Airport Cleanliness Tips

Airports are dirty, germy places and it’s all too common to find yourself fighting or succumbing to a cold or the flu after needing to travel by plane. The fear of getting sick is definitely no good reason to miss out on amazing vacations and experiences, so here are a few ways you can navigate through the issue of airport cleanliness and arrive at your destination happy and healthy.

Avoid using the bathroom on short flights

Airplane bathrooms are definitely a greater challenge to keep clean than bathrooms in established buildings, so if your flight is short enough, try to avoid it altogether. Instead, plan ahead by using the restroom at the airport where you’ll have more space and ability to use seat covers, grab handles with tissues, and other preventative measures that will be more difficult to exercise on the plane.

Dress warmly

Don’t use the blankets and pillows provided to you by the airline, as there is no way of knowing if they’ve been sanitized thoroughly. Instead, dress in layers so you can responsible for your own comfort and won’t be tempted to snuggle up with a possibly germy blanket or pillow.

Sanitize your seat and tray

Yes, some people may give you funny looks, but it’s worth looking a bit hypervigilant for 60 seconds in order to reduce the risk of getting sick on your vacation substantially. Bring a few sanitizing wet wipes with you while you travel, and when you get to your seat on the plane, wipe down all the places your head and hands are most likely to touch. Even just wiping down the headrest and table tray alone will make a significant difference when it comes to reducing contact with germs.

Keep your hands clean

This is important all the time, but especially so when traveling and coming into contact with even more germs than normal. Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face or food if you haven’t sanitized them in a while or recently touched something that is likely unclean. For the same reason you should sanitize your tray, avoid touching your face if you’ve touched it as the flu virus can survive on a hard surface for up to 24 hours.

Stay hydrated

Airplanes are significantly drier environments than our bodies are used to, and when the mucous membranes of the nose and airways dry out, you’ll be more susceptible to germs and bacteria that can ultimately make you sick. To combat this, drink a lot of water before and during your travels to give your body its best chance at fighting any illnesses off.

Prepare your body in advance

Just like staying hydrated through the journey, there are other measures you can take in advance of traveling to give your body the best chance to fight off any sicknesses. Make sure to rest well the nights before you travel, eat a well-balanced diet, as well as taking vitamin supplements – specifically vitamin C. Those efforts, in conjunction with drinking lots of water, are sure to make a positive impact on the health of your body before the stress of flying.