How clean is airplane air, really?

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December 04, 2025 How clean is airplane air, really? By Alice Park Senior Correspondent Every time I step on a plane, I wonder about how many bacteria and viruses are circulating in the tightly packed space—especially when so many people sneeze and cough in the winter cold-and-flu season. Your chances of catching something must be higher in an enclosed plane cabin than in less confined spaces, right? Researchers tested the bugs found on face masks that people wore during flights, and the results might surprise you. READ MORE » If you have a minute, please take our quick survey to help us better understand who you are and which health topics interest you most. Take the Survey WHAT ELSE TO READ The Best Science-Backed Way to Dress for the Cold With the right fabrics, you'll keep your whole body warm.   How to Rebuild a Broken Friendship Whether you had a fight or just lost touch.   What Getting 105 Blood Tests From a Health Startup Taught Me Is it the future of health care—or too much data?   If you were forwarded this and want to sign up to receive it daily, click here. Today's newsletter was written by Alice Park and edited by Angela Haupt.   Want more from TIME? Sign up for our other newsletters.         Subscribe to TIME TIME may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this email. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Connect with TIME via Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS Questions? Contact newsletters@time.com Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here © 2025 TIME USA, LLC. All rights reserved. TIME Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508 Boone, IA 50037-0508, United States of America Terms of Service