Staying Healthy When Flying
Airports and airplanes can be breeding grounds for germs, with thousands of travelers passing through daily. Whether you’re taking a short flight or a long-haul journey, protecting your health starts before you even board the plane. Here are the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick while traveling.
1. Wash Your Hands—A Lot
Airports and planes have countless high-touch surfaces, from check-in kiosks to tray tables. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face. If soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
2. Wipe Down Your Seat Area
Airplane cleaning crews don’t always have time to disinfect thoroughly between flights. Pack disinfecting wipes and clean your armrests, seatbelt buckle, tray table, and touchscreen before settling in.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
Viruses enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth, so avoid rubbing your face. If you need to adjust a mask or scratch an itch, use a clean tissue or hand sanitizer first.
4. Stay Hydrated
The low humidity in airplane cabins dries out your nasal passages, making it easier for germs to enter. Drink plenty of water (not just coffee or alcohol) to keep your immune system strong. Using a saline nasal spray can also help keep your airways moist.
5. Choose a Window Seat
Studies show that aisle seats are touched more often and expose you to passengers moving around. If possible, choose a window seat and limit unnecessary movement around the cabin to avoid unnecessary contact with germs.
6. Use Your Own Travel Essentials
Minimize exposure by bringing your own neck pillow, blanket, and headphones rather than using airline-provided items, which may not be thoroughly cleaned between flights.
7. Keep Your Immune System Strong
Before and during your trip, eat nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and protein to support your immune system. Traveling while sleep-deprived can also weaken immunity, so try to get enough rest before flying.
8. Wear a Mask
Wearing a high-quality mask (like an N95 or KN95) can help reduce your risk of inhaling airborne germs, especially in crowded airport areas. It may be annoying and feel harder to breathe, but the temporrary inconvenience pales in comparison to catching Influenza or CoVid!
9. Open the Air Vent Above Your Seat
The air circulation system on planes is designed to filter out bacteria and viruses, so keeping your air vent open and directed slightly in front of your face can help create a protective air barrier around you.
10. Be Mindful at Security Checkpoints
Security bins at airports are one of the germiest spots—place items like your phone, passport, and boarding pass in your bag instead of directly in the bin. Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after passing through security.
11. Skip Airport Water Fountains
Public drinking fountains can be contaminated with bacteria, so bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at a touchless water station or buy bottled water instead.
12. Keep Your Distance When Possible
Airports can be crowded, but whenever possible, maintain some space in waiting areas, security lines, and boarding queues to reduce the risk of exposure to sick passengers.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t eliminate all risks, these simple steps can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick while traveling. By practicing good hygiene, staying hydrated, and being mindful of high-risk areas, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling healthy and ready to enjoy your trip!
