Your Complete Guide to Staying Healthy While Flying

For dedicated germaphobes (like myself), the travel experience—encompassing transportation, lodging, and interactions with others—can feel particularly daunting (let's just say it’s quite a challenge).

My germaphobia stems from my long battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder; at this point, I could easily facilitate a support group for fellow hand sanitizer enthusiasts, Clorox wipe aficionados, and toilet seat cover devotees. However, you don’t need to be a full-blown germaphobe to feel anxious about airplane hygiene, especially in the wake of a pandemic. It’s completely understandable to feel uneasy when confined in a pressurized cabin filled with recycled air, worn seats, and unsettling tales of unsanitary conditions, with just a few inches separating you from your neighbor, right?

Here are some strategies to help you stay healthy while flying.

1. Carry a refillable water bottle or purchase one at the airport before boarding

This is particularly crucial if your airline serves water from cups rather than in sealed mini bottles or cartons. Reports indicate that airplane water can harbor a significant amount of bacteria and may not be entirely safe to drink—at the very least, it's not the best option. While you can't bring your own water past security, you can buy a bottle at the airport before boarding or bring a reusable water bottle from home and fill it at a drinking fountain.

2. Always carry hand sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is one of the simplest yet most essential tools for germ protection—especially while traveling. While washing with soap and water is always the best choice, hand sanitizer is perfect for those moments when you can’t (or simply don’t want to) leave your seat, like when the seat belt sign is illuminated. I recommend using it as soon as you sit down; after all, you've likely just touched luggage, seats, seat belts, overhead bin handles, and more, making this a vital step in defending against germs before you start your flight.

3. Use the overhead bins instead of storing items under the seat in front of you

Hear me out. If there’s plenty of overhead bin space on your flight, it’s always better to stow your belongings up high rather than low, underneath the seat in front of you. When you place your items under the seat, they end up sharing space with the bottoms of your shoes and those of all previous passengers.

4. Skip the middle seat

There are countless reasons to steer clear of the middle seat, but I’m adding germ concerns to that list. The primary health risk on airplanes comes from the individuals sitting around you—not the air itself, which is actually quite clean. By sitting between two people, you’re effectively doubling your chances of being next to someone who might spread an illness.

5. Disinfect your area with sanitizing wipes

Pack a small pouch or Ziploc bag filled with sanitizing wipes, and use them to clean your space: the tray table, seatback pocket, armrest, seat belt, the wall if you’re by the window, and (my favorite) the headrest. It might seem excessive, but it’s highly unlikely that these surfaces were sanitized between flights—and no one wants to share hair grease or eat off a tray table that’s seen a diaper change (yes, it happens). In fact, my fellow passengers often express envy that they didn’t think to bring their own wipes.

6. Use wet wipes for everything

Repeat after me: "Wet wipes are my best buddies." They’re gentler on your skin than tougher cleaning wipes and can be used in a pinch if you forget your sanitizing wipes to clean your space. They’re also handy for freshening up your hands and face, a much-needed perk during (and after) your flight.

7. BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket)

Although you can’t bring your own drinks aboard, packing your own blanket is definitely allowed. Reports prior to the pandemic indicated that the blankets and pillows provided by airlines weren’t washed between flights. While we hope that has improved as airlines become more vigilant about hygiene, bringing your own is still a wiser choice.

8. Don a Mask

Even though airlines have lifted mask mandates, wearing one is still a smart move to shield yourself from airborne germs—especially in close quarters like airplanes where social distancing isn’t possible. Opt for a high-quality mask, such as an N95 or KN95, as they offer better protection than surgical or cloth varieties.

9. Choose Easily Cleanable Shoes for Home

Rain boots, sandals, or combat boots are typically made from materials that can be wiped clean more easily after your flight, unlike sneakers, suede, or fabric footwear. Once you’re back home, disinfect your shoes with some wipes (or throw them in the washing machine if they’re machine-washable) to avoid bringing plane germs into your space for days.

This article first appeared online in 2020 and was last updated on October 20, 2023, to provide the latest information.