A UK company has introduced a new “personal protection window” it claims will help mitigate safety-related fears about filling airplane middle seats.
The new “personal protection window” isn’t all that revolutionary, but does create an extra layer of protection in the form of a rounded, transparent polycarbonate shield that looks much like the new barriers that have become ubiquitous at grocery stores and restaurants.
RAS Completions, an aircraft interiors company, plans to launch the product later this month after securing final regulatory approval. As the Daily Mail describes it:
“The shield, endorsed by UK GPs, is designed to prevent person-to-person droplet transmission, particularly when used in conjunction with biosecurity measures such as face masks.”
Unlike complicated new seat designs, the “personal protection window” simply hooks on top the side or back of seats (economy or premium economy). It can be easily removed for cleaning as well.
A spokesperson for RAS Completions said:
“The team was inspired to create a solution for struggling airlines following the work we have been doing during the pandemic, converting aircraft for medevac use.
“So far, protection solutions all remove the use of the middle seat, which isn’t a viable, long-term financial option for most airlines.
Our new PPW gives airlines a choice. We want to give people the confidence to return to the skies, and firmly believe this product will help them to feel protected while retaining much of the flying experience they are used to.”
CONCLUSION
The idea that COVID-19 and other viruses spread through droplet transmission is sound science. Whether this new shield is a helpful tool or gimmick…that’s another story. Too bad it doesn’t have transition glass like the Boeing 787 window to allow annoying seatmates to be more easily ignored…
images: RAS Completions
It’s a great idea. There are dozens of ingenious solutions that will be part of getting people to feel safe while flying. The marginal benefit in reducing cases from something like this will more than pay for itself.
Unfortunately there will always be a segment of the population unwilling to mask up (or keep the masks on throughout the flight, or actually cover their nose and mouth). I wish I could say that I’m surprised at the lack of will to eliminate this threat, but too many want to bury their head in the sand rather than make the necessary sacrifices.
Like chain-link fences protect you against mosquitoes. There’s a reason you’re body exhales, because the used air is not good for you. It’s kind of similar to recycling you’re car exhaust. Many people have breathing issues already. It’s 100F in my town now. If I’m not sneezing or coughing, what’s the point? Do you wear a mask driving alone to show how virtuous you are?
100F in LA today…horrible. So much for my beloved June gloom. Good point overall.
NO, NO, NO! A solid barrier between seats for info a solid wall . Some people tend to overflow into the anointing seats. Body parts touching is not unusual and should be addressed. Solid walls are the only solution if a middle seat is occupied.
Tha t’s another [redacted ny admin] to create more troubles than gains, as Covid19 itself is a scam
Oh give me a break. That tiny piece of plastic isn’t going to solve anything.
Agreed. I’d love to see some scientific models of what that does. I’m guessing the impact is marginal. But hey – if it makes people feel good!
And I wonder if it and things like it will be one more impediment to evacuating in an emergency?
Apparently, UK regulators are reviewing now and we will find out if they are certified later in the month.
I would love this, but only with transition glass, not because of Covid-19 🙂
That’s a lot of window-like surface to clean. If it’s not cleaned perfectly, pax will notice.
But it will solve the problem of large passengers raising the armrest and moving into your space
I’d be more concerned about getting sick from someone’s cough or boogers on the plexiglass than I would from the “droplets”. If we lived this long without masks and sanitizing wipes and plexiglass dividers, I think we’ll be just fine given the current circumstances.
Ugly, horrible, useless, cheap looking, and claustrophobic. Basically psychological “eyewash”. People still shoulder to shoulder…. like coughing, sneezing, spreading germs is just going to stay within this little “bubble” of air and not migrate up, under or around these ridiculous barriers.
…. as well, do the airlines really think people are not going to use these as a handhold or banging into them, bending, damaging them….. think kids, fingerprints, more problematic than it is supposedly “worth”….. right,….. nothing.
A better idea would be for all the airlines to designate one flight per day as a masker flight, where all of the mask, glove and hazmat suit wearers can all feel nice and safe on their empty middle seat anti-covid transport and charge more for the privilege of the extra cleaning.
And the rest of the world can get back to life, work and play.
Absolutely my thoughts as well
Awesome idea… but in all fairness, it will be an epic fail if the cleaning staff does not wipe down and disinfect the screens between every flight. Glad I thought of it.
That’s a germ depository if I’ve seen one
Not remotely “approved by the regulators until the CAA, EASA, FAA say so
Aircraft ventilation systems already drive air in such a way that only the people adjacent to a sick sneezer/cougher are really vulnerable. This invention a high schooler came up with is supposed to segment the air in the cabin even further:
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-germs-thrive-on-planes-and-how-to-stop-them-raymond-wang
Given how robust ventilation systems on aircraft already are, I don’t think airlines really care about improving on them. This device wouldn’t cost very much to install, though, and could help instill confidence in the flying public that airplanes are “safe spaces.”
Of all the ridiculous bullshit I have seen since Covid-19 begun, this one definitely takes the No 1 spot , Dearie my hahahahahaha anyways what do I Know , Germs Germs and more Germs