How To Avoid Getting Sick On A Plane

Are you looking for advice on how to avoid getting sick on a plane?

Studies show more than 1 in 5 travelers who fly to their destinations suffer from colds or flu after their flight.

And now during this worldwide Covid pandemic, it is more important than ever to remain vigilant and protect our health, the health of those we love, and even strangers as well.

You certainly run the risk of becoming sick on a flight from directly inhaling particles in the air from someone else’s coughing or sneezing.

Or you can become ill if you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

How can we avoid getting on a plane?

Read on to learn practical tips and smart suggestions on how to avoid getting sick on a plane!

How to Avoid Getting Sick on A Plane

Stay Hydrated To Boost Your Immunity

One of the most important tips on how to avoid getting sick on a plane is to remain hydrated. You have to work at it! Most planes fly at 30-35,000 feet elevation where the humidity is very low.

You must remain hydrated. Drinking water keeps your mucous membranes remain moist and better equipped to fight germs.  

If bottled water isn’t your thing, carry your empty nondisposable water bottle through security.  And then fill it as soon as you are through. And continue to hydrate frequently for the duration of your flight.

Some of the newer budget airlines do not provide soft drinks, coffee, tea, or even water to their passengers. So it is even more important than ever to bring your own water on board.

I never leave home without my Bobble water bottle. I make sure to hydrate at the gate before I board my plane.

And then have a full Bobble full of water for the trip. Because the Bobble has a replaceable charcoal filter like this, I can carefully refill it in the plane lavatory and have fresh clean water to drink.

If you prefer stainless steel this double-walled vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle may be more to your liking. It comes in a variety of sizes and colors for you to choose from and is affordable.

Remaining hydrated is an important step on how to avoid getting sick on a plane.

Read Next:

How To Pack Lightly Using Only A Carry On

7 Tips For Surviving Long Haul Flights

Travel With Nose Protection

Airborne germs are one of the two top sources of bacteria and virus infections. Consider bringing a nasal saline solution or nasal mist with you when you fly.

This keeps your nasal passages moist, which can boost your body’s germ-flushing action. (Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.)

Or, you can apply a small amount of Neosporin antibiotic ointment just inside your nostrils (using a Q-tip cotton swab or freshly washed hands!)

Steam from hot drinks served on board like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is another way to keep your mucous membranes moist.

Be Aware Of Your Fellow Passengers

When in planes, a person with a cold or the flu who is sneezing or coughing can infect others.

You are generally only in danger of catching the flu or cold if you sit within two rows or two seat lengths from the sick person.

If moving isn’t an option, consider some alternatives to protect yourself and avoid getting sick on a plane.

If the offending person is seated behind you, don’t put your seat back which would bring you closer to them. If they are sitting in front of you, do tip your seat back to be a bit further away.

Consider wearing a disposable facemask when flying to avoid getting sick on a plane.

Disinfect Around You

This is one case in which being a paranoid germophobe is just common sense.

Germs ARE all around you when you are trapped in a tiny airplane cabin:  on shared surfaces such as armrests, tray tables, seat belt buckles, seatback pockets, and bathroom door handles.

Germs can survive for hours or days after the passenger who brought them all on board has departed.

Flu viruses can infect people for up to 8 hours after they have left their host.  MRSA and E. coli can live on the plane for over a week!

These Lysol disinfecting wipes are the perfect travel size!

Wash Your Hands To Avoid Getting Sick On A Plane

There is simply no substitute for hand washing as the first line of defense against all types of illnesses and how to avoid getting sick on a plane.

Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands. Also, void touching your eyes, mouth or nose with your hands any more than you have to.

I like this Purell Advanced hand sanitizer with the jelly carrier. This way you have extras, (one for your purse, one for your backpack, etc)/ You can also share one with your traveling companions.

Also, pack disinfectant wipes like these Clorox disinfecting wipes.

Wipe down your tray table, armrests, seat belt buckles, remote control devices, television touch screens, and overhead air vent controls to help you avoid getting sick on a plane.

For bathroom door handles and other public surfaces, use a paper towel or tissue as a barrier between your hand and the object. And ALWAYS wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Do Not Turn Off Overhead Vent As A Precaution

Lack of circulating air is one of the main reasons airplanes are breeding grounds for germs. Do not close your overhead air vent that is blasting that frigid air! Your plane’s actively recirculated air is filtered.

Planes with good ventilation systems have lower cold and flu transmission than those that don’t. Also, the blowing air just might help push away germs that may float into your personal space.

Do Not Sit In An Aisle Seat (To Reduce Your Risks)

Avoid aisle seats. Sitting in an aisle seat may have you more at risk of being exposed to germs. You are closer to passengers who patrol the aisles for exercise or those coming and going to the restroom.

People often tend to touch or hold aisle seats when walking up and down the aisles,  contaminating them.

Do Not Use Blankets Or Pillows Unless Wrapped

Do not use airline blankets and pillows unless they are individually packaged is another great tip on how to avoid getting sick on a plane.

 Investigations have shown that airlines wash blankets and pillows every 3 to 5 days.

Often freshly washed blankets will only be set out for the first flights of the day.

Customers who board toward the end of the day risk receiving blankets or pillows that have been used several times during the day.

I like a blanket when I fly so bring my own for flights longer than a few hours. I like this oversized travel blanket with its own carry pouch.

Here is the same popular travel blanket in a compact size.

This neck support travel pillow is a great option that can be secured to your backpack or luggage when in transit.

I like that this travel pillow supports the head, neck, and chin in any sitting position.

To Avoid Getting Sick On A Plane Research Wearing A Facemask

Due your due diligence before your flight. Check the most current CDC guidelines.

These disposable facemasks would work well while traveling.

These reusable facemasks improve breathability and whisk sweat away.

When you wear a mask, do not touch the front of it with your hands. And when you remove the mask, dispose of it properly in the trash if it is not reusable.

 Drink a bottle of water before you get on the plane and visit some of the best beaches in Texas.

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How To Avoid Getting Sick On A Plane Summary

And how do I avoid getting sick on a plane? I make an extra effort to drink all through the flight.

I clean my personal space with a lot of disinfectant wipes. Also, I cover myself for most of the trip with my personal blanket I brought on board.

I wear a facemask when I travel by plane.

Once I arrive to my final destination, I promptly put all my traveling clothes in the washing machine to clean!

I make sure to hydrate and get extra rest to pamper my immune system.

Packing Tips When To Help You Avoid Getting Sick On A Plane When Traveling

Read how to pack light on your trip in a carry-on. And why it is so helpful!

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.

These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!

I always lock my carry on luggage if I am on a flight where I will be napping or even sleeping. These TSA-approved locks come in many configurations and colors and are inexpensive.

This collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better. Both sets come with TSA-approved zipper locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from Qualified Purchases

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