Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean

By Mighty Travels Premium November 26, 2023 11:19 AM UTC

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - Your Tray Table is a Petri Dish

One investigation found that the average tray table has 2,155 colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch. To put that into perspective, a toilet seat has only 172 CFUs per square inch. The tray tables tested positive for bacteria that can cause food poisoning, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and more.

Pathogens likely accumulate on the tray tables because they are frequently touched but infrequently cleaned. Flight attendants may give the tables a quick wipe down between flights, but they do not have time for a thorough disinfecting. Germs from past passengers' hands, food, tissues, and babies' bottoms end up sticking around.

Many of these can survive for hours or even days on surfaces like plastic tray tables. RSV and rhinovirus cause the common cold. Staph aureus results in skin infections and respiratory illness. E. coli and salmonella lead to food poisoning symptoms like vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

In one disturbing account, a passenger swabbed a tray table before using it and sent the sample to a lab. It tested positive for traces of cocaine! This shows that you really have no idea what prior passengers have left behind on the table.

Some doctors advise against ever eating directly off the tray table. If you must use it for food, always place down a clean placemat or napkin first. You can also clean the table yourself beforehand with a disinfectant wipe.

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - The Lavatory is Crawling with Germs

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - Your Seatbelt is Swimming in Germs

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - Germs Lurk on Touch Screens

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - The Air Itself Contains Germs

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - Germs Spread When Passengers Cough and Sneeze

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - Ways to Avoid Getting Sick on a Plane

white and pink plastic packs, Natracare

a bottle of hand sanitizing gel on a white background,

person holding white plastic pump bottle, Hands and hand sanitizer pump

Given everything we've covered about germs on planes, it's understandable if you want to arrive at your destination healthy, not hampered with cold or flu symptoms. The good news is that there are proven ways to minimize your risks. With some advanced preparation and vigilant habits during the flight, you can dodge those pesky viruses and bacteria.

First things first – get your flu shot, especially if traveling during peak cold and flu season. The vaccine protects against the specific strains experts predict will be most prevalent. It takes about two weeks post-injection for antibodies to develop, so don't wait until right before your trip.

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly during your journey. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before meals and again any time you use the lavatory. If water is not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Apply enough to coat all surfaces of your hands.

Pack disinfecting wipes in your carry-on bag. Use them to wipe down your seat area upon boarding, including the armrests, seat belt buckle, entertainment screen and buttons. Follow up with a second wipedown mid-flight. Wipe your hands after touching frequently used surfaces around the cabin, such as overhead bin handles.

Select a window seat if possible. This exposes you to fewer people passing by in the aisle who may cough and sneeze germs your way. An aisle seat also puts you right next to the bathroom traffic flow.

Use a scarf or blanket to cushion your head against the window instead of the germy pillow provided. Consider bringing your own travel pillow. Inflight blankets are rarely washed between passengers. Ask the flight attendant for a sealed blanket if available.

Drink plenty of water instead of soda to stay hydrated in the dry cabin air. Staying hydrated supports immune function and helps flush bacteria from your system.

Keep your air vent pointed straight at your head to keep your space ventilated. Avoid bare feet and wear socks or slippers in your personal space to avoid direct contact with the floor.

Follow a healthful sleep schedule, eat nutritious meals, and lower stress leading up to your trip. Arriving to the airport well-rested gives your immune system the edge against foreign pathogens.

Germaphobe's Guide: The Surprising Germiest Places on a Plane and Tips to Stay Squeaky Clean - Travel Cleaning Supplies to Pack in Your Carry-On

yellow sponge between two steel wools, Dishwashing concept. On a black background, different washcloths and scrubbers for washing dishes

man wiping mouse with tissue paper, I sometimes think if Bill’s nose were the fountain of youth, if the world waded in his mucus, it would grant the population everlasting life. The struggle is real.

white paper boat on yellow surface, White tissue paper from the blue tissue box. Top view

When it comes to dodging germs in the air and staying healthy during travel, the right supplies in your carry-on can make all the difference. We'll walk through cleaning and sanitizing products that are flight-approved and TSA-friendly. With the proper portable arsenal, you can wipe, spray, and disinfect your way to a germ-free flight.

First up is a travel-size bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer. Look for one that contains at least 60% alcohol, as this is potent enough to kill illness-causing germs and bacteria. Aim for 2 fluid ounces or less, as this adheres to TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons. Clip it to your bag for easy access. Use liberally throughout your trip, especially pre and post-lavatory visits and before eating.

Disinfectant wipes are clutch for wiping down surfaces. Target wipes that kill 99.9% of germs and are bleach-free. You can use these to sanitize your seat area, armrests, seatbelt buckle, tray table, and the entertainment screen and buttons. For your tray table, do an initial wipe down upon boarding, let it sit for a few minutes, then follow up with a second wipe. Follow TSA's liquids rule here too.

You'll want to pack some type of plastic bag for hygienically disposing of used wipes and other trash. Resealable sandwich and snack bags work well for cordoning off germy items. Amazon sells travel tissue packs designed to fold up compactly in a purse or pack.

Consider tossing in a small bottle of hand lotion, as constant hand washing and sanitizer use can dry out your skin, leaving cracks germs can enter. Pick a 2 ounce or smaller bottle. Lather up after sanitizing to counter the drying effects.

Spray hand sanitizers are now permitted in carry-ons in containers holding 3.4 ounces or less. These make sanitizing hands on the go ultra convenient. Spritz before and after touching frequently used surfaces. Some popular options are by Purell and Germ-X.

You can also pack disinfectant spray designed for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. Sprays containing ethyl alcohol are a safe bet. Spritz it on items like your seatbelt buckle, armrests, and entertainment screen. Just make sure your bottle complies with the liquids rule.

Travel-size Lysol or Clorox disinfecting spray is great for targeting germ hot spots around your seat, such as the tray table. Let it sit briefly before wiping down. Just be sure to adhere to TSA's liquids requirement.