An Aircraft Interior Change to Improve the Passenger Safety Perception

Abstract

In fact, the aircraft interior is rather safe with respect to viral safety. However, the perception of passengers is different. Passengers might be afraid of catching the COVID-19 virus or another virus while traveling.
This study shows that especially the phase of eating without a facemask and the phase of disembarking with passengers rushing to the exit is experienced as unsafe. For the disembarking solutions are available,
but solutions for eating next to other passengers in economy class are scarce. Therefore, solutions were developed and 24 potential passengers evaluated four concepts. Eighteen out of the 24 passengers preferred the ‘roller blind’, which is a kind of roller screen, which can be rolled out and can be attached to the seat
in front of you. This separates your seat from the adjacent seat. Future research is needed whether it is accepted and whether the potential advantage is beneficial enough for airlines.