Buzz
1. Keep Air Circulation On to Avoid Dust Particles.
Don't turn off the air flow above you even if you feel cold. The airflow prevents the circulation of airborne diseases like tuberculosis and meningitis, which can linger in the air for up to 5 hours. The ventilation holes create their own air barrier, forcing viruses downward and preventing them from reaching passengers. Additionally, most HEPA filters help remove about 99.9% of dust particles.
Tip: If the cold becomes unbearable, redirect the airflow elsewhere so it doesn't blow directly on you.
2. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule.
If you're planning to fly to a new time zone, it's wise to adjust your eating and sleeping schedule. Heading east? Go to bed an hour earlier each day for 2 or 3 days before your flight. Westward? An hour later. Your body will transition smoother to the new time zone.
Tip: Set your watch to the destination a few days before your flight. Adjust your meal and sleep schedule to the time zone of your future destination (within reason).
3. Avoid Sitting in One Position for Too Long
Sitting in one position can lead to deep vein thrombosis and slow blood flow through veins, potentially causing painful blood clots. Poor circulation can leave your feet feeling swollen, numb, or cold. Wearing tight jeans can also hinder circulation. Tight clothing around the waist and legs makes your heart work harder to pump blood to and from your legs.
Tip: Opt for slightly loose clothing for your flight. Try to move around more to keep blood circulating and prevent circulatory issues. Even lifting your knees and making small circles with your feet can do a lot. Roll your shoulders and neck and perform forward bends for an added boost.
4. Stay Hydrated to Prevent Sinus Infections.
The air on airplanes can be up to 55% drier than anywhere else indoors. Your sinuses and nasal passages can become dry. This can make you more prone to sinus infections or colds.
Tip: Drink water before and during your flight. Avoid fatty and salty foods as they can dehydrate you and slow down your digestion process (nobody needs a full stomach). Opt for light meals and low-fat snacks, and bring your own fruits or light snacks with fresh vegetables.
5. Wear a medical mask if you have a weak immune system.
Even on a short flight, you're still in a confined space where bacteria thrive. If you have a weakened immune system and are susceptible to illness, take care of yourself and wear a mask. This way, you'll protect both yourself and others (in case you're the one who's sick).
Tip: Opt for packaged masks, which you can buy at any pharmacy. Clean your hands with hand sanitizer or soap before putting on the mask. When removing the mask, avoid touching the front as it's contaminated - only use the ear loops. After disposing of the mask in the trash, wash your hands thoroughly.
6. Reduce the Risk of Catching the Flu through Hand Sanitizer and Trays.
Planes must be cleaned and sanitized after every 30 days of service, meaning you'll never know if you're boarding a freshly cleaned plane or not. If the previous passenger had the flu, chances are high you might catch it too. Anonymously, some flight attendants admit they've seen passengers using the tray tables to change their baby's diaper or trim their nails.
Tip: Make sure you have a pack of antibacterial wipes. Wipe tray tables, armrests, and any other hard surfaces (including your hands after you're done).
7. Stay Away from Coffee and Alcohol to Avoid Jet Lag and Bladder Stimulation.
Avoid alcohol and coffee 12 hours before and during your flight. These drinks can cause the plane to experience delays during landing. They lead to dehydration, and because the air on the plane naturally dries out, you're already dealing with double pressure. Coffee can also cause bladder irritation and discomfort throughout the flight.
Tip: Opt for decaffeinated tea (herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint), fruit juice, or plain water to stay hydrated.
8. Avoid Bacteria in Pillows and Blankets.
Pillows and blankets are reused and therefore harbor a lot of bacteria and germs. The same applies to packaged ones. There have been claims that airlines repack blankets and pillows without cleaning or only washing them every 5 to 30 days. Even freshly laundered blankets are only provided for the first flight of the day, putting passengers on later flights at risk.
Tip: Bring your own blanket or neck pillow. Opt for washable ones as cheaper ones may harbor germs.
9. Avoid Touching Your Mouth, Nose, or Eyes.
Try to avoid touching areas of mouth, eyes, nose that are easily accessible to bacteria waiting to invade your body. Even hand washing doesn't help you minimize the number of germs besieging you on the plane.
Tip: If you can't break this habit, make sure you have alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you.
10. Keep Deadly Bugs and Germs Away from Your Body.
As you've seen, airplanes are surprisingly full of germs, from the water and meals we're served to the blankets and restrooms we use. Cleaning crews really don't have much time to properly sanitize airplanes between flights as they're often under pressure to turn around quickly. As a result, you're exposed to a variety of germs and bacteria, from Aspergillus niger, which can lead to lung inflammation and infection, to MRSA, a type of deadly superbug.
Tip: If you're a frequent traveler, try to supplement with extra vitamin C as it helps boost immunity and fight off new germs. Another way to support your immune system is with echinacea drops or tea.
11. Avoid Flying with a Recently Broken and Bandaged Limb.
Typically, airplanes fly at an altitude of 35,000 feet because the air there is thinner and smoother, but the air pressure is much lower than at ground level. Under cabin pressure, your limbs can swell and cut off circulation, leading to permanent damage.
Tip: If you must fly, simply ask your doctor to create extra room in your bandage. Or you could opt for an expandable cast.
