Why you should keep your airplane overhead vent open
A recent study says simply keeping your overhead air vent open during flights can help protect you from germs and make flying more comfortable.
In crowded cabins, good airflow matters even more—without it, you're likely to feel tired and stressed.
Planes use HEPA filters to clean cabin air every few minutes
Planes use HEPA filters to clean cabin air every few minutes, removing over 99% of harmful particles.
But when it's packed and ventilation drops, particles can build up fast.
The overhead vent gives you a stream of fresh, filtered air right where you breathe—turning it off lets germs hang around longer.
Experts recommend keeping the vent on low or medium
Experts recommend keeping the vent on low or medium and aiming it just past your face (not directly at you).
Adjust your layers for warmth instead of turning off the airflow.
It's a small move that can seriously boost comfort and help keep you healthier in the sky.