For most people, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. But in order to reach your dream destination, you often first have to travel by plane.
You have to share the machine with many holidaymakers in a very small space.
It’s clear: This isn’t particularly hygienic. There are a lot of bacteria lurking on some objects in the machine – so it’s better not to touch them.
Folding tables – beware of noroviruses
We put our food and drinks on the folding tables in front of the seat. However, you should not touch the folding tables themselves. A study by the University of Arizona found that these are often contaminated with the germs MRSA and norovirus.
Armrest – E.coli survives for a long time
The intestinal bacterium E. coli feels particularly comfortable on the armrest and can survive there for an incredible 96 hours, as researchers have found.
Small pocket on the front seat
There is always a small bag on the front seat. The on-board magazine and safety instructions are often located there.
But the bag is a real germ slingshot. MRSA germs can be found there and can survive for up to 168 hours. There is a reason for this: many passengers leave rubbish or used tissues there. And the pocket on the front seat doesn’t get cleaned quite as often.
Toilet door handle and flush button
The toilet door handle is one of the biggest germ-spinners on an airplane. Because every holidaymaker has to go to the toilet sooner or later – and some simply forget to wash their hands and the germs then end up on the toilet door handle.
And speaking of the toilet: the toilet flush button is also contaminated with germs. Because most people use this first and only then wash their hands.
Sit in the aisle
Turbulence can sometimes occur on a plane. On the way to the toilet, you hold on to the backrests of the seats in the aisle as the machine rocks. That’s why there are quite a few germs there.
Blankets and pillows
Blankets and pillows are pretty cozy, especially on long flights. These are provided by the airlines – including viruses from their predecessors. That’s why you should always make sure that they are shrink-wrapped or you can simply bring your own pillow.
How to protect yourself from germs on a plane
To ensure you leave the plane healthy, you should definitely wash your hands regularly. For example, if you touch the folding table, you can also wear gloves – so you don’t touch it directly. Or you can clean it with disinfectant.
Ideally, you should touch toilet doors with a towel and you should not take off your shoes in the machine, because you never know how often the floor has been cleaned. In general, since the Corona pandemic, the machines have been cleaned more thoroughly than before. However, you should always take your own protective measures.