When it comes to flying, one of the biggest concerns many travelers have is staying healthy throughout their journey.

Airplanes can be hotbeds for germs, from the air you breathe to the surfaces you touch.

Understanding how to avoid these germs is key to ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling as good as when you boarded.

Let’s dive into the most effective strategies for avoiding germs on flights and maintaining your health, while also exploring a few key products that can help you along the way.

Start with Pre-Flight Preparation

Your fight against airplane germs begins well before you board the plane.

There are steps you can take to bolster your defenses, especially if you know you’ll be flying soon.

1. Boost Your Immune System

Before even stepping onto the plane, one of the most effective ways to avoid airplane germs is by strengthening your immune system.

Flying exposes your body to confined spaces and crowds, so ensuring your immune system is in top shape can be a critical advantage.

• Vitamins and Supplements: Taking a vitamin C supplement or a multivitamin several days before your flight can help support your immune system.
  
  You can find immune-boosting vitamins such as Emergen-C Vitamin C Drink Mix at Amazon, a popular option among travelers for its convenient, travel-friendly packaging.

• Hydration: Proper hydration is another key element.
  
  A well-hydrated body is better equipped to fight off infections, so make sure to drink plenty of water before your flight.

2. Pack a Personal Hygiene Kit

Before your flight, ensure you have all the essentials to stay germ-free.

Some simple but effective items can make all the difference.

Here’s what your kit should include:

• Hand Sanitizer: Since it’s not always easy to wash your hands while traveling, hand sanitizer is a must.
  
  Choose one with at least 60% alcohol, like the Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer available at Amazon.
  
  Keep it in your carry-on and use it often.

• Disinfectant Wipes: Another essential for wiping down surfaces in your seating area, such as tray tables and armrests.
  
  The Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To-Go Pack is a convenient option, perfect for throwing in your bag before your flight.

• Moisturizing Hand Cream: Frequent use of hand sanitizer can dry out your skin.
  
  Keep your hands hydrated with a moisturizing hand cream, such as Burt’s Bees Hand Cream available at Amazon.

During the Flight: Airplane Hygiene Tips

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to consider the steps you can take during the flight to reduce your risk of germ exposure.

The following tips cover hygiene practices, surface cleaning, and staying protected in the often-confined airplane environment.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

When booking your seat, there are a few factors to keep in mind if you’re concerned about exposure to germs.

• Aisle vs. Window Seat: According to some studies, passengers in window seats have less contact with other passengers and fewer opportunities to touch contaminated surfaces like armrests and aisle seats.
  
  Sitting by the window may lower your chances of exposure to germs carried by others walking past.

• Avoid Sitting Near the Bathroom: The airplane lavatory is one of the most germ-heavy spots on the plane.
  
  By sitting farther away from the bathrooms, you can minimize your exposure to any germs that may circulate due to frequent use.

2. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces

Once you’ve found your seat, take the time to sanitize the immediate area around you.

Airplanes are filled with high-touch surfaces that may not be thoroughly cleaned between flights.

• Tray Tables: This surface is used by many passengers throughout the day and is often a hotspot for bacteria.
  
  Use disinfectant wipes to clean the tray table thoroughly before you use it.

• Armrests: Don’t forget to wipe down the armrests, seatbelt buckle, and seatback pocket—these are often touched but seldom cleaned.

If you don’t have any wipes on hand, Amazon offers Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, which are highly effective and come in travel-friendly packs.

3. Avoid Using the Seatback Pocket

While seatback pockets are convenient, they are known to harbor germs.

Passengers use them to store everything from trash to used tissues, making them a less-than-ideal storage space for your items.

Instead, use your own carry-on bag or a personal travel pouch to keep your belongings safe from contamination.

4. Be Mindful of the Air Vent

Airplane air vents can either be your best friend or your worst enemy when it comes to avoiding germs.

Adjusting the vent to direct airflow just in front of your face can help push away germs in the air, but too much airflow can dry out your skin and nasal passages, making you more susceptible to infections.

For added protection, you can bring along a personal air purifier like the Portable Air Purifier Necklace found at Amazon.

These small devices emit ions that help purify the air around you, creating a personal clean-air zone.

5. Stay Hydrated

Cabin air is notoriously dry, which can dry out your mucus membranes, weakening your body’s natural defenses against germs.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and maintain a strong immune system.

• Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: While airplane drink service can help, it’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle, like the Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle available at Amazon.

You can fill it up after passing through security and have a constant source of hydration.

6. Wear a Face Mask

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from airborne germs is by wearing a face mask.

High-efficiency masks, such as KN95 or N95 masks, provide a strong barrier against airborne particles.

You can find KN95 Face Masks at Amazon, perfect for travel due to their comfortable fit and efficient filtration.

Even with mask mandates relaxing, wearing one is still a good idea if you want extra protection, especially on long flights or during flu season.

Bathroom Etiquette for Airplane Hygiene

Airplane bathrooms are used frequently, making them one of the most germ-ridden areas onboard.

To avoid unnecessary contact with bacteria and viruses, follow these tips when using the lavatory.

1. Avoid Touching Surfaces

Try to limit your contact with surfaces in the airplane lavatory.

Use a paper towel or tissue to open and close the door, and press the flush button with your elbow or a tissue.

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and use hand sanitizer once back at your seat.

2. Bring Your Own Tissues

Not all airplane bathrooms are equipped with tissues or paper towels, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

Pack a small pack of Puffs Plus Lotion Tissues from Amazon to use in the bathroom and keep your hands clean after washing.

Be Mindful of Food and Drink Hygiene

One overlooked aspect of flying is how food and drink service can expose you to germs.

Even if you’re taking all the necessary precautions, you still need to be cautious about what you eat and drink during your flight.

1. Avoid Airplane Tap Water

Several studies have found that airplane tap water may contain harmful bacteria.

Avoid drinking tap water or using it for brushing your teeth.

Instead, stick to bottled water or beverages provided by the flight attendants.

2. Sanitize Your Hands Before Eating

Before eating or drinking anything, always make sure your hands are clean.

Use hand sanitizer or, if you have access to a lavatory with soap and water, wash your hands thoroughly before handling food.

3. Bring Your Own Snacks

Another way to minimize contact with germs is by bringing your own snacks.

This way, you can control the cleanliness of the packaging and avoid touching high-contact areas like tray tables.

Amazon has a wide variety of travel-friendly snacks like Planters Trail Mix and Clif Bars, perfect for munching on during your flight.

Post-Flight Hygiene Practices

Once your flight is over, the fight against germs isn’t quite done.

Implementing good hygiene practices after your flight is just as important to ensure you don’t bring any unwanted germs with you.

1. Wash Your Hands Immediately

As soon as you arrive at your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

This will help remove any germs you may have picked up during the flight.

2. Clean Your Personal Items

After a long flight, items like your phone, headphones, and even your luggage may have been exposed to germs.

Use disinfectant wipes to clean these items once you’ve settled in.

The Clorox Wipes Disinfecting Travel Pack from Amazon is a great option for this purpose.

3. Change Your Clothes

Consider changing into a fresh set of clothes as soon as possible after your flight.

Airplane seats and surfaces may harbor germs, so swapping out your travel clothes for clean ones can reduce the chances of spreading any bacteria or viruses.

Additional Airplane Hygiene Products to Consider

Along with the strategies outlined above, there are several other products you can incorporate into your travel routine to make germ avoidance even easier.

• Travel Pillow with Removable Cover: Germs can easily cling to surfaces like fabric, so a travel pillow with a washable cover, such as the Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow from Amazon, ensures you have a clean surface to rest on.

• Antibacterial Hand Wipes: If you’re not near a sink or don’t have sanitizer handy, antibacterial hand wipes like Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are a quick and easy way to clean your hands on the go.

• Seat Covers: For those who want to take extra precautions, a disposable seat cover like the Travelon Disposable Seat Covers from Amazon can help reduce contact with the seat’s surface, providing an additional layer of protection between you and potentially germ-laden areas.

Fly Healthy, Stay Healthy

Traveling by airplane doesn’t have to mean exposing yourself to unnecessary germs.

By taking the time to prepare, following good hygiene practices during the flight, and using products that help protect you from germs, you can greatly reduce the risk of getting sick while traveling.

Simple steps like wiping down surfaces, staying hydrated, and avoiding direct contact with high-touch areas can make a big difference.

With convenient products like hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, travel pillows, and personal air purifiers—all available at Amazon—you can stay prepared and healthy, no matter where you’re flying to.

Prioritizing hygiene on flights not only helps protect you, but also contributes to a safer environment for everyone on board.

Safe travels start with smart choices, and with the right approach, you can avoid airplane germs and arrive at your destination ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest.