How Clean (and Safe) Is A Plane's Cabin Air?

What to know about the air we breathe at 30,000 feet.

Most seasoned travelers are savvy about protecting their health in far-flung locales. But there are other dangers inherent in the journey—not just the destination—due in part to the air we breathe in pressurized aluminum tubes for hours at a time. And, though statistically unlikely, certain conditions can ruin a trip.

These days, nearly all commercial planes recirculate 10 to 50 percent of cabin air. “The air on planes is fairly clean, and probably better than in a day care center,” says Dr. Karl Neumann, a pediatric travel expert. But Neumann notes there’s reason for caution, particularly on longer flights, when the exposure time increases exponentially: “There’s evidence you’re susceptible to infectious diseases.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cites multiple health concerns for air travelers, including in-flight transmission of communicable diseases such as [tuberculosis, meningitis, and measles] ( And the World Health Organization (WHO) offers detailed warnings on a variety of potential issues, including the effects of cabin air pressure.

Here's what else you should know:

Noxious Fumes

Most people have never heard the term “fume events,” but the aviation community has been studying these phenomena for years. In 2015, the International Civil Aviation Organization, chartered by the United Nations, issued guidelines for the industry. ICAO stated: “There are various types of fumes, smoke, haze, and mist that may contaminate the cabin and flight deck air supply system. The outside air may be contaminated with engine oil, hydraulic fluid, engine exhaust, ground service vehicle exhaust, fuel, de-icing fluid, or ozone.” ICAO added that recirculation fans, electrical systems, and other systems are “potential source[s] of contaminated air.”

Domestically, regulations require fume events be reported to the Federal Aviation Administration, but only in the case of “a mechanical discrepancy” in-flight—and the data is spotty.

What should you be concerned about? The International Air Transport Association cites a long list of symptoms, including chest tightness; difficulty with speech; dizziness; difficulty balancing; difficulty concentrating; and others. If you’re worried, seek medical attention and consider filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.


The threat of diseases transmitted by insects, such as malaria, Zika, and yellow fever, has made spraying airplane interiors with insecticides common overseas.

In some countries including Ecuador, India, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago, the preferred method is to spray while passengers are onboard to ensure travelers and their clothing are not carriers. The DOT also lists countries (including France, Italy, and the U.K.) that require disinsection on selected flights only, as well as countries (including Australia and New Zealand) that spray or treat the cabin while passengers aren’t onboard. In such cases, it’s important to avoid skin contact with surfaces still wet with pesticide.

The World Health Organization states it has [“found no evidence”] ( such insecticides are harmful to human health. But it cautions: “Some have reported feeling unwell after spraying,” and the CDC says there are [“research gaps”] ( and suggests more research and testing is needed.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has called the spraying method a “bad idea” due to adverse health effects; and last year, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants received more than 200 reports of flight attendant illnesses—including respiratory problems, sore throats, and headaches—and the union believes these reactions were due to pesticide toxins.

If you have concerns about spraying, check with the airline before booking, as they do not inform passengers prior to ticket purchase.

How Newer Aircraft Compare

According to the CDC, on newer aircraft, filters capture 99.9 percent of bacteria, fungi, and other “particles.” What’s more, the CDC says some later generation commercial planes—such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350—“boast innovative changes,” such as refreshing cabin air at a faster rate. For example, the Boeing 787 doesn't employ “bleed air systems” that divert compressed air from the engines for use inside the cabin, the method used on nearly all other jet aircraft; instead, the 787 uses electric compressors, which should negate many of the fume issues.

Stay Healthy

Concerned about breathing in cabin air for a prolonged period of time? Here are some ways to protect yourself.

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands often—after that very sneeze or cough, or meal service, for example.

• Because cabin air is low in humidity—reportedly hovering around 12 percent—drink plenty of fluids, use saline nasal sprays, and consider wearing glasses rather than contact lenses.

Flight attendants often wear inexpensive paper or plastic face masks while spraying insecticides, so consider packing a few if you're looking for another filter.