The Dirty Truth About Airplanes

Airplanes are a germ magnet. With so many people in close proximity, shared spaces, and recirculated air, it’s no surprise that the cabin environment can be full of germs. Don’t let this discourage you from booking that next flight. With a few simple precautions, you can reduce your risk of catching something. Here are six effective ways to stay healthy while flying.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

The first step in avoiding germs is selecting a seat that minimizes your exposure. Aisle seats tend to get more traffic, with passengers and crew constantly moving up and down the aisle. Window seats, on the other hand, give you a little more isolation, although they aren’t perfect. Choosing a seat further from the bathroom or galley can help too, as these areas are high-traffic zones.

2. Bring Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

Hand sanitizer is essential for keeping germs at bay during a flight. Since soap and water aren’t always available, choose a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Use it after touching common surfaces like the seatbelt, tray table, or when you’ve used the restroom.

Disinfecting wipes are also a great tool. Wipe down your seat area—tray tables, armrests, and seatbacks—right when you sit down. Don’t forget the seatbelt buckle and any personal items you’ll touch often. These quick actions help protect you from germs commonly found on airplanes.

3. Avoid Touching Your Face

We often touch our faces without thinking, scratching an itch, adjusting glasses, or rubbing our eyes. Unfortunately, this is a prime way for germs to enter your body. During a flight, try to keep your hands away from your face, especially after touching shared surfaces. If you do need to touch your face, use hand sanitizer or a tissue to clean your hands first.

4. Stay Hydrated

The dry air on airplanes can leave you feeling dehydrated, which weakens your immune system. Drinking plenty of water helps your body fight off germs and keeps you feeling better during and after your flight. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as these can dehydrate you further. Bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up after you’ve passed the checkpoint for a constant supply of hydration.

5. Practice Proper Respiratory Hygiene

In close quarters, germs can spread quickly through the air. To protect yourself and others, always cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow to minimize the spread of droplets. Wearing a mask is another effective way to protect yourself, especially during flu season or when traveling to high-risk areas.

6. Move Around and Stretch

Sitting in one place for hours can make you feel sluggish and can even affect your immune system. Take short walks down the aisle or do simple stretching exercises in your seat to boost circulation and keep your body in fighting shape. This helps reduce the chances of developing blood clots and gives your body a better chance to fend off illness.

Traveling by plane doesn’t have to mean compromising your health. By following these tips and being prepared, you can minimize your exposure to germs and stay healthy while flying.