Is Taking the Amtrak Safer Than Flying During COVID-19?

About a year ago now, my wife and I flew on a plane to Maui, Hawaii.  The flight was very nice and our vacation time spent in the land of paradise was simply incredible.

Lori and I are now  talking about taking the Amtrak train to Arizona so we can see the Grand Canyon.  After all, it's one of the seven wonders of the world.  We've never been on a train trip before, so when the time is right, instead of flying, we're riding the tracks to a premiere location.

Those still wary of catching COVID-19 may wonder if taking a trip on a train would be safer than flying?

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According to the Detroit Free Press, Amtrak doesn't directly make that claim on its website, but the rail system's officials posted videos that agree with experts on viral transmission.  Experts say that Amtrak trains are probably safer than planes for avoiding the virus.

Recently, a travel agent who rode the rails all the way to and from Denver said she was very impressed with Amtrak's COVID-19 precautions.

She also said they were very serious about having people wear masks.  They announced several times, you must wear the mask over your nose and mouth.

Amtrak mandated masks for all passengers and employees beginning last spring.  The rail service announced that it would begin strictly monitoring where passengers sit and how many board each car.

Marc Magliari, spokesman for Amtrak said we have significantly more spacing than airlines and buses between our seats.  We have no middle seats, so each passenger either is seated beside a companion or you have an empty seat next to you.  (USA Today)

A medical doctor who is the CEO of Reditus Laboratories, a company that conducts coronavirus testing, said trains are safer than planes.  In part, because many stations have open air platforms where travelers board.

That's far less risky than the indoor settings of airport security lines and waiting areas where passengers gather and sit before boarding.