Filling middle seats on airplanes doubles the risk of catching COVID-19, according to an MIT study

Get the Full StoryFilling the middle seats of airplanes nearly doubles the risk of catching COVID-19, according to a new study from an MIT professor.

While the risk remains relatively low, partly thanks to the air circulation and filters on most airplanes, the statistical model shows that the risk is significantly lower when middle seats are left empty.

The study comes as American Airlines and United face criticism for filling planes, while Delta and Southwest are leaving middle seats open.

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As many airlines begin filling their middle seats and ending the era of social distancing on flights, a new research paper from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is raising questions about the risks associated with packing planes full of people.

According to the statistical model compiled by Arnold Barnett, a management science professor at the Massechussetts Institute of Technology, the risk of dying from COVID-19 as a direct result of flying is higher than the risk of dying in a plane crash.See the rest of the story at Business InsiderNOW WATCH: Here's what it's like to travel during the coronavirus outbreakSee Also:After flying on the 4 biggest US airlines I saw why offering free flights changes is a hollow gesture to customers when there's few alternativesPeople are refusing mandatory orders to wear masks on flights, and it's causing mayhem with other passengersUnited and American Airlines are cancelling flights to Hong Kong over a requirement that crew members get tested for COVID-19 on arrivalSEE ALSO: People are refusing mandatory orders to wear masks on flights, and it's causing mayhem with other passengers

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