For many travelers, the excitement of a trip is often
overshadowed by the fear of catching an infection while cruising at 30,000 feet.
The close quarters and recycled air can make airplanes feel like breeding
grounds for germs.
- However, according to Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, the
Chief Medical Officer of the U.S.
Olympic and Paralympic Committee, getting sick isn't inevitable. Drawing on years
of experience keeping the world’s top athletes healthy, Dr. Finnoff shared four
primary strategies with the Wall Street Journal to help ensure you arrive at your destination in
peak health.
Here is your essential guide to dodging germs on
board.
1. Be Strategic About Your Seat Selection
Your choice of seat affects more than just your
legroom; it plays a crucial role in your health.
Dr. Finnoff advises choosing a window seat, ideally located in the middle of
the aircraft. "If you want to avoid germs, pick a window seat," he
suggests. This strategy keeps you away from high-traffic areas, such as the
aisle (where passengers and crew constantly pass by) and the restrooms.
- The Science: Research supports this
recommendation. A 2018 study found that passengers sitting in window seats who
remain seated for the duration of the flight have the lowest likelihood of
coming into contact with infectious passengers compared to those in aisle seats.
2. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces (Especially the
Tray Table)
Bringing a pack of disinfectant wipes is
non-negotiable for the health-conscious flyer. Dr. Finnoff recommends
immediately wiping down common touchpoints, including the seatbelt buckle,
armrests, and lavatory door handles.
However, the most critical surface to clean is the
tray table.
The Science: According to a 2015 study by Travelmath, which sent a microbiologist to examine samples
from airports and flights, tray tables are the dirtiest surfaces on a plane.
- Tray Tables: Measured 2,155 colony-forming units (CFU) of
bacteria per square inch.
- Toilet Flush Buttons: Measured only 265 CFU per square inch.
This means your
dining surface may have eight times more bacteria than the toilet flush button.
This is largely due to the limited time flight crews have to deep clean the
cabin between flights.
3. Utilize the Overhead Air Vent
Many passengers close the overhead air nozzle to
avoid a draft, but Dr. Finnoff argues this is a mistake.
He recommends turning the vent on and positioning
the stream of air directly between you and the person sitting next to you. This
creates an invisible "air barrier" that can help deflect airborne
particles and germs coming from neighboring passengers, adding an extra layer
of protection.
4. Prioritize Your Sleep
Finally, your body’s internal defense system is
just as important as your external environment. Dr. Finnoff emphasizes that
getting high-quality sleep is essential for a robust immune system.
The Science:
- DNA Impact: A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that sleep actually alters the DNA
structure within stem cells; chronic sleep deprivation can increase
inflammation and susceptibility to disease.
- Infection Risk: According to the Yale School of Medicine, people
who sleep less than seven hours a night are three times more likely to catch a common cold compared to those who
regularly get eight hours or more.
The Bottom Line
By choosing a window seat, sanitizing your tray
table, using the air vents strategically, and ensuring you are well-rested, you
can significantly lower your risk of infection and enjoy your travels with
peace of mind.
