get vaccinated, flights are undoubtedly going to be safer." He added, "The vaccinated are less likely to transmit illness, less likely to contract any serious illness, and their vaccination helps negate the challenges of the two biggest factors in getting people sick on an aircraft: duration of exposure and proximity. Thus, as vaccination rates increase, I would conclude that airline travel becomes less and less likely a significant source of COVID-19 transmission." Note that booster shots are also now readily available which help strengthen the protection your vaccine provides. You can get your booster shots five months after your second dose of the vaccine.

It is important to note with new variants, spreading COVID-19 can happen whether or not you are vaccinated. Per the CDC, wearing a well-fitting mask while you travel can help protect you and others.

Is it safe to fly if you have pre-existing conditions or are in the at-risk category?

Unfortunately, rules and risks shift when it comes to travelers with pre-existing conditions or those who are in the vulnerable category for the novel coronavirus. "COVID-19 is not over," said Dr. Just. "So, think about it in these terms: If you are in that category and you want to take a risk, consider how important it is for you." Dr. Nanos echoed this advice, saying, "It's probably best for those people to kind of lay low for a little while, but again, it's that level of personal risk that everyone is willing to assume."

What about flying during the holiday season or summer vacation?

For the most part, assessing the risks of flying during the holidays or summer vacation season isn't much different than any other time. However, these are traditionally high volume travel periods, and statistically, there has been a spike in COVID-19 cases after long weekends and holidays.

Understand the studies.

There have been multiple studies conducted on the safety of flying during the pandemic — and while some academic studies tout relative safety, other reports of airplane super-spreader events indicate that it is possible for the virus to spread on flights.

The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Each flight will present its own variables and level of risk. In September 2020, after tracing 1,600 flights in which someone on board may have had COVID-19, the CDC reported to CNN that nearly 11,000 people were possibly infected from taking flights connected to these cases. The truth is, the lack of contact tracing and the virus' long incubation period make it tough to undoubtedly link cases to flights.

Reduce your overall risk.

The number one thing is to recognize your responsibility. When determining whether or not to fly, consider your fellow passengers. "Start by wearing a face covering," said Harteveldt. "It's a critical step travelers can take to reduce their potential to spread the virus. Remember, you may have the virus and be asymptomatic." His sentiment was echoed by nearly everyone we spoke with. Harteveldt also recommends taking advantage of any and all mobile apps or contactless versions of the process, like using your own personal device to stream in-flight entertainment, avoiding checking bags, and planning your trip so you spend as little time as possible in the airport.

Dr. Just urges travelers to opt for direct flights whenever possible. "It is much safer to take one flight," he said. "If you're taking several legs, you will sit next to several passengers." Direct flights mean fewer airports and exposures overall. In addition to wearing a mask, he also advocates for speaking up "for your own interest and the interest of your fellow passengers" whenever you see someone who is not wearing a mask. Kelly notes that you can also enlist the help of a flight attendant if you don't feel comfortable calling someone out on your own.

Kelly also recommends that travelers reduce their risk by driving themselves to the airport, wearing sunglasses for the duration of the flight to help prevent touching their face, investing in a face covering that will not easily fall down or slip, and packing their own snacks since in-flight service and airport vendors may be minimal.

Other expert tips include opening the in-flight air vent to help circulate the air around you, bringing your own stash of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes and wiping down your entire seating area, packing your own blanket and pillow (provided you wash them between uses), and immediately sanitizing your hands every time you touch any surfaces or possible contaminants.

"If you want to wear a contraption or scrub down your seat, I would say that judgment is no longer there," said Kelly. "Self-admittedly, I was not a big seat scrubber — not that I judged people who did — but now it's the norm. So have at it, and don't feel bad about having your own cleaning processes or your own food on the plane."

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Is flying safer than driving?

There have been effectively zero deaths per 100 million passenger miles traveled by air in the US each year from 2002 to 2020.

Published Tue, December 19, 2023 by the USAFacts Team

Air travel [1] is safer than driving on highways in the US, according to data from the US Department of Transportation (DoT). Passenger injuries and fatalities in air travel were significantly lower than in passenger cars and trucks for each year between 2002 and 2020. Flying is also safer than riding subways [2] , trains [3] , buses [4] , and motorcycles.

What is the safest way to travel?

Air travel is the safest form of transit in the US. Injury and death rates in air travel in the US have been near zero each year since 2002, and the number of aviation accidents declined from 2000 to 2021.

Comparing passenger injuries

From 2002 to 2020, there were 614 total serious injuries in US air travel , an average of 32 injuries per year. In that same time, 44 million people were injured in passenger cars and trucks on US highways — that’s approximately 2.3 million per year.

The average annual injury rate for air travel was .01 injuries per 100 million passenger miles traveled, compared with 48 injuries for the same distance traveled in cars and trucks.

Comparing passenger deaths

From 2002 to 2020, there were 755 deaths during air travel in the US on domestic carriers. Nearly 75% of these deaths occurred in accidents involving on-demand air taxis, smaller aircraft of 30 seats or fewer that operate on an on-demand basis. Passenger car and truck accidents logged 498,016 deaths on US highways over that same time frame, an average of 26,211 fatalities per year.

Effectively, there have been zero deaths per 100 million passenger air travel miles each year from 2002 to 2020. The average annual fatality rate over that time was .01 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. The death rate for passenger cars and trucks on US highways — though it declined from 0.7 deaths per 100 million passenger miles in 2002 to 0.5 deaths in 2020 — remains significantly higher.

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Injuries and deaths for different modes of transportation

The DoT records injuries and fatalities for all modes of passenger transportation, including motorcycles, railroads, subways and light rail systems, and buses. Each of those modes had higher injury and fatality rates than air travel in the US in 2019.

How safe is highway driving?

About 2.3 million people were injured on US highways in 2020. More than half (54%) of those injuries occurred in passenger cars, while 34% were in light trucks, 4% on motorcycles, and 2% were in large trucks. The remainder were pedestrians, bicyclists, or occupants of an unknown vehicle.

There were also 30,250 vehicle-occupant fatalities on highways in 2020: 45% of those happened in passenger cars, 34% in light trucks, and 18% on motorcycles. The remainder were occupants of large trucks. In addition to the 30,250 vehicle passenger deaths on highways, there were also 6,516 pedestrian deaths and 938 bicyclist deaths.

Injury rates for passenger vehicles and trucks have gradually declined, from more than 54 injuries per 100 million passenger miles in 2016 to just under 43 in 2021.

How safe is public transit?

US public transit systems accounted for 7,209 passenger injuries and 29 fatalities in 2022, the most recent year of available DoT data. Public transit includes buses, heavy rail (including subways), light rail, monorails, ferries, and other modes of transportation operated by public transit operators.

Buses in particular accounted for 82% of passenger injuries from public transit in 2022 and 34% of transit passenger deaths.

How safe is passenger railroad travel?

Passenger rail includes commuter rail and Amtrak but not local subway systems and streetcars. According to preliminary 2022 data, there were 677 passenger injuries and seven passenger fatalities on passenger railroad services, according to the DoT.

Railroad passenger injuries reached a recent high of 1,812 in 2016 and fell into the triple digits during 2020 (401 injuries), 2021 (525), and 2022 (677). Over the same period, the number of railroad miles traveled fell 66%.

How safe is air travel?

In 2019, US air carriers reported 31 serious injuries and 38 fatalities, according to the DoT. In 2020, the latest year on record, there were 17 injuries and 26 deaths; as noted, most of these were in on-demand air taxis. (Between 2019 and 2020, the number of air passenger miles traveled also fell, by nearly 60%.)

Forty percent of all air travel deaths in this century happened in 2001, the year of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Explore more data on US transportation and infrastructure , see how many pedestrians and cyclists are killed by cars , and get the facts directly in your inbox by subscribing to our weekly newsletter .

Where does this data come from, and what is it missing?

The Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics compiles annual data on fatalities and injuries for each mode of transportation.

Different modes of transportation have slightly different definitions of injuries. Passenger vehicle data in this analysis only includes injuries or fatalities that happen on highways and injuries that require medical attention away from the crash scene. Department of Transportation passenger vehicle data does not include non-highway incidents and injuries addressed at the scene of an incident and does not include non-passenger injuries or fatalities, such as pedestrians hit by cars or transit vehicles. Air travel data does not distinguish between passengers and non-passengers, like pilots and crew, and only records injuries that require hospitalization for at least 48 hours or involve serious fractures, tissue damage, or burns.

Air travel includes all scheduled flights by US domestic airlines, scheduled commuter flights, and on-demand air taxi services.

Subways are included in data for rail transit, which includes heavy rail (like subway systems), light rail, streetcars, and hybrid rail. It does not include commuter rail like Amtrak which is captured separately.

The term "trains" is used interchangeably with "railroads" throughout. Railroads include commuter rail and Amtrak.

Bus transit includes commuter bus, motor bus, rapid bus, and trolley bus. It does not include school buses or intercity buses like Greyhound.

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Experts Say This Is the Safest Mode of Transportation During COVID-19

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

As the coronavirus pandemic rages on into its fifth month of lockdowns and canceled events, pent-up demand has many wondering about the safest way to travel, among the options that make the most sense now. Condé Nast Traveler consulted medical, travel, and statistical experts to weigh the relative risks when traveling by commercial airlines, Amtrak, and private cars during this pandemic—and they’re largely in agreement on which choices are best.

It's worth noting that these recommendations assume equality between choices. For example, some may not have the time to drive, while others may not have the money to fly, and of course it’s not an option to take a train from California to Hawaii. But for travelers able to choose among the three, the experts can help you decide the transportation method with which you're most comfortable .

To travel or not to travel

First things first: You need to determine who should travel, and if the trip is even necessary. The World Health Organization provides detailed advice on “essential travel” and lists those who should postpone or cancel trips, including older travelers and those with chronic illnesses, underlying health conditions, and confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control’s “ Considerations for Travelers—Coronavirus in the U.S. ” page states: “Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. People at higher risk for severe illness need to take extra precautions.”

“I think we’re still learning a lot about this virus’s ability to transmit infectivity, plus the pre-symptomatic infection spread is daunting,” says Chris Hendel, a long-time medical researcher associated with the USC Gehr Family Center for Health Systems Science and Innovation.

What follows are breakdowns applicable to all three travel modes: air, rail, and highway.

The pros and cons of air travel

Risk of contracting the virus when traveling on airline starts at the airport. The CDC notes on its website that “air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals," which "can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces." Once on board the plane, social distancing could be difficult, depending on the airline's policy. On crowded flights, where you might have to sit within less than six feet for hours, your chances for risk of exposure could go up.

But there’s also good news. “Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes,” according to the CDC. That's because the majority of aircraft in airline fleets have high-grade HEPA filters (high-efficiency particulate air) that can remove up to 99.999 percent of airborne particles. This provides extremely effective, but not perfect, protection against airborne viruses. Close contact between those on board in the aisles or while boarding—especially if some fliers aren't wearing masks—can mean exposure when air passengers exhale and, potentially, to the virus as well.

Compounding these concerns is that the U.S. Department of Transportation has failed to mandate any regulations for commercial air travel nationwide. In July the DOT issued a 44-page set of recommendations for commercial air travel, but since these are only suggestions and not enforceable, the nation’s airports, airlines, and passengers are left with a patchwork of different, and ineffective opt-in rules. In practical terms, this means airline policies on face coverings vary, and in some cases are not enforced. Members of Congress, flight attendant and pilot unions, as well as passenger advocates are calling on the DOT to mandate uniform protocols, and Consumer Reports has launched a petition that has more than 60,000 signatures.

What’s more, among the nation’s four largest airlines, currently two— Delta and Southwest —are blocking middle seats. But the other two— American and United —are not blocking them. Adding to the confusion is the fact that such seating policies also vary among smaller and foreign carriers.

This is particularly important because a recent study by Dr. Arnold Barnett, professor of Statistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, found that on U.S. jet aircraft, “the risk of contracting COVID-19 from a nearby passenger is about 1 in 4,300." On planes with blocked middle seats, "that risk falls to about 1 in 7,700,” the study says. In fact, the coronavirus mortality risks for air travelers are now “considerably higher” than the threat of an airline crash, according to Barnett's study, a rather startling conclusion considering the usual statistical safety of commercial flight.

Trains have some safety advantages over planes.

The pros and cons of train travel

Amtrak offers health advantages that airlines can’t. Many stations are outdoors, there are fewer bottlenecks for check-in, and no security screening. Even so, the CDC does warn that “traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within six feet of others.”

Last week a team of researchers from China and the U.K. published a lengthy analysis of the risk of COVID-19 transmission among train passengers. “Our study shows that although there is an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission on trains, a person’s seat location and travel time in relation to an infectious person can make a big difference as to whether it is passed on,” wrote the study's lead investigator, Shengjie Lai of the University of Southampton.

In this regard, Amtrak already has an advantage over most commercial aircraft since there are no middle seats on its trains. And a new initiative on Amtrak’s reserved trains is that bookings are limited, so that passengers traveling alone will have an empty adjacent seat. Also, Amtrak—like many airlines—states it has taken measures such as enhanced cleaning and mandatory face coverings for passengers and crew.

Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, notes that an Amtrak coach changes the air about 12 to 15 times per hour, and supplies 15 pounds of fresh air per minute per passenger; social distancing and masks are critical factors as well. Overall, Mathews is optimistic. “We are reasonably confident Amtrak’s measures will be effective, with the proviso that they are actually followed.”

The pros and cons of car travel

When it comes to driving, the obvious advantage is that you can control who gets into the vehicle with you. But the CDC warns there could be other unforeseen risks. “Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and surfaces,” the agency notes. That said, your own car can provide much more protection than public forms of transportation, assuming you are traveling with family members or others who have been screened or vetted.

But what if it’s not your car? In the case of rental vehicles, major firms such as Avis , Enterprise , and Hertz have all pledged enhanced cleaning and social distancing upon check-in. Enterprise details 21 separate automotive parts that are sanitized, from mirrors to cupholders.

Which form of transportation is the safest way to travel?

Barnett, the MIT professor, expanded his analysis of airline empty middle seats by formulating a statistical study on traveling by car, exclusively for Traveler . “Assuming that the driver and passengers do not have COVID-19, the [highest] mortality risk of a 1,000 mile trip would arise from auto accidents," he says. "Assuming that those who would fly are relatively safe drivers, an estimate of the risk tied to U.S. auto deaths per billion miles driven in 2018 would be about one in three million. That is lower than the COVID-related death risk associated with a 1,000 mile flight, which I estimate as 1 death per 600,000 passengers if the plane is 2/3 full. The huge safety advantage of flying 1,000 miles nonstop rather than driving, pre-COVID, has disappeared as of August 2020.”

USC’s Hendel agrees. “If you have to—and can afford it—I think traveling by car is the safest option right now, in part because you’re not traveling with another person whose risk of infection may be unknown," he says. "Essentially you aren’t sharing the breathing space with someone who could be infected. But of course, one needs to be very cautious about stopping while traveling by car. I think train travel might possibly have an edge over air travel. Regardless, everyone should be wearing a mask on the train or in the plane.”

And Dr. Karl Neumann, a pediatric travel expert and founder of the site KidsTravelDoc.com is blunt in assessing the risks for children. “Amtrak is better than air travel, but car travel is much better than airlines and trains,” he says. “The most important [protections] are proper spacing and masks.”

Other tips to consider

• If you’re traveling on any form of public transportation, the earliest departures of the day are best, since airplanes, trains, and buses are more likely to be heavily disinfected overnight.
• Carry extra masks/face coverings, gloves, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol).
• On an airplane or train, wipe down your immediate area, including armrests, seat backs, tray tables, seatbelts, air vents, window shades, light controls, etc.
• In a rental car, wipe down “touch points” such as steering wheel, gear shift, door/window/seat handles and controls, seatbelts, mirrors, radio and control knobs, visors, etc.

We're reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.

How Safe Are You From Covid When You Fly?

By Mika Gröndahl Tariro Mzezewa Or Fleisher and Jeremy White April 17, 2021

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To understand how risky it may be to board a flight now, start with how air circulates in a plane.

More people are flying every day, as Covid restrictions ease and vaccinations accelerate. But dangerous variants have led to deadly new outbreaks, raising questions about just how safe it is to travel now.

In most single-aisle models, you are constantly breathing a mixture of fresh and recirculated air.

On this plane, air is blown in from ceiling ducts and sucked out through vents near the floors. Half of the air that is sucked out is released from the plane, and the other half is filtered and eventually sent back into the cabin.

With the help of researchers, we simulated more than 2 million air particles to understand how they flow within the cabin, and how potential viral elements may pose a risk.

Air is refreshed roughly every two to three minutes — a higher rate than in grocery stores and other indoor spaces, experts say. It’s one reason, in addition to safety protocols, that there have not been many superspreader events documented on flights.

The high exchange rate on planes forces new and existing cabin air to mix evenly, with the goal of minimizing pockets of air that could become stale or linger for too long.

But that doesn’t mean flights are completely safe. This is what happens when someone wearing a mask sneezes on board. Note: Particles are not to scale.

As air blows from the sides, particles move toward the aisle, where they combine with air from the opposite row.

Not all particles are the same size, and most don’t contain infectious viral matter. But if passengers nearby weren’t wearing masks, even briefly to eat a snack, the sneezed air could increase their chances of inhaling viral particles.

This is what would happen if people sneezed in different parts of the plane. To prevent air from circulating throughout the cabin, the ventilation system keeps it contained to a few rows.

By design, the ventilation system is integral to how a plane operates: The system is powered by the engines that propel the plane, constantly sucking in outside air that is then pressurized and conditioned to control for temperature.

Pressurization plays a key role because air at cruising altitude is thin — good for flying fast, but not great for providing oxygen to breathe.

After air snakes into the plane and is conditioned, it eventually climbs up riser pipes to the ceiling ducts that help distribute the air into the cabin.

Throughout the flight, cabin air is periodically sucked through two HEPA filters into a manifold under the floor, where fresh and recirculated air are mixed. Each filter has 12 panels of densely pleated fiberglass mesh that catch most microscopic particles.

Ventilation systems vary slightly among plane makers, but most have similar filtration and recirculation methods.

Once air has been pulled out of the cabin, the portion that will not be recirculated leaves the rear of the plane through a valve that helps to constantly adjust cabin pressure.

The Risks Beyond Flights

How air flows in planes is not the only part of the safety equation, according to infectious-disease experts: The potential for exposure may be just as high, if not higher, when people are in the terminal, sitting in airport restaurants and bars or going through the security line.

As more people fly — nearly 1.5 million people passed through U.S. airports on Friday — congestion and crowding in parts of the airport can make physical distancing a greater challenge.

Airports vary in size and passenger volume, configurations and on-location businesses, Harvard researchers found. That could increase the chances of exposure depending on where people linger and for how long.

Going to in-terminal restaurants, for example, can be risky because masks are routinely removed and kept off to eat.

The Harvard researchers found that many airports were not designed to mitigate the airborne spread of respiratory pathogens. Although some airports have installed new or additional filtration systems, distancing, vigilance and other safety practices are still crucial.

“The challenge isn’t just on a plane,” said Saskia Popescu, an epidemiologist specializing in infection prevention. “Consider the airport and the whole journey.”

Methodology

The particle air flow simulation was conducted using a later version Boeing 737NG as the model for the cabin interior, which only has side air inlets. The model accounted for passengers occupying all of the seats. A computational-fluid dynamics code system known as FEFLO was then used to simulate the flow of more than 2.5 million particles.

A large number of very small particles were introduced at the cabin inflow ducts, in part to ascertain the movement of pathogens that may have passed through the HEPA filters without being caught. The simulation showed that the air close to passengers' heads had been in the cabin for less than 50 seconds. The first 10 frames of the particle flow animation were slowed down for clarity.

Different positions of sneezes were simulated as part of the modeling, and only smaller particles were used to estimate what may become airborne. This assumed face coverings could block larger particles expelled during a sneeze that can otherwise land on surfaces and body parts. Particles in this visualization were scaled up for presentation purposes.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Hanoi, Vietnam:  Though affectionately known by some residents as “the world’s biggest village,” the 1,000-year-old Vietnamese capital is a place of boundless energy and entrepreneurial dynamism .

Big Sur:  Some 90% of the economy in this coastal California region relies on visitors. But overtourism, the high cost of living and the effects of global warming create a future of uncertainty .

Sedona, Ariz.:  On a trip to the desert town, a New Age skeptic tries to understand her mystically inclined mother’s beliefs with the help of crystals, meditation and visits to the area’s supposed celestial portals .

The Berkshires:  Take a road trip across this mountainous region of western Massachusetts , popping into breweries, art galleries and pizzerias, as its landscape erupts in autumnal glory.

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Is it safe to travel? Here's what experts say you should know about risks associated with flying, booking hotels or Airbnb, renting cars, and more

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• According to the CDC,  fully vaccinated people can now safely travel in the US .
• However, there are still risks with flying , renting a car , staying in a hotel , or booking an Airbnb .
• Here's what medical and industry experts say you should know before booking travel. 

Finally, the vaccine in response to the novel coronavirus is here. Reports show that half of all US citizens have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and many are eagerly wondering: is it safe to travel right now?

The CDC says so, as you're fully vaccinated . The agency previously advised against all travel, even for vaccinated people, but the new guidance said that should vaccinated individuals want to travel domestically, they may do so without a quarantine period or testing.

Of course, without herd immunity, resuming travel comes with some level of risk. To answer the question, 'is it safe to travel?', Insider Reviews reached out to experts including infectious disease and ER doctors, cleaning specialists, travel industry professionals, and representatives from major rental cars , hotels , Airbnb , and transportation organizations , to reveal both the risks and best practices associated with various forms of travel during a pandemic.

And if you do book a trip that is ultimately postponed or canceled, it's important to understand your cancellation policies and consider options for the best travel insurance .

Wherever you go, follow guidelines and advice set forth by organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. You should also consider whether you're leaving or traveling to a hotspot, so as not to contribute to infection spikes.

And if you need ideas on socially distant locations, we have inspiration for that below, too.

Is it safe to travel? Read on for expert advice on rental cars, flying, hotels, Airbnbs, and more. 

Are rental cars safe.

If you're among the many urban dwellers without a car of your own, you might be wondering if rental cars are safe to drive in a pandemic. For guidance, we talked to several experts, including Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of the division of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo. 

"Remember that most of the transmission of the coronavirus is respiratory — it's not through inanimate objects," says Dr. Russo. "When you're in a rental car, the greatest risk is if you happen to be in the car with someone else and they could be infected."

When it comes to the car itself, the risk is reasonably low. "Even if there's an area you touch that wasn't properly wiped down and might have been contaminated, as long as you don't touch your mouth, nose, and face, and have good hand hygiene in between, you should still be protected," Dr. Russo says. 

Additionally, rental car companies are taking rigorous new cleaning measures under recommendations from various health authorities to sanitize key high-touch areas.

Read the full story on whether rental cars are safe .

Are hotels safe.

Many regular travelers are long-time hotel devotees who adore a beautiful property or sprawling resort filled with high-end amenities and services. But even these frequent hotel guests are likely concerned that staying in one risks exposure to the virus.

After all, checking-into a hotel means mingling with other guests and staff in common spaces like the lobby, elevators, pool decks, spas, and golf courses. When it's time to eat, there are busy restaurants to consider, and that's all assuming your own guest room is properly cleaned and sanitized.

Hotel room objects and furnishings are shared and reused by visitors, sometimes with only hours in between. So, is it safe to stay in a hotel right now?

Dr. Russo says the answer is highly individual. "If it's a trip that is important and necessary, I feel relatively safe using the proper protective measures like wearing a mask, distancing, disinfecting, and hand hygiene."

We also asked him about the worst-case scenario, in which an infected person stayed in your room hours before you. If the housekeeping crew cleaned and sanitized according to guidelines, would you escape risk?

"The answer is probably yes," Dr. Russo says. But, "that's not an ideal scenario." You'd be better off specifically requesting a room no one has stayed in for a day or two." 

He also adds, "Wear a mask during the check-in process, going in the elevator up to your room, or even the stairwell. I'm a big fan of mask use because this magical six-foot zone is based on probability. The closer you are to someone, and the longer you're close to someone that's infectious, the more likely you are to get infected."

Read the full story on whether hotels are safe .

What are hotels' cleaning policies.

Most major hotel chains have announced wide-reaching new cleaning policies made in combination with health experts. These policies also focus on social distancing and contact-free transactions such as virtual check-in and out, digital keys, limited dining, and more.

Dr. Robert Quigley, who serves as the senior vice president and regional medical director of global medical travel risk management company International SOS, spent four days and four nights transforming an Upper East Side hotel into a utilitarian home base for health care workers on the front lines.

"We came in and converted what was a very high end, very luxurious hotel into a laboratory with the objective to protect the health and safety of the employees that were willing to come in and work." 

Now, that work is being replicated in hotels for regular guests, placing technology at the forefront. In addition to adhering to strict CDC guidelines on health and safety, some brands including InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) , Loews , and Best Western are adopting American Hotel & Lodging Association's (AHLA) StaySafe campaign to help facilitate everything from how to conduct a contactless check-in to a new set of cleaning standards and protocols.

Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy hotels rolled out the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council , focusing on treating high-touch surface areas with hospital-grade disinfectants, providing disinfecting wipes in each guest room, and reducing person-to-person contact by removing furniture and installing hand-sanitizing stations. More than 3,200 Marriott hotels will now allow guests to use their phones to check-in, access their rooms, make requests, and order room service without contact.

Similarly, Four Seasons worked with experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine International on its new Lead With Care program for cleanliness and safety. The program promises that restaurants and bars will operate with reduced capacity to allow for social distancing, and the hotel will leverage technology for safety, by way of its Four Seasons app and chat.

Here are the new plans and precautions being taken from major hotel brands around the world .

Is airbnb safe.

Just as some people have always preferred hotels, others choose Airbnb to enjoy more space in residential-style homes that are well-suited for longer vacations, or family and group stays. 

These days, they may seem especially attractive given the fact that you are often booking an entire home that is protected from interaction with others. However, everything from kitchen utensils to linens were used by previous guests.

Airbnb has, however, announced rigorous new procedures including a program known as Enhanced Clean , which all hosts are now required to follow. However, not all hosts are required to take extra measures, so read up on specific listings' protocols if you want to ensure additional protocols are being taken. 

Dr. Russo says that staying in a private Airbnb is likely to be safer than a hotel, given there is generally less direct person-to-person contact. But he also encourages taking extra preventative measures such as running "utensils and dishware through the dishwasher when you get there" and laundering bed linens and towels "so you have control of what you want to be washed and cleaned." The CDC also has stated in its lodging guidelines that private home rentals like Airbnbs are safer than hotels, but only if your stay only includes those from your own household.

To be extra safe, Dr. Russo also suggests running a disinfecting wipe over all flat surfaces, phones, TV remotes, door handles, bathroom faucets, and toilet handles.

Of course, that also means you're now cleaning the home for which you already paid a lofty cleaning fee.

Read the full story on whether Airbnbs are safe .

Hotels vs. vacation rentals: which one is safer.

After breaking down the risks of both hotels and vacation rentals such as Airbnb or Vrbo , no matter the type of lodging you pick, the main factors to consider are the likelihood you'll encounter other people, the number and length of such encounters, and whether the location and region are experiencing high rates of infection.

"When booking any type of lodging, consider how many people you'll be surrounded by, when was the last time someone stayed in that accommodation, and how is the state or city doing in regards to flattening the curve," said Dr. Neil Brown, K Health 's chief diagnosis officer. 

With either choice, be aware of high-touch areas and flat surfaces that might facilitate virus transmission. If possible, book accommodations with a significant margin of time since the last guest stayed in the same space.

The doctors we spoke with agreed private vacation rentals, however, are likely safer than hotels because they come with fewer person-to-person interactions. And, as stated above, the CDC agrees on this point.

"While there is no question hotels are working diligently to keep their hotels clean and sanitized, Airbnb has a huge advantage given that the renter is generally the only one occupying the property," said Dr. Brown. "With Airbnb's new Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, the company provides a better option than public hotel spaces … Double-check to see if the host is participating in the program," he said.

Dr. Russo "absolutely agree[s]" that staying in a private Airbnb, especially one that allows no-contact check-in, such as through a lockbox, is the safer option.

But both doctors recommend seriously evaluating the risks versus rewards with either choice, with Dr. Brown noting, "Personally, I would do my best to avoid traveling altogether, but if it is necessary, I would feel more comfortable staying at an Airbnb after doing my own disinfecting upon arrival."

Read the full story on which is safer: Airbnbs or hotels?

Is flying safe right now.

Entering an airport, waiting in long lines, and sitting next to strangers of unknown backgrounds, for a prolonged period, in a closed setting, all seems about as high-risk as it can get right now.

To determine if flying is safe, we turned to a diverse panel of experts including an infectious disease doctor, an ER doctor, a pilot, a medical advisor for an aviation trade association, and the founders of popular flight deal platforms to discuss the risks of flying during COVID-19, and precautions to mitigate those risks.

First the good news: airports are trying various tactics to minimize contact between people, promote social distancing, and conducting temperature checks. Additionally, airplanes are designed to clean and filter air quickly according to Dr. David Powell, a medical advisor for a trade group that represents most of the world's major passenger airlines and cargo carriers.

"Customers sit facing forward and not toward each other, seat backs provide a barrier, and the limited movement of passengers once seated adds to the onboard protection. Moreover, airflow is less conducive to droplet spread than other indoor environments: flow rates are high, directed in a controlled manner (from ceiling to floor), to limit mixing, and the use of High Efficiency Particulate Air filters ensures that the air supply is pure."

But while these features help reduce risks, they do not eliminate them. Commercial airplane travel still means flying in a confined space with other people. Another passenger's droplet can easily invade your personal space even with no one in the middle seat beside you.

Says Dr. Russo, "Once you're on the flight, you've been dealt a hand. Hopefully, everyone around you isn't infected, but you just don't know for sure. A longer flight is going to be a greater risk even though the air is handled pretty well because it's a close space, exposed to other individuals, and the time of exposure is longer."

If you must fly, wear your best mask, sanitize all surfaces, and try to avoid eating, drinking, or using the lavatory.

Read the full story on whether flying is safe right now, including a sample of airlines' current COVID-19 policies .

Is train travel safe.

Trains offer another way to approach getting from point A to point B, for both regional and long-distance routes. For travelers who prefer to stick closer to the ground and avoid planes, or for those who would rather nap, read, and take in the sights over managing navigation and traffic, trains offer a solid alternate option.

And while you'll have more space to spread out than in an airplane, traveling by train still generally involves interfacing with many people — so, is train travel safe? Like other facets of travel, the answer depends on your set of circumstances. However, there are ways to minimize risk. 

Dr. Paz, VP of medical at the digital primary care provider K Health says, "By maintaining social distance from others, using face coverings, and frequent hand washing, you can drastically decrease your chances of contracting COVID."

It also helps to know that Amtrak has rolled out a host of new safety measures meant to facilitate safe travel that includes requiring masks, sanitizing surfaces, and limiting ticket sales on reserved services to allow for social distancing. Individuals traveling alone can now enjoy an empty seat guaranteed next to them.

Amtrak has also enhanced cleaning protocols at the station, with added measures for social distancing, and are repromoting their "private room" seating options on long haul routes. These come in a variety of sizes to accommodate solo travelers, couples, and groups of families or friends. A standard room features two seats that can be converted into beds and come with complimentary Wi-Fi, charging outlets and an expansive window for taking in the views. It's not unlike a moving hotel, both in terms of amenities and also potential risk exposure. It costs about the same as a flight, sometimes more.

But unlike planes, which have advanced airflow and filtration systems, trains are far more basic. Though, they're certainly roomier, and private, if you splurge for such accommodations. 

Read the full story on whether train travel is safe right now.

Is skiing safe right now.

With winter and peak ski and snowboard season in full swing, you may also be wondering if skiing is a safe COVID activity. The good news is that it can be a relatively low-risk option as long as you stay diligent and take proper precautions.

Dr. Russo notes that skiing would fall into the lowest risk category if guests physically distance, wear face masks, and avoid enclosed gondolas/trams or going indoors. "I perceive those two venues as the greatest risk," he says. "What makes me nervous about downhill skiing is the temptation to go inside and warm up and eat and drink is going to be high."

Additionally, most ski resorts have implemented a wide range of new policies this season. It's best to check each resort's website for details before you plan a trip, but new procedures to expect this ski season include requiring face coverings, physical distancing (including on chairlifts and in gondolas), advance reservations for lift tickets (often granting priority to pass holders), cashless transactions, limiting class size for lessons, and reducing restaurant seating. Many resorts are also limiting on-mountain capacity, especially for peak dates so it may pay off to plan and book early. 

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) offers a  state-by-state listing  of links to COVID-related restrictions and rules, and the NSAA's  "Ski Well, Be Well" campaign  outlines best practices for ski areas, skiers, and riders to stay safe and healthy on the slopes this season.

And while outdoor activities, in general, are less risky, consider how you will get to the ski resort. "Getting to the ski lodge, I would suggest renting a car ," Dr. Russo says. "I know in a lot of places you can take the hotel transportation or shuttle buses, but then you're going to see different people in a more fixed air space, so I don't recommend that; you increase your risk if you use shared transportation options." 

But the good news is that once you're on the top of the mountain and wearing a mask, the risk of COVID-19 exposure is minimal. "It seems to me that actually on the slopes themselves [the risk has] got to be close to zero," Dr. Russo says.

Read the full story on ski safety during COVID-19, plus all the changes to expect at ski resorts this season.

How travel industry experts advise clients to book travel.

While many travelers previously booked travel independently, some are returning to travel agents. These seasoned professionals have spent years in the business and are well-equipped to help clients identify viable locations with vetted, flexible policies. They may also have better insights into new practices at specific hotels to help determine how clean and safe they will be, and whether facilities and amenities may be impacted. 

Their advice is to plan for future travel, book refundable options, travel domestically and take road trips, opt for socially distant places with access to nature, plan longer "workcations" that mix remote work with play, and don't forget about prioritizing your mental health.

Read the full story on tips for planning travel in 2021, according to travel experts, infectious disease doctors, and current industry trends.

Socially distant travel: safe vacations during covid-19.

As noted by various experts, no matter your destination, your risk of infection largely depends on factors such as whether you'll encounter other people, the intensity of such encounters, and if the location is experiencing high rates of infection.

While nothing can be guaranteed safe 100 percent safe, if you heed expert advice, take necessary precautions, and make informed decisions led by CDC and WHO guidance, you may be able to explore the world again soon.

If you find yourself in such a position, consider these locations within the United States that are well-suited to outdoor activities, offer socially-distant-friendly lodging, and remove the need for international travel.

• The best ski vacation rentals in the US
• The best ski hotels in the US
• 6 of the top road trips in the US and where to stay along the way
• 10 getaways across the US that are within a 1- to 4-hour drive from major cities 
• The best hotels in or near national parks
• The best vacation rentals near national parks
• The best US mountain resorts for all seasons
• The best US lake getaways
• The most remote vacation rentals in the US
• The best beach hotels in the US
• The best hotels for families in the US
• The best US island hotels that don't require a passport
• The best glamping vacations in the US
• The best RV rentals
• The best camper van rentals
• 17 of the best campsites across the US for a scenic outdoor getaway
• The best treehouse rentals in the US

Everything else you need to know about booking safe travel during coronavirus

• 6 safer, expert-backed ways to take a vacation during the pandemic, from road trips to private vacation homes and remote campsites
• Everything to know about vacation rentals, including the best booking platforms, COVID-19 safety info, and the best places to go in the US
• Airbnb announced vigorous new cleaning protocols for hosts in response to COVID-19. Here's what to know.
• Airbnb vs. Vrbo: Here's how each vacation home rental service works, plus their cancellation and coronavirus policies
• What to pack and how to prepare before planning a road trip — 9 medical and hospitality experts weigh in with advice and tips

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Is it safe to go there? The U.S. travel advisory system, explained

If you’re planning an international trip, here’s how to use the State Department’s country-by-country guide to minimize your risk of encountering crime, violence, or civil unrest.

On October 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a rare advisory that Americans overseas “exercise increased caution” due to heightened tensions and chances of terrorism around the world, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war. It’s part of a system of travel warnings that’s been around in some form since 1978, designed to help citizens assess how safe a destination might be at a given time.

The current version of the system, which launched in 2018, gives fluid rankings from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel), indicating how risky countries (and in some cases, regions) are for Americans to visit. Rankings are based on factors such as crime rates, civil unrest, and the threat of terrorism. They are meant to give “clear, timely, and reliable information about every country in the world so they can make informed travel decisions,” says a State Department spokesperson.  

Not surprisingly, on October 14, the State Department moved Israel and the West Bank to Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Gaza to Level 4.  

Here’s how the advisories work and how to use them.

What is a travel advisory?

The U.S. State Department inaugurated the travel advisory system in 1978, initially aiming warnings at airlines and travel companies. The system was scrutinized after the 1988 bombing of a Pan Am flight from London to New York , which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland , killing all 259 passengers and crew plus 11 people on the ground.  

Investigations found U.S. authorities had been aware of a credible threat to a Pan Am flight but hadn’t informed the public. In response, the media and consular offices began issuing travel warnings. In 2018 the U.S. introduced its current four-tier advisory system. There are near-identical versions in Canada , Australia , and New Zealand .

To determine rankings, the State Department considers a nation’s political volatility, crime trends, medical care standards, and the threat of kidnappings or terrorism. (Politics also ends up playing an unspoken role.) Some countries, such as Russia , receive a Level 4 ranking partly because the U.S. government may have limited ability to assist citizens there. Others rise to Level 4 due to a crisis, such as the military coup that recently rocked Niger .  

When the travel advisory system relaunched in 2018, it also included state-by-state evaluations for Mexico , which draws more than 11 million American travelers a year. “Some Mexican states are quite safe for U.S. tourists, while others are riskier due to narco-trafficking violence,” says Ryan Larsen , executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement at Western Washington University. Yucatán and Campeche states are currently at Level 1, while six other Mexican states are at Level 4, including Sinaloa.

( Solo female travelers share tips for staying safe on the road .)

Epidemics and natural disasters also can prompt a travel advisory number to rise. Americans may be prompted to reconsider visiting a country recovering from a tsunami or major wildfires, since their presence could hinder rehabilitation efforts. This occurred after the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey . Such advisories can remain in place for weeks or months.

The strictest-ever advisories came in April 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic , says Larsen, who did a thesis   on U.S. travel warnings. At that time, about 80 percent of the world’s countries were at Level 4.

At press time, about 70 percent of the world’s countries were rated Level 1 or Level 2 by the State Department, indicating they’re relatively safe. There are currently 21 countries at Level 3 and 21 at Level 4.

How to use travel advisories

Before booking an international trip, consult the State Department website to see where your destination ranks. While Level 1 and 2 countries are considered relatively safe, you should still register with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) . This lets Americans overseas use their smartphone to receive travel advisory updates and alerts about emerging dangers in their destination (protests, extreme weather).

Level 3 countries are considered more dangerous for foreign visitors, who should “reconsider travel,” according to the State Department. If you are headed to a Level 3 country, which currently includes Pakistan and Colombia , do wider research on its safety and on the places you’ll visit there, advises Jun Wen , a professor of tourism at Australia’s Edith Cowan University. For instance, while some remote areas in the Colombian Amazon still suffer from drug-related violence, cities such as Cartagena and Medellín are relatively safe. Going on a fully guided group or individual tour can also help you navigate destinations where political unrest or crime might impact your safety.

Travelers should study not only the advisories provided by their own country, but also by the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia to broaden their understanding of the risks in Level 3 countries, Wen says. As for Level 4 countries, that “Do Not Travel” advice couldn’t be any clearer.

Other countries also issue warnings to their citizens about visiting the U.S. Canada recently informed its LGBTQ travelers they may be affected by laws in certain U.S. states. Australia, meanwhile, cautions its citizens visiting the U.S. to be wary of higher crime rates and gun violence, and even to learn safety strategies for active shooter scenarios.

People who visit countries with Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisories don’t just risk their safety. They also may have travel insurance complications, says Linchi Kwok , tourism management professor at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

( How travel insurance can—and can’t—help when your plans change .)

They must pay much higher premiums, and their insurance can be invalidated if the advisory for their destination is elevated. “Medical coverage can be minimal, too, particularly if the travel advisory is put up against a disease or an outbreak,” says Kwok. “I encourage Americans to think twice before they travel to Level 3 and especially Level 4 destinations.”

Warnings and their impact on tourism

Travel advisories can be biased, Larsen argues. His research found that, while the U.S. didn’t often overstate the risk of travel to countries with which it had poor relations, it did often understate the danger of visiting nations that were its close allies. Elevating a travel advisory can stoke diplomatic tensions between two countries. Once a country is raised to Level 3 or 4, many tourists will avoid visiting, and many American universities won’t let students join study abroad programs.

The economic ramifications of a level change impact individual businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. For instance, J 2   adventures , a Jewish-focused tour company, saw most of its fall group trips to Israel canceled after the start of the Israel-Hamas war (and the higher advisory level), says cofounder Guy Millo. “This is not just because of the violence on the ground, but because of practical considerations like accessibility of commercial airline flights,” he says. “Most tourists from North America and places around the globe simply couldn’t get here even if they wanted to.”  

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How Risky Is It to Take a Road Trip, Train Trip, or Flight Right Now?

What’s the safest way to travel during the new coronavirus pandemic—if any? As of this writing, COVID-19 has killed more than 130,000 people in this country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). New hotspots continue to pop up, like those in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, among other states. And it’s becoming clearer that some people who contract but don’t die of the virus may face ongoing medical issues like intense fatigue, brain fog, and trouble breathing, according to reporting by the Atlantic .

So, to some extent, it feels wrong to be writing about traveling for the rest of us. This virus is real, and it’s doing real—and in many cases deadly or lasting—damage. To be extremely clear, staying home is still the safest option when it comes to your health along with that of everyone you would come into contact with during and after travel. Various states reopening to differing degrees doesn’t automatically make it completely safe to resume regular life, including traveling.

With that said, many people are already traveling or are planning to, whether for essential or nonessential reasons. My social media feeds are full of folks on road trips. I know of a few friends’ plans to get on a plane. I myself have been camping and biking dozens of miles, willing the fresh air to keep me both safe and sane. The question is: How risky is it to travel during the new coronavirus pandemic? And what can we do to mitigate that risk? Traveling—or partaking in any other potentially unsafe activity —doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. If you’re doing anything that raises your risk of getting or transmitting COVID-19, you should use as many safety techniques you can to bring that risk down to its lowest.

Here, SELF spoke with three experts in epidemiology and infectious disease to find the safest way to travel this summer: Celine Gounder , M.D., former NYC assistant commissioner of health and host of the Epidemic podcast, Sara Hurtado Bares , M.D., associate professor in the division of infectious diseases at University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Maria Sundaram , MSPH, Ph.D., an infectious disease epidemiologist and postdoctoral fellow at ICES Ontario.

We asked for the nitty-gritty details that can help you stay as safe as possible while traveling, ranging from discussions of the mode of transportation itself to bathroom breaks, shopping, and eating. Here’s what you need to know about the safety of road trips, train trips (much of the advice here works for buses too), and flights as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on in the United States.

Road trips are the safest travel option if you do them right.

SELF: People seem to think that road trips are the safest travel option during the COVID-19 pandemic. Is that true? If you were to design the safest possible road trip, what would it involve?

Celine Gounder, M.D.: The safest travel option is not to travel. If you do travel, a road trip is the safest because you're not sharing space with someone the way you do on a bus, in a train, in an airport, or on a plane. One option is to rent an R.V. or go camping. The general guidance is to stay six-plus feet away from anyone not in your household bubble, wear a mask when outside your vehicle, use lots of hand sanitizer, don't dine indoors, and avoid crowds.

Sara Hurtado Bares, M.D.: It’s a safer option than flying and trains because you can choose who you’re in the car with. Your most immediate risk during travel is the people within six feet of you. We’re actually planning a road trip for Labor Day Weekend. We chose a place that is a short distance. We got an Airbnb cabin that’s more isolated. We have little kids, so we’re going to have to stop at a rest area, but we’ll try to plan a route that is in a low-coronavirus-prevalence area. You want to have as few stops as possible, theoretically, because any stop you make, you’re going to be potentially exposed to other people.

Maria Sundaram, MSPH, Ph.D.: It’s hard to imagine another travel option that would be safer. You can travel by yourself, so you don’t have anyone else in the car with you, and you also can make your own decisions about when and where you might need to stop.

SELF: How risky is it to use public bathrooms along the way, for example, at gas stations and rest stops? What precautions should people take when using restrooms? Should you leave your mask on in the bathroom or does that expose it to potential contaminants, like fecal particles?

S.B.: We don’t know. More and more data suggests that transmission is much higher in indoor spaces. If there’s no line for the public bathroom and the people in the public bathroom are wearing masks, then the risk is going to be lower than if the people in the bathroom are not wearing masks. There’s some data that says that just flushing the toilet can aerosolize the virus and we know that we find the virus in stool specimens. But I think the biggest risk is still person-to-person transmission. As long as it’s not a crowded bathroom with lines, and as long as you wear a mask, I would think the risk would be significantly lower.

M.S.: When we’re thinking about a public bathroom, we’re thinking about the number of people who might be in it if it’s a multistall bathroom or if a lot of people have used it recently. I wear my mask anytime that I’m outside my house, and for me, that also goes for bathrooms. I try to be quick and efficient. I’m not lingering there for a long time, not checking the mirror looking at my hair, I’m just in and out. I’m definitely making sure to wash my hands very carefully and trying to give others the space they may need. If there are other people there, I’m trying to make sure I’m not, for example, using the sink right next to them, or I’m giving them enough space to get into a stall without them having to get too close to me. I don’t think it’s impossible to be exposed through COVID-infected fecal matter being flushed into the air, but I think the main concern is exposure through respiratory droplets .

SELF: There seem to be mixed opinions on the safety of Airbnbs and hotels. What should people look for when it comes to a place to rest?

C.G.: The key is that the lodging is cleaned between people and that enough time lapses between guests. Many places (including hotels) don't launder all the bed linens between guests. They wash the sheets and pillowcases, but not the bedspread or throw pillows.

S.B.: You want to be sure that you can allow for distancing . For an Airbnb, ideally, you’d ask the owner if anyone has been there for a few days before you’re going to go, if windows could be opened before you arrive, and when you arrive, just wipe down the high-touch surfaces . Similarly, opening the windows of your hotel room when you arrive might help minimize the risks of exposure. Alternatively, calling ahead and asking the hotel to open the windows and/or ensure unmasked guests and staff have not been in the room for at least a few hours before you arrive could also minimize the risks. Don’t congregate in the more crowded areas of the hotel. Don’t go down to the hotel bar. As long as you’re staying in the hotel room, it’s going to be lower risk than if you go into the shared spaces.

M.S.: Airbnb and similar companies have an option where you don’t have to meet the host in order to enter the property. That’s really great because it can reduce your exposure to that person. Hopefully, a host will have information about how they’re disinfecting the place and the surfaces that people touch the most, like doorknobs and handles of microwaves, as well as detailed information about washing the sheets. You can typically message the host to ask more questions. And if there have been a couple of days between the last person and you, that’s really great. The main thing for me with hotels is about using the elevator, which is not usually a thing for Airbnbs. Elevators represent a small enclosed area that you might be sharing with someone else. You may have to individually make an assessment about whether you want to be walking up two flights of stairs or whether it’s fine for you [based on your specific health risks and circumstances] to stay on, say, the 14th floor and carefully wash your hands after using the elevator.

SELF: Is camping any safer than a hotel?

C.G.: Yes, if you stick to the general safety guidance. You're better able to socially distance. You're not coming into contact with other guests or staff like bellhops, valets, or housekeeping.

S.B.: Yes. It’s outdoors, you’re bringing all of your own supplies, especially if you’re taking your own tent. That’s definitely safer. Depending on the campsite, you may have shared bathrooms, which would be the main risk, but camping would probably be the safest—from the virus, not necessarily from outdoor creatures .

M.S.: Camping is safe for a lot of reasons. The fact that it’s outside lends more safety to it than some of these other options. There's a lot of air circulation and opportunity for people to stay as far away from each other as they possibly can. The one thing about camping is there may be challenges with washing your hands carefully or using the bathroom in a safe way.

SELF: Is it safe to travel in the same car with people who aren't in your household? What if everyone wears masks, or you roll down the windows, or keep the AC on?

C.G.: The safest is to travel only with people in your household bubble. If you're going to travel with people outside your household bubble, you and they should ideally quarantine at home for 14 days prior. Wearing masks and keeping all car windows wide open will reduce the risk of transmission within a car, but the risk is still not zero. And you can also transmit via skin-to-skin contact or through contaminated surfaces in the car. If you have the AC on [in the mode that is] recirculating the car air, that would likely increase risk of transmission within a car. Even if you aren't recirculating air with the AC, you won't achieve the same level of ventilation and air exchange as you would with all the windows open.

S.B.: We don’t know. What’s so hard about this virus is everything involves some sort of mental calculus, and the problem is the data isn’t perfect. If the people that you’re in the car with are people you’ve chosen as part of your pod or your “quaranteam,” and the risks they’re taking are similar to yours and lower risk overall, then I think it’s relatively safe. And if you wear a mask, that’s certainly safer, and if you open the windows, it’s safer. But there’s going to be a small risk.

M.S.: The more people there are, the more different air you’re sharing. I would take into account where those people have been in the past two weeks and if they may pose a potential exposure risk to you or if you may pose a potential exposure risk to them. Rolling down the windows can help but doesn’t solve all of the problems. AC could also help if it’s circulating external air but likely won’t solve all of the problems of that close environment exposure. And it’s a little different if it’s a minivan and two people versus a sedan with five people. I would say masks are appropriate if someone in the car has had a relevant exposure in the last two weeks and you haven’t been interacting with them up until the time you’re on the road trip.

SELF: Road trips used to involve going out for food or shopping. Is there a way to make those things safe while road tripping now?

C.G.: Don't go shopping. Pack meals or get to-go meals. Eat outdoors .

S.B.: It’s safest to avoid those activities. But if you’re going to be dining at restaurants, look for outdoor dining or takeout, or eat on the road or picnicking. If you’re looking for souvenirs, outdoor market-type areas are going to be safer than indoors. But if it’s an indoor shop, look to make sure that the staff are wearing masks and that the other customers are wearing masks. That would certainly decrease the risk of exposure in the store. And try not to linger.

M.S.: I think eating outside is likely acceptable. Again, you’ll have to make an assessment about how close people are to each other, and it’s related to your individual risk tolerance. [Note: Your risk tolerance is about how high-risk you and the people you’re in contact with are for severe illness from COVID-19 or even how financially devastating it would be if you got sick for a stretch of time, in addition to how anxious potential exposure makes you—not about how brave you are.] If you need gas, you can pay at the pump, you don’t need to go inside. For other supplies, some stores do curbside pickup. For gift shops if you’re somewhere like a national park, think about how you can minimize your contact with other people. For example, if you want a T-shirt, maybe one person goes in and buys T-shirts for everyone. If it’s an antiques shop or something in a smaller town, again, I would say to think about the ways you can minimize your direct contact with people. If there are a ton of people inside the store, maybe don’t go in.

SELF: What should you be looking for when it comes to a road-tripping destination? For example, should you be monitoring COVID-19 cases for that area? Is it okay to travel to smaller towns, which may have fewer hospital beds, or is it better to travel to larger areas even if that means a bigger population?

C.G.: Be aware of your state's and other states' quarantine regulations. It may not be worth it to you to travel someplace and find yourself under quarantine there for 14 days or under quarantine when you’re back home. Also be aware of local coronavirus rates. This dashboard makes it pretty easy to assess levels of risk by county. Don't travel to or from counties in red. Don't travel between places with mismatched level of risk (i.e., from yellow to green counties or from green to yellow counties).

S.B.: I would be leery of going to a place with high transmission rates right now because that means the virus is circulating in the community, and anything you do in that destination is going to have a slightly higher risk. But I would also be leery of going to a place with very limited hospital capacity should you get sick while you’re gone. Think about what you’re going to do when you go to that destination. Something with more outdoor activities in a physically distanced way is better.

M.S.: If you were to ask me where I would feel comfortable road tripping at this point, it would really only be to larger, open-air destinations. That includes campgrounds where there aren’t that many people. But I wouldn’t say the risk is reduced if you go to a rural area. You still want to be really careful about taking as many precautions as you can.

SELF: What are the biggest factors that could increase the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 on a road trip?

S.B.: The amount of time that you’re in indoor public spaces where you’re not able to physically distance.

M.S.: Sharing a car with someone who has COVID-19 is probably your biggest risk factor. Other considerations are sharing close enclosed spaces with other people whose behaviors you don’t have control over, like riding in an elevator with someone who’s coughing and not wearing a mask, or maybe you’re in a bathroom and someone comes into the stall next to you and is not covering their cough.

Trains may offer more travel flexibility, but there are some safety drawbacks.

SELF: Physical distancing seems to be rule number one for avoiding the coronavirus. Do trains provide enough space between passengers to accomplish that?

C.G.: Not unless seats/rows are left empty to allow for adequate spacing of passengers.

S.B.: If you can ensure that you can be six feet from other groups of people it will be safer, but it is an enclosed space, so even six feet may not be enough if they aren’t masked. Indoors, we know that if somebody coughs, it can linger where air is not circulating well.

M.S.: It depends. If you have a whole series of seats or a whole chunk of the car to yourself, that’s a really nice way to go. If you’re on a rush-hour train within a city, the situation could be really different for you. That’s something to consider when you're deciding how safe a train might be.

SELF: If someone wears a mask for an entire train trip, would that substantially decrease their risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus?

S.B.: Yeah. But what will increase it even more is if all the passengers on the train are wearing masks. There’s probably more of a protective level from a person who’s sick wearing the mask than the incoming filtering capacity of a mask for a person who’s not sick.

M.S.: Unfortunately, the thing with the mask is that surgical and homemade masks—not medical N-95s—don’t really protect the wearer. They protect other people around the wearer. It’s a gesture of social responsibility that you’re taking everyone else’s well-being into account when you’re doing that. It doesn’t really benefit you very much or it may not benefit you at all. 

Again, the idea of the mask is that it’s really protecting people around you. And it’s helpful because it shows people that you’re taking their safety seriously. It can be so hard to do something if you’re the only one doing it. I’ve had the experience where I’ve been the only person wearing a mask in a social situation, and it feels quite awkward. But there could be another person who wants to wear a mask or had originally intended to wear a mask but then felt weird about it because no one else was. By wearing a mask, you may be empowering them to do what they originally wanted to do.

[Note: As SELF reported previously , there isn’t much research on how effective cloth masks are at protecting the person wearing a mask, but they do seem to be better than nothing; some experts are also hopeful about the protective possibilities of face shields.]

SELF: What should you do if a passenger near you isn't wearing a mask, or isn't effectively wearing a mask? (For example, their nose or mouth is exposed.)

C.G.: Move to a different train car.

S.B.: That’s where really changing our culture is going to help us fundamentally combat this virus—learning ways to politely teach people how to correctly wear the mask. I use “I” statements and say, “I would feel much more comfortable if you were wearing a mask.”

M.S.: This is an individual judgment call. Unfortunately, in many cases, you won’t have a ton of control over the situation. It could be that the person is not able to adjust their mask or not willing to wear a mask. I would encourage people to assess the situation. If you feel comfortable, you can gently say, “Hey, please don’t forget the mask should also go over your nose and mouth,” or, “I think you forgot to put your mask back on.” If it doesn’t feel comfortable or like a safe thing to say, then I would encourage you to move away and give them the space that you can. Although, again, there may be little you can do in that environment, especially if the train is more crowded.

SELF: Would a private room on a train (for example, on a long-haul Amtrak) significantly decrease risk?

S.B.: Absolutely. If you can ensure you and your family/household members are the only people in the room, it would certainly be lower risk.

M.S.: That likely would decrease your risk somewhat. I could be wrong, but I do think a lot of people don’t spend all of the time in that private room. I’m sure there’s a dining car and a car where you can sit and watch the country move past you. You might want to think about your exposure risk in those other environments as well.

SELF: If you're on a long train trip and must eat while riding, is there anything you can do to mitigate the risk while your mask is removed to eat/drink?

C.G.: Put on a face shield . You can eat with a face shield on.

S.B.: Washing and/or sanitizing your hands is always important and should ideally be done after removing a mask, before eating, and then again after replacing the mask. When removing the mask, it is also important to avoid touching the front part, which may be contaminated. In the hospital, we teach providers to remove their masks via the straps and store them face down on a paper towel.

M.S.: I would try to sit as far away as I could from other people, keeping in mind that the mask is protecting the other people, so you’re thinking about how you can best protect them.

SELF: Are bathrooms a concern on a train trip? Why?

S.B.: Potentially. They’re a shared space. The surfaces and the air in the bathroom could be potentially contaminated. Wear a mask and wash your hands.

M.S.: If there’s someone in your car or the next car over that doesn’t seem to be doing well or is coughing, that would give me a pause. Other than that, if you have to go to the bathroom on the train, you really only have that as an option. Try to get as much fresh air as possible. If there’s a window, I would really encourage you to open it. Otherwise, wash your hands carefully and I would advise not dillydallying. Be as efficient as you can.

SELF: How concerned should we be about high-touch areas? Should we be wiping down our seats and other areas with a disinfectant?

C.G.: I'm not sure this is a good idea. You could contaminate yourself in the process.

S.B.: It’s a good idea if you can wipe things down just because you could accidentally touch the surface and then your own face. But I don’t obsess over it. The biggest risk is the person-to-person transmission.

M.S.: What sort of things are you touching and then touching your face? This is a virus that can be transmitted through contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth. If it’s something like your arm rests or the tray table that you’re likely touching over and over again, I think it’s best to wipe those down. Then you can reduce the risk of forgetting and accidentally touching your face.

SELF: If someone absolutely must travel by train, what precautions do you recommend they take?

S.B.: The shorter the trip, the better. If you can, touch base with the train company in advance to ensure they’re taking measures to minimize risk and still allowing for distancing and cleaning high-touch surfaces, opening windows, and making sure the air can circulate.

M.S.: Make sure you’re able to clean your hands carefully either with soap and water, that’s the ideal scenario, or hand sanitizer , which is more feasible in many of these situations. Make sure you have hand sanitizer with you. If you have access to sanitizing wipes, have them with you. I would really recommend wearing a mask for the safety of other people that are sharing the environment with you.

Right now taking a flight seems to be the riskiest mode of transportation.

SELF: Planes are notoriously cramped, and maintaining six feet of distance from other people during a flight is unlikely. Mask wearing isn’t enforced or required in the same way across airlines and airports, either. But airplanes also have air-filtration systems. How risky does that make planes right now?

S.B.: We don’t know. All the calculus is based on so many unknowns. From studies with other viruses , the window seat is probably slightly safer [because you tend to come into contact with fewer passengers]. Planes where you can distance a little more, where masks are being enforced, and shorter plane trips are going to be safer.

M.S.: Of the three kinds of travel that we’ve discussed—cars, trains, and planes—planes are likely the riskiest. I would not feel good about my parents flying right now. My parents are both over 60. I myself would have serious misgivings about getting on a plane right now. I recently drove from Atlanta to Toronto partly because I didn’t want to take a flight. I would say really try not to fly unless you absolutely have to.

What about removing your mask to eat or drink—is that okay, or should you avoid removing your mask for any reason on a plane?

S.B.: We have to remember that we need to stay hydrated and we need to take care of all of our essential needs. If you need to eat or drink, it’s okay—just remove the mask for the shortest period of time possible.

M.S.: Removing your mask represents a potential exposure to the people around you. If it’s a shorter flight, you might find that you don’t miss the small packet of Cheez-It crackers. If it’s a longer flight, then you might find it extraordinarily challenging not to eat for the entire time. In that case, try to be as efficient as possible and also as careful as possible. If you have to cough, cover your cough with a tissue or your elbow. In all circumstances, try to keep the safety of your fellow passengers in mind.

The virus has been detected in fecal matter. Does that mean we should avoid bathrooms in planes and airports? Should you wear a mask while you're in the bathroom?

C.G.: You should wear a mask or face shield at all times when on a plane, a train, or a bus—any shared mode of transportation with people outside your household bubble.

S.B.: It’s so complicated, right? The best message is to use the bathroom before you leave your house. The bathroom in the airport is just as risky as the one on the plane. If you have to use a bathroom, try to find one without a line so you’re not standing next to someone. Wear a mask when you’re in the bathroom.

Many airlines have announced more regular cleaning protocols. Should passengers plan to wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant when they reach their seats too?

S.B.: Somebody once told me the person you can trust most is yourself. I’m sure the airlines will be wiping things down and we can take solace in that, but to be most sure, it would be reasonable to also wipe your area down when you get there.

M.S.: I think it will depend on what the individual airline says that they do. And it also may be an individual risk-tolerance thing. My parents did fly once in March; they were coming back from vacation during the time when this began to be a really serious thing in the United States. So I said, “Please make sure you’re wiping everything down when you get to your seats.” They did that and they said that they weren’t the only ones. Depending on the individual situation, you may feel more comfortable doing that.

Are there any changes to typical plane travel behavior you'd recommend? For example, is it safer to check bags or carry them on? When we’re going through security, are there any additional measures we should take, like wiping down the handle of a bag afterward?

C.G.: Get yourself a few pairs of washable, reusable cloth gloves. They protect you from the virus that may be on public surfaces. Cloth gloves also function as a reminder to touch your face less . You should wear them when touching things in public (e.g., doorknobs, subway poles) and then remove them upon arrival at your home (or place of work) [or when doing things like eating or touching your face]. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer.

S.B.: The fewer people handling your bags, the safer it is. I’m much less worried about transmission from objects than I am person-to-person transmission. But as long as you’re washing your hands frequently, I don’t think we need to worry too much about all the different surfaces.

M.S.: I would be less concerned about the handle of your baggage and more concerned about whether your hands are washed and if you’ve been touching your face. Have hand sanitizer you can easily access in your carry-on. As far as a location on the plane, people in first class are less crowded because there are fewer seats and they’re bigger. So it’s possible that the risk posed to you in first class may be different than if you’re sitting in economy, like I would be. However, it’s likely not a huge difference because there are still people within six feet of you, and if you sit at the front of the plane, there may be a lot of people walking by you. One important thing to remember about gloves is that they are not antimicrobial. If you do choose to wear gloves, keep in mind that anything you touch with the gloves can spread germs from one surface to another.

What precautions should people take if they must be on a flight?

S.B.: Make sure you’re not sick and haven’t been exposed to anybody with COVID-19 before you get on the plane. In an ideal world, it would be great for everyone to get tested before traveling, but testing is still limited in many areas. The next best step is to avoid traveling if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Remember that COVID-19 can cause a broad range of symptoms (see CDC website for updated list ). We want to be protecting each other as much as we’re protecting ourselves. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance at every step of the way. Don’t just worry about the time on the plane, but in the airport, the security line, in the line for a snack at the airport, and the bathroom.

M.S.: Identify which airlines may have more stringent policies about mask wearing, which airlines allow the flight attendants to take the proper precautions and wear masks, and which airlines are carefully wiping down seats and tray tables after people exit the airplane. One other thing you might consider is that you could bring extra masks with you and ask other people who are in your space to wear one if they don’t have a mask or aren’t wearing one.

Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.

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• Safe Travels or Safe Travel? Which is the Correct Expression?
• Learn English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated May 6, 2023

The next time someone you know is traveling somewhere or going on a trip, you might want to wish them a safe journey without any problems. But, what is the correct expression for this? Is it “safe travels” or safe travel”?

Let’s take a look at the correct way to wish someone a safe journey.

Table of Contents

Safe travels or safe travel?

Both safe travels and safe travel are correct ways of wishing someone a safe journey. However, “safe travels” is much more commonly used.

Safe travels

The meaning of safe travels is to wish someone a safe journey and good fortune on their trip.

Safe travels implies that the person being spoken to is involved in some sort of extended traveling where there will be more than one “travel”. For example, they could be about to go traveling around South America or Asia. Alternatively, it implies that several travels or journeys will occur within a singular trip. Therefore, safe travels uses the countable form of the noun, because there is more than one travel.

Safe travel

Safe travel uses the uncountable form of the noun. It refers to all of the travels the person being spoken to might collectively make on a particular trip. Although you’ll rarely hear this used.

Travel safe, on the other hand, is a lot more common. This is a polite way of wishing someone a safe journey. It is a friendly imperative that is often used when seeing off friends or family before a trip and expresses that you hope they have a pleasant, uneventful journey.

When is the correct time to wish someone safe travels?

You can wish someone safe travels when you want to wish them a good, safe journey. This might be before they are going to teach English abroad, going on holiday, or if they’re embarking on a long trip home.

Other ways to say safe travels

There are also other ways to express safe travels, such as:

• Travel safely.
• Have a good trip.
• Have a safe trip.
• Have a safe journey.
• Drive safe.
• Bon voyage.

You can also say safe trip and safe journey, but we usually add “Have a..” in front of this.

What about bon voyage?

Yes, I know what you’re thinking, doesn’t Bon Voyage sound French? Well, yes, it is French and it literally means “safe journey” or “have a good trip”. It is one of a number of foreign words that are used in the English language.

Conclusion: Safe travels

So, until next time, I wish you safe travels! Best wishes for your onward journey through the English language .

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The Safest Ways to Travel: Comparing Modes of Transportation

Zackary Hooper

When planning your next trip, have you ever wondered about the safest way to travel ? I know I have, and that’s why I dug into some impressive data about transportation safety. This article is going to guide you through the different modes of transportation – from bus travel to commercial flights and everything in between.

Table of Contents

Ready for an informative journey ? Let’s dive straight in!

Key Takeaways

• Commercial flights are the safest mode of transportation, with extremely rare fatalities and impressive safety features.
• Bus travel is four times safer than passenger rail and offers a reliable alternative to driving your own vehicle.
• Passenger rail travel is considered one of the safest ways to travel , with lower death rates compared to personal vehicles.

Safest Modes of Transportation

The safest modes of transportation include commercial flights, bus travel, and passenger rail.

Commercial flights

Commercial flights top the chart as the safest mode of transportation . Data from the Bureau of Transportation highlights that fatalities are extremely rare in air travel, given its low accident rate .

Even with thousands of planes crisscrossing our skies every single day, airplane incidents make headlines mainly due to their rarity. Safety features and rigorous checks in aviation have ensured fewer chances of anything going wrong mid-air or after take-off.

Notably, when we consider passenger miles traveled, airplanes have impressive fatality rates that outshine other modes like buses or trains. So even if you’re uneasy about flying, know that commercial planes offer a high degree of safety !

Bus travel is often seen as a safe mode of transportation. When compared to passenger rail travel, buses are four times safer. This means that the risk of accidents and fatalities is significantly lower when traveling by bus.

Data from the Bureau of Transportation shows that bus travel has a much lower death rate compared to personal vehicles . Additionally, flying is considered the safest mode of transportation overall, but buses still offer a reliable and secure way to get from one place to another without having to worry about the risks associated with driving your own car.

Passenger rail

Passenger rail travel is often considered one of the safest ways to travel . Compared to personal vehicles, both rail and bus travel have much lower death rates. While bus travel is four times safer than passenger rail , trains still offer a reliable and secure mode of transportation .

Data from the Bureau of Transportation shows that flying is the safest mode overall, but if you prefer ground transportation, passenger rail can be a great option for safe and comfortable travels .

Factors Influencing Safety

Factors that can influence the safety of different modes of transportation include fatality rates, concentration of vehicles, and statistics from 10 years of data.

Fatality rates

When it comes to evaluating the safety of different modes of transportation, one important factor to consider is fatality rates . Fortunately, over the past few decades, fatality rates across all modes of transport have significantly decreased.

However, certain modes of travel still present a higher risk than others. For example, data from the Bureau of Transportation shows that flying is the safest mode of transportation when it comes to fatalities.

Personal light-duty vehicles, on the other hand, pose the greatest risk of death. Rail and bus travel have much lower death rates compared to personal vehicles. So if you’re looking for a safe way to get around, it’s worth considering these fatality rates as part of your decision-making process.

Concentration of vehicles

In considering the safety of different modes of transportation, it’s important to take into account the concentration of vehicles . This refers to how many vehicles are on the road, track, or in the air at any given time.

When there is a high concentration of vehicles , such as during rush hour traffic or peak travel seasons, there is an increased risk of accidents and collisions . On the other hand, when there are fewer vehicles on the road or track , the chances of accidents decrease significantly.

It’s essential to consider this factor when evaluating the safety of various modes of transportation and making informed decisions about which option to choose for your travels.

Statistics from 10 years of data

As a travel enthusiast, I can’t help but look at the compelling data which gives an insightful understanding of the safest modes of transportation. Let’s take a peek at the statistics from the last 10 years.

This table makes it clear that air travel is indeed the safest mode of transportation, with the fewest fatalities in a decade . It’s interesting to see that personal vehicles consistently clock the highest death rates , while the numbers for train and bus travel remain comparatively low.

Comparing Safety Across Modes of Transportation

Let’s compare the safety of different modes of transportation and find out which one is the safest.

Fatalities by passenger miles

When it comes to measuring the safety of different modes of transportation, one important factor to consider is fatalities by passenger miles . This statistic provides an insight into how many deaths occur per unit of distance traveled.

By analyzing this data, we can determine which modes of travel are the safest in terms of fatalities. For example, according to recent statistics from the Bureau of Transportation, airplanes have the lowest fatality rates when considering the number of passengers transported over a given distance.

This means that flying is considered one of the safest ways to travel in terms of deaths per mile traveled.

Fatalities by passenger hours

When comparing the safety of different modes of transportation, it’s important to consider fatalities based on passenger hours. This metric takes into account both the number of deaths and the amount of time passengers spend traveling .

By doing so, we can get a better understanding of which modes of transport are safer for passengers overall.

Looking at the data, air travel consistently emerges as the safest option when considering fatalities by passenger hours . Commercial flights have very low fatality rates compared to other forms of transportation.

This means that even though accidents may be rare in other modes such as bus or rail travel, they still don’t match up to the safety record of airplanes.

Why Air Travel is the Safest Mode of Transportation

Air travel has the lowest chance of incidents compared to other modes of transportation, making it a reliable and secure choice for travelers. Interested in learning more about why air travel is considered the safest option? Keep reading!

Low chance of air and space transport incidents

Air travel is widely regarded as the safest mode of transportation due to its low chance of incidents in the air and space. Data from the Bureau of Transportation shows that flying has the lowest fatality rates when compared to other modes of transport .

In fact, airplanes have been proven to be the safest means of transportation. Compared to car safety, flying presents minimal chances of resulting in death . When considering travel options, it’s clear that air travel offers a significantly lower risk compared to other modes of transport.

Comparison to car safety

In terms of safety, flying is the clear winner when compared to car travel. Statistics from the Bureau of Transportation show that flying has minimal chances of resulting in death , whereas traveling by personal light-duty vehicles presents the greatest risk.

Additionally, data reveals that rail and bus travel have much lower death rates compared to driving a car . With these facts in mind, it’s clear that choosing air travel over driving can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a fatal accident .

Conclusion on Safest Ways to Travel

When it comes to choosing a safe mode of transportation, commercial planes are the clear winner , with lower fatality rates compared to other modes. Data shows that flying is the safest way to travel , particularly when considering the number of passengers transported .

Bus travel also emerges as a safer option compared to passenger rail travel . So next time you’re planning a trip, consider hopping on a plane or bus for a safer journey .

FAQs on Safest Ways to Travel

1. which mode of transportation is considered the safest.

Air travel is generally considered the safest mode of transportation due to strict safety regulations and advanced technology.

2. Is driving a car safer than flying in an airplane?

No, statistically speaking, flying in an airplane is typically safer than driving a car.

3. What safety measures are in place for train travel?

Train travel often adheres to strict safety standards, including regular maintenance checks, trained operators, and safety features such as emergency brakes and evacuation plans.

4. Are there any differences in safety between public transportation and private vehicles?

Public transportation tends to have more safety protocols in place, such as regular inspections and driver training programs, compared to private vehicles where adherence to safety measures can vary depending on individual drivers.

About the author

I’ve been fortunate to visit over fifty countries, each journey leaving a unique footprint on my life’s map. From bustling cities to serene nature trails, I’ve immersed myself in different cultures and experiences, constantly broadening my understanding of the world. On this site, I share my travel stories, tips, and insights, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Join me as we uncover the beauty of our planet, one adventure at a time. Please reach out here if you need to get in touch.

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Safe travels or Safe travel? Which is correct?

When you want to wish someone to have a journey that is completed without a problem you can say “Safe Travels”. Safe travel is ok but not commonly used.  

Correct Ways to wish someone a safe journey:

• Safe travels
• Bon voyage 
• Travel safely 
• Drive safely
• Have a safe trip
• Have a nice trip
• Have a safe journey

The reason we use safe travels is that we often associate travelling with many different trips and not just one trip.

Safe travel is ok to use but in modern English, it is just not common. 

We often want to wish someone a nice journey but we know that we will see them again so we just want to wish them a journey that is safe from danger. 

If you will not see the person for a long time then it is better to say goodbye. You can find many ways to say goodbye in this article here.

Travel safe or travel safely?

Travel safely is correct because in this case travel is a verb and to modify the verb we need to use the adverb “safely”

Can you say Safe trip or Safe journey?

Yes, you can say “Safe trip” or “Safe Journey” but we usually use “Have a….”.

John: I am leaving now, see you later!

Peter: Have a safe trip!

Peter: Have a safe journey! 

Bon Voyage – Wait isn’t that French? 

Yes, Bon Voyage is the French for Safe travels or literally “have a good trip”

It is common to use bon voyage in English because people are often going on a trip to a foreign country so people use it to sound more exotic.

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What Is a Safe System Approach?

U.S. DOT adopts a Safe System Approach as the guiding paradigm to address roadway safety. 1 The Safe System Approach has been embraced by the transportation community as an effective way to address and mitigate the risks inherent in our enormous and complex transportation system. It works by building and reinforcing multiple layers of protection to both prevent crashes from happening in the first place and minimize the harm caused to those involved when crashes do occur. It is a holistic and comprehensive approach that provides a guiding framework to make places safer for people.

This is a shift from a conventional safety approach because it focuses on both human mistakes AND human vulnerability and designs a system with many redundancies in place to protect everyone. 

U.S. DOT's National Roadway Safety Strategy and the Department’s ongoing safety programs are working towards a future with zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries. In support of this approach, safety programs are focused on infrastructure, human behavior, responsible oversight of the vehicle and transportation industry, and emergency response. 

Principles of a Safe System Approach

Death and Serious Injuries are Unacceptable

A Safe System Approach prioritizes the elimination of crashes that result in death and serious injuries.

Humans Make Mistakes

People will inevitably make mistakes and decisions that can lead or contribute to crashes, but the transportation system can be designed and operated to accommodate certain types and levels of human mistakes, and avoid death and serious injuries when a crash occurs.

Humans Are Vulnerable

Human bodies have physical limits for tolerating crash forces before death or serious injury occurs; therefore, it is critical to design and operate a transportation system that is human-centric and accommodates physical human vulnerabilities.

Responsibility is Shared

All stakeholders —including government at all levels, industry, non-profit/advocacy, researchers, and the general public—are vital to preventing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.

Safety is Proactive

Proactive tools should be used to identify and address safety issues in the transportation system, rather than waiting for crashes to occur and reacting afterwards.

Redundancy is Crucial

Reducing risks requires that all parts of the transportation system be strengthened, so that if one part fails, the other parts still protect people.

Objectives of a Safe System Approach

Implementation of the NRSS will be arranged around five complementary objectives corresponding to the Safe System Approach elements:

Safer People

Encourage safe, responsible driving and behavior by people who use our roads and create conditions that prioritize their ability to reach their destination unharmed.

Safer Roads

Design roadway environments to mitigate human mistakes and account for injury tolerances, to encourage safer behaviors, and to facilitate safe travel by the most vulnerable users.

Safer Vehicles

Expand the availability of vehicle systems and features that help to prevent crashes and minimize the impact of crashes on both occupants and non-occupants.

Safer Speeds

Promote safer speeds in all roadway environments through a combination of thoughtful, equitable, context-appropriate roadway design, appropriate speed-limit setting, targeted education, outreach campaigns, and enforcement.

Post-Crash Care

Enhance the survivability of crashes through expedient access to emergency medical care, while creating a safe working environment for vital first responders and preventing secondary crashes through robust traffic incident management practices.

  FHWA:Safe Roads for a Safer Future, Investment in roadway safety saves lives