Don’t Get Sick: Air Travel Hygiene Safety Tips

Going to another locale can be quite exciting, especially if it involves leaving your responsibilities behind for awhile and enjoying some fun and relaxation. However, getting there may involve air travel which comes with its own set of concerns, primarily when it comes to trying to avoid getting sick. Being in cramped quarters for hours with a bunch of strangers can mean being exposed to all sorts of germs that you want to avoid as much as possible, not to mention planes aren’t always cleaned in between flights. If you’d rather get to your destination and come home without an illness, the following air travel hygiene safety tips could help increase your chances that you’ll do just that.

Be Weary of the Tray Table
You’ve probably already heard the horror stories which include parents who changed their babies right on the tray table. If possible, avoid using the tray table at all costs. Should you have to use it, wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe before you do. They’re sold in travel packs so they can easily fit right in your bag.

Wipe Everything Down
In addition to wiping down the tray table, use a disinfectant wipe to wipe down as much around you as you can, including the armrests, the seat belt, and the window blind. If may seem like you’re going overboard, but it’s a much better option than getting sick.

Don’t Put Your Hands in the Pocket
You probably don’t want to think of the types of items that have been put in the pocket of the seat in front of you. For example, there may have been tissues in there that could have had mucus, blood, etc on them. You’re better off holding onto any items you’re thinking of putting in there.

Don’t Touch the Reading Material
Think about how many people have probably read that magazine before you and where their hands may have been before that. Just let that sink in for a second. Save yourself the hassle and bring your own reading material.

Don’t Use the Blankets and Pillows
You’re much better off using your own blankets and pillows during air travel. There are a lot of benefits to bringing your own, primarily so that you know you were the only one who used them.

Avoid Touching Anything in the Bathroom
If you must touch anything in the bathroom, use a tissue to do so. Also, before you flush the toilet, make sure the lid is down so you don’t end up spraying germs everywhere while you’re in there. Don’t forget to properly wash your hands.

One of the most important things you can do during air travel is to make sure you wash your hands properly and often, and if you don’t want to repeatedly keep getting up and down to go to the bathroom to do so, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Additionally, don’t put your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth or pick at any scabs or cuts you have. Don’t forget to sip bottled water throughout the flight so you can ensure you stay properly hydrated.