Many people love travelling, but very few people enjoy having to sit in a cramped plane seat for upwards of eight hours, and absolutely no one likes getting to their destination only to start displaying symptoms of the common cold or a tummy bug.
Unfortunately, the long and uncomfortable plane ride is a necessary evil when it comes to travelling, and plane air, plane seats, tray tables and plane bathrooms are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
The humidity levels on aircrafts is approximately 11 per cent, while the humidity levels in our homes usually range between 40 per cent and 60 per cent. Some research suggests that when our bodies experience such a drastic change in humidity levels it can suppress our immune system and as a result, when passengers are sitting in a confined space with a suppressed immune system for long periods of time, we are more susceptible to catching a cold or flu from a travelling neighbour.
#1 Online trip calculator Travelmath conducted research that found airports and airplanes are dirtier than your home, and that tray tables are the dirtiest surfaces of the lot. Passengers tend to use their tray tables for eating, drinking, reading and even resting their heads on, so the possibility of your tray table coming into contact with germs is very high. A simple wipe down with an alcoholic wipe before you settle in will take care of lingering germs.
#2 Treat the airplane bathroom as you would a public bathroom and limit your contact with surfaces as much as possible. On flights, especially international ones, there is more chance of interacting with viruses your body isn’t immune to.
#3 We’ve all seen people wearing disposable face masks at the airport, and it turns out they’re on to something! For planes that work international flights, passengers are exposed to different strains and types of viral sickness for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately, we don’t always get to choose who we sit next to, and sometimes our neighbour is already sick. Try wearing a disposable face mask such as the TECMASK disposable travel germ mask which uses a PM2.5 filter that can help with preventing catching a virus and warding off germ exposure.
#4 Smarter Travel reports that you are 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating or drinking any meals on the plane or in the airport, after using an ATM or handling cash.
#5 Using a germ-killing mouthwash will not only keep your breath fresh but it may aid in reducing the likelihood of you picking up a cough or cold on the flight.
#6 According to a report by Time sitting in the window seat can reduce your exposure to germs and bacteria that may be circulating the plane. Another study suggests that having your overhead air filter blowing air gently towards your face can also reduce your chances of getting sick.
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Etiquette rules for airplane travel
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