How To Avoid Airport Germs While Traveling

One billion people travel by commercial aircraft each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With such high numbers of people flying and visiting airports comes high numbers of germs capable of making passengers sick in the days following their flights.

Travel wellness company Savvy Travelers (http://savvytravelers.com) offers travelers tips on how to minimize exposure to germs and bacteria and generally avoid airport germs.

“As we make our way through the airport and sit on the plane, we just don’t usually think about all of the germs that are there,” said Tina Aldatz, chief executive officer, Savvy Travelers. “The problem is that they are all over the place and some of them will ruin your travel plans if you come in contact with them.”

Use sanitizing sheets to clean your table and hands before eating at the airport, as several people in a row may use a table before it gets cleaned. Also clean your airplane tray table, one of the most bacteria-ridden areas on the plane, when you first board, as well as the surrounding buttons and knobs.

In airplane bathrooms, avoid touching surfaces, use a seat protector on the toilet and a paper towel to touch the sink knobs and door handle.

Get a proper night of sleep before traveling and try to stay hydrated in order to keep your immune system up to guard against the germs you come into contact with while traveling.

“You take the time to pack your things for your trip, so take the time to pack sanitizing products that will help you enjoy it once you get there,” said Margie Floris, co-founder, Savvy Travelers. “Doing these things to protect yourself against airport germs takes seconds, but it can save you days of being sick. It’s worth the small effort to keep yourself feeling good and able to enjoy ‘savvy’ traveling.”