Covid-19 has made us all more aware of the risk of disease transmission during air travel. Well before Covid appeared, I can’t tell you how many times I got sick after sitting on a flight in close proximity to someone who was visibly ill. And I have to admit there have been times after a vacation that I knew I was probably coming down with something and flew back home. I am sorry.

Because of all the information we’ve accumulated to make us aware of how to protect ourselves during the epidemic, we have had time to think about what steps we can take when taking a flight to avoid illness.

’m getting ready to get on a plane for the first time in over two and a half years.  I’ve been reading quite a few articles on how not to get sick on my flight.  Here are some of the tips I’ve gleaned from the articles.

Essential travel item. Bring a package/s of antibacterial sanitizing wipes. make sure that they are composed of at least 60% alcohol.   You will be glad you brought them and use them a lot.

Going through security.

We all know that airports can be petri dishes for germs.  It’s hard to social distance when waiting in long security lines or when boarding a plane.   Now you don’t have to wear a mask at airports so many people don’t.  I will since I want to be able to enjoy my trip and don’t want to take any chances when herded into  these lines.  

One idea I picked up was when we are going through security is to think about the bins we use that are constantly recycled.   Most of my things are in enclosed plastic bags or carry-on luggage.  My husband, on the other hand, always has to take off his belt, empty his pockets and throw his coins, luggage and whatever else he has taken out into the bin or in a bowl that is placed in the bin.  After going through the screening, he scoops it out.  It might not be a bad idea to have a clear plastic bag to put all his coins, wallet, etc into before getting into the security line.  Not only will there be less contact with the constantly used bin and bowl but it will also save time at both ends of the security screening.

Always wear socks when walking through the security check.   I have to admit that I don’t wear socks during the summer months.  Almost never, unless I am hiking.  But I do try to remember to bring a pair in my bag when going to the airport or put them on when dressing the morning of the flight.  I’ve had nail fungus and other foot problems many years ago and standing/walking where thousands have stood before me could expose my tender tootsies to more problems. 

Once you’ve boarded and found your seat.   The airlines say they do deep cleaning between flights. But they can only do so much.. It is important to clean your own personal area. Wipe down the buckle.  (I never thought of that one!) The armrests, the tray and arms, the screen in front of you.  If you are sitting in a window seat, wipe down the window and the area around it, especially if you tend to lean your head against it while resting. If you are going to take your shoes off during the flight, try to wipe down the foot rest as well if you are going to use it.

Opening the overhead.  Unless you have your own personal overhead compartment, other people might frequently be opening and closing the overhead compartment  to gain access to their belongs. If you need to get your stuff, you should wipe down that latch before opening.  

Going to the bathroom.

In the best of all worlds, you would not use the airplane bathroom at all. But that is unlikely.   Being in that very small, claustrophobic closet is bad enough.  I think you will agree that as the flight progresses, especially if it is a long one, that cubicle becomes less and less hygienic even though flight attendants try to keep it clean.  I always drink a lot of fluids.  So I have to use the facilities frequently.

The best tips I’ve read for using the plane toilets are:

Using sanitizing wipes always wipe off the toilet seat before using it even if you don’t sit down completely.   Wipe down the flushing button or handle.  Yuck!   Try don’t to think where those hands have been before flushing.   Wipe off the handles of the sink.   Try to use your own paper for wiping rather than the tp in the toilet,  Always, always wear shoes in the bathroom.  Roll up your pant legs or skirts so they don’t hit the floor which may be wet with . . . .   And men, could you please do your best to aim straight?  That would really help a lot.

Shut the toilet seat before flushing as germs can be stirred up when the toilet is flushed.

It’s been reported that a plane’s filtration system makes air travel very safe for travelers.  But when it isn’t in flight or turned on, the air in that silver air travel machine might not be so safe. Air particles just hang and move through the cabin.  Think about one person smoking in a room and how the smoke moves through the room. So you might want to think about wearing a mask for at least boarding, or pre-flight, if not for the entire ride.  

Keep your hands away from your face. Most people unknowingly touch their faces an average of 23.7 times an hour, according to an Australian study. Here’s where a mask really helps since it prevents you from touching your nose, eyes and mouth. Germs make their way into your body through these ports of entry. Whether wearing a mask or not, keep sanitizing your hands with antibacterial sanitizer that is composed of at least 60% alcohol.

Take away.

Your best actions in reducing your risk of contracting disease during air travel and are pretty simple. Wear a good mask and keep sanitizing high risk germ areas and your hands. It really isn’t that difficult, doesn’t take much time to do and can make all the difference in you having a very good and healthy trip.

Safe travels!