Even with periodic flight delays [1] and crowded airports, I think we can all agree that aeroplanes are incredible vehicles. They serve as the gateway to adventure and wonder, transporting us to faraway and exotic places [2] in a matter of hours. But let's be real: they can also harbour quite a few germs. So to help you avoid catching an unwanted cold [3] on your next getaway, we asked the experts for advice on which parts of the aeroplane to avoid — or at least disinfect immediately. Here are the five spots on a plane you should watch out for to stay healthy on your next flight.
The Tray Table
What's the most germ-ridden part of an aeroplane? Research [5] shows that the tray table is the culprit, with nearly eight times as many germs as the next dirtiest surface (say what?!). The best way to escape the pesky tabletop germs is to avoid contact with your food and the tray table on your next flight. Dr. Niket Sonpal, assistant professor at Touro College [6] of Osteopathic Medicine, recommends skipping the flight meals [7] altogether. "The average plane meal is far from healthy, with around 360 to 400 calories per food item (so roughly 1,500 calories total) and high quantities of fat, salt, and sugar."
The Overhead Air Vent
The second dirtiest item is typically the overhead air vent, which is constantly being exposed to the hands of travellers. The next time you fly [8], notice how many times you adjust the vent throughout the flight. Lindsey Bristol, registered dietitian and nutritionist at Swanson Health [9], advises travellers that if you need to adjust the vent, be sure to wipe it down before and after use.
The Toilet Flush Button
It's not a surprise to find the toilet on this list, but studies show it's actually the toilet flush button that contains the most germs. If you can avoid a visit to the loo entirely on a flight, great! But if you need to go, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, and touch things through a tissue if you're really worried.
The Seatbelt Buckle
The buckle on your seatbelt is also regularly subject to the hands of travellers. Heather Holmes, founder of P2 [10] (a natural probiotic for deep cleaning) remembers constantly getting sick [11] as a frequent flier. "When I flew every week, it was impossible for me to stay well, so I had sinus infections and the flu all of the time. What I didn't know is that I was contracting bacterial and viral infections from my tray table, seatbelt buckle, and the air the vent I touched." Her solution? If you can't avoid these areas, be sure to disinfect them right after you board the plane.
The Dry Air
Yes, it's impossible to avoid the air inside the cabin, but the dry air on a plane can also put you at risk of getting sick. Dr. Sonpal tells us, "Air quality on planes raises your risk of contracting illness. This is because in the pressurised cabin, the air humidity is dramatically less. On the ground and in your homes, the humidity is about 35 percent while on the plane it is between 10 and 15 percent."
So how can you fight back? Dr. Sonpal recommends drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and avoid contact with your eyes. Dr. Gustavo Ferrer [12], MD, a pulmonologist and author of Cough Cures, advises also using a saline spray with xylitol (like Xlear [13]) to help with nasal dryness, as it helps prevent the attachment of bacteria and virus.