888-905-5387

Research identifies which spots in a plane are the most likely places for germs.  

Water on planes has been found to contain E. coli, which can cause serious food poisoning. The tanks are small due to weight requirements, so planes refill at airports that may have unsafe water conditions. Be sure to get a bottle of water to bring on board and don’t use ice cubes in your drink!

Seat Pockets may contain cold and influenza A, B, and C viruses. There have been toenail clippings and mushy old French fries found let alone used tissues. Before grabbing one of those glossy mags, just remember what else you might find.

The tray table may contain MRSA, a bacteria that is highly resistant to antibiotics. Tray tables have been seen used for parents changing dirty diapers to kids sticking their boogers underneath. “In 2007, University of Arizona researcher Jonathan Sexton tested tray tables from three major airliners, and an alarming 60 percent tested positive for the superbug,” from Budget Travel writer Douglas Wright. Next time you open that tray table, wipe it down with antibacterial wipes and never eat directly off the surface.

Airplane meals offered on planes have been found to have traces of listeria, a bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal illness and meningitis. Depending on the catering service and how the food has been handled, the food can become contaminated. To prevent the chances, eat beforehand and bring your own snack onto the plane.

Airplane pillows and blankets can have fungus that causes pneumonia and eye infections.  “A 2007 investigation by The Wall Street Journal revealed that airlines cleaned their blankets every five to 30 days. And don’t assume your blanket is new just because it’s wrapped in plastic,” from Budget Travel by writer Douglas Wright. Be sure to bring layers and socks to stay warm and if desired, purchase a travel pillow.

Airplane lavatories have the most bacteria found in plane, with a wide variety of threats like E. coli or fecal bacteria. Out of all of the people using the lavatories daily, there are tons of germs and viruses that spread.  Budget Travel writer Douglas Wright also explains, “that thunderous volcanic toilet flush doesn’t exactly help the situation, spraying water and releasing potential germs into the air every which way.” Use paper towels to lift toilet seat and open lavatory door as there are tons of germs there, and don’t wash your hands with the filthy plane water as mentioned above, use hand sanitizer instead.