Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Wipe Down Your Space

Airplane cabins are notorious breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. With hundreds of passengers packed into a tight metal tube, coughs and sneezes spread fast. And the dry cabin air helps those tiny microbes stay alive.

According to one study, the bacterial contamination on an airplane is about 100 times higher than in an office building! So before you nestle into that snug middle seat for a cross-country flight, it’s crucial to wipe down your personal space.

As soon as you get to your row, give the armrests, tray table, seat belt buckle, headrest, and any buttons a thorough wipe down using disinfecting wipes. Pay close attention to the seat back pocket, which often houses used tissues, food crumbs, and other nasties left behind by prior passengers.

Make sure to scrub every nook and cranny. Germs can hide in the crevices between the window shades and wall panels. And don’t forget the overhead air vent! Studies have found pathogens like MRSA lingering in those circulated breezes.

Once you’ve sanitized your seat, stow your personal items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Never put anything on the floor, which is commonly soiled from foot traffic and bathroom leaks.

It’s smart to repeat this disinfecting ritual after the beverage service when the tray tables are reopened. You’ll also want to re-wipe if you happen to visit the lavatory mid-flight.

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Bring Sanitizing Wipes

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Wash Your Hands Often

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Don't Touch Your Face

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Limit Contact with Surfaces

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Be Choosy About Your Seat

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Bring Your Own Food

When you're flying, the last things you want are mystery meat sandwiches or sugary snacks from the airline cart. Not only are these offerings usually unhealthy, they can also expose you to unseen germs from other passengers. That's why it's smart to BYOF - Bring Your Own Food.

Packing your own eats allows you to control exactly what goes in your body. You can choose nutritious, immune-boosting foods that will keep you satisfied. Things like fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, yogurt, and sandwiches made at home.

Many frequent flyers swear by this tactic. Aisha S. always packs turkey wraps and carrot sticks in her carry-on. "The food smells so much better than what they serve in flight. And I don't have to worry if someone with a cold handled my apple before me."

Of course, not all airlines allow outside food onboard. But many do permit snacks under a certain weight. Check your airline's policy before packing a picnic. If outside food is prohibited, at least avoid any communal breadbaskets or open snack containers passed down the aisle.

When possible, BYOFers suggest ordering a special meal like vegetarian, kosher, or gluten-free. These are prepared separately and less handled. Just be sure to request the meal well in advance of travel.

If you opt to buy onboard, choose canned or bottled beverages rather than fountain drinks which may harbor germs in the spout. Packaged snacks like nuts are also less prone to contamination than, say, a turkey sandwich which may have been handled repeatedly.

Germ-ageddon at 30,000 Feet: How to Dodge Dirt and Bacteria on Your Next Flight - Wear a Mask

Donning a mask is one of the simplest and most effective ways to shield yourself from germs while flying. Though no longer mandated on planes, the trusty facial covering deserves a permanent spot in your travel kit.

Masks create a barrier that stops infected droplets from spreading. They also prevent you from touching your nose and mouth, another key route of virus transmission. Numerous studies confirm masks' ability to curb contagion, especially when worn consistently by all passengers.

Frequent flyer Max T. never boards a flight without his black KN95 mask. "I keep one looped on my wrist when eating or drinking. Then it goes right back on if anyone near me coughs or sneezes." He also packs extra masks in case his gets dirty or damp.

For optimal protection, the mask should cover your nose and mouth snugly. Look for well-constructed cloth or disposable masks with multiple layers of high-quality, breathable fabric. Avoid bandanas and gaiters which are less effective barriers.

If opting for a reusable cloth mask, be sure to wash it daily or between flights. Store it in a clean, sealable bag when not in use. Disposable masks should be discarded after each flight or sooner if they become wet or visibly soiled.

When worn properly, masks have been shown to filter out 50-70% of fine aerosol particles. They are especially important when seated near others and while boarding or deplaning. Consider keeping yours on anytime you are less than 6 feet from other passengers.

Flight attendant Gemma V. says she still masks up on every flight. "I want to protect myself as well as reassure nervous flyers. Masks just make sense with so many people packed together." She recommends passengers mask up when using lavatories or walking the aisle.

Though no longer mandated, masks are still welcome on all major U.S. airlines. Delta recommends masking when not eating or drinking. And United provides free masks upon request. Check your airline's latest guidance before traveling.

Some immunocompromised passengers say they avoid flying altogether without assured masking rules. Frequent flyer Kim L. wishes airlines would reinstate mask requirements. "It should be about health, not politics. I miss traveling but don't feel safe now."