I'm the type of person who will gladly spend hours planning a trip, looking for hotels and Airbnb [1] options that will provide the most authentic experience, and creating an itinerary full of adventure. As much as I enjoy travelling, one thing I don't like is the actual flight. I don't have a fear of flying, I can sleep through the takeoff and landing, but I cannot handle the germs.
Germs are inevitable, but I try my hardest to reduce the potential of getting sick. No matter how far I'm travelling or how great the airline is [2], I always travel with a pack of disinfecting wipes.
This habit started years ago when I would travel for sports events. My coaches would advise us to wipe down our seats, arm rests, and tray table before getting cosy in order to eliminate the germs. Initially, I thought this routine was silly, but years later it's something I still do. And before you go calling me paranoid, you should know that The Wall Street Journal reported that the Federal Aviation Administration doesn't regulate or inspect aircraft cleanliness [4].
If that made you cringe, do yourself a favour and before you board your next flight, purchase a pack of disinfecting wipes. And if you're feeling extra nice, share one with the people sitting next to you.