How to Disinfect Your Airplane Seats

Tips on how to clean your surroundings on an airplane.

It is always good to be aware while your travels and to clean your surroundings, especially in a time of pandemic right now. Airborne illness is a concern for many travelers today. Most airlines are taking the precautions and stating that they clean their planes for each flight. But no one can be too careful. Here are some tips for cleaning your area on a plane.

Pack disinfecting wipes.

Get your hands on some good disinfecting wipes before you even get to the airport. Everyone knows how good and trusty Clorox wipes are, but some other brands to consider are Purcell, Mrs. Meyers, Wet Wipes, and Germ-X wipes. These are all good and will get the job done!

Keep your hands clean, and do not touch your face.

Have hand sanitizer near you at all times. Before starting to wipe down your seats and area, take care of your hands first. You never know what you have touched and handled, especially if you rushing to board your flight. After wiping down your area, sanitize those hands again, you will need it. The worst thing that could happen is that you touch a surface then start rubbing your face. Those germs, then, would transmit on your face and increases the chances of you getting ill. Most people touch their faces more often than they think. Try to retain yourself from doing so.

Wipe your area down correctly.

Have your wipes ready as soon as you board the plane. You might get some wondering eyes, but after you get over the fact that people are staring, you will be fine. Just remember you are taking care of yourself and are preventing yourself from being sick. Try and have gloves on when disinfecting your surroundings. If not, remember to wash your hands thoroughly or sanitize them instead.

When wiping down your area, don't forget these areas:

·      Armrest

·      Recliner button

·      Headrest

·      Seat-belt buckle

·      Remote

·      Television screen

·      Seatback pocket

·      Shades and walls (if you are sitting at the window)

·      Tray table

·      Seat (if it is nonporous or leather)

·      Any other buttons or screws that surround you

After wiping down your areas, it would be smart to disinfect your phones, headphones, and other electronics you plan on using on the plane. Doing this, you would prevent transmitting any germs you might have had before boarding.

Let your wipes dry naturally.

Allow the surface that you have wiped to be wet and dry entirely naturally. Doing this, the wipes will work. Read the packaging on your disinfecting wipes to see how long the surface needs to be wet for them to function correctly.

Focus on your tray table.

The most germs lie on that one small rectangle of a table. It is also one of the most used surfaces on a plane. Wipe the tray table first before moving on to the rest of your area. After each use, it would be best to wipe it down again. Food particles never die, so get a good wipe down on the surface. No one can be too careful.

Do not wipe down your seat if it is made of cloth.

Wiping your nonporous or leather seats is achievable. However, you would be creating another problem if you took a wet wipe to seats that are made of cloth. It will not work and will make the seat wet. If you are concerned about the germs on your fabric seats, pack a washable, reusable seat covers.

Choose a window seat if you can.

Researchers say that a window seat is the safest place you could be sitting in during the flu season. People sitting in a window seat comes in less contact with people and decreases their chances of getting ill. However, if you were to get up and move around often, you would be defeating this purpose. It is recommended to stay in your seats as long as you can. 

You can never be too careful when trying to prevent yourself from getting ill, especially when traveling during this new outbreak. You can't control your fellow passengers, but you can take matters into your own hands and take care of yourself. Don't be a fool and use these tips on your next flight. Safe travels, but stay home if you can.

Written by Nhi Nguyen