While the current pandemic has left most people burrowed indoors in order to maintain social distancing, others have to spread their wings and take flight.

Whether it is for business or for a much-needed vacation, it’s important to consider your health and safety the next time you travel.

Here are 10 ways to avoid germs on your next flight so you can boost your chances of arriving to your destination in good health.

1. Use online check-in

Keep your face-to-face interactions to a minimum by utilizing the online check-in option.

This feature allows passengers to check-in up to 24 hours before a flight departs. At the same time, it helps you steer clear of germs on the self-service kiosks at airports.

2. Disinfect high-touch surfaces at your seat

Airlines may have upped their cleaning game, but it’s easy to miss a spot or two. And in that case, you could expose yourself to germs.

Take the time to disinfect high-touch surfaces such as the armrest, tray table, seatbelt buckle, and screen controls. You never know what has been left behind by a previous passenger.

3. Pick a window seat

Did you know that where you sit on the plane could influence your exposure to germs?

With some airlines leaving middle seats empty in wake of the coronavirus pandemic, that gives you two seat options. A window seat is your safest bet because it gets exposed to the fewest people during an average flight.

4. Don’t forget sanitizer and wipes

You can never have too much hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.

These items are especially essential when traveling given your exposure to many people and surfaces.

You can bring bottles of hand sanitizer that measure 12 ounces or less as a carry-on in the United States.

5. Make cashless transactions

Our money can be a festering ground for germs.

Instead of relying on cash at Starbucks or wherever else you prefer to purchase your pre-flight snacks, opt for the cashless method to reduce the chances of contamination.

6. Try not to touch your face

Did you know that one behavioral study from 2015 revealed that a person touches his or her face about 23 times per hour?

You definitely don’t want to do that at an airport or on a plane considering how much exposure you have to germs by touching public surfaces.

7. Keep items stored inside your bag at security checkpoints

Most people throw their personal items into the plastic bins at security checkpoints. Don’t follow that trend.

Instead, keep your phone, wallet, and other items inside your bag to prevent exposing them to germs.

8. Turn on the overhead air vent

This may seem simple, but turning on the overhead air vent can provide an extra layer of protection against germs and viruses.

How does this happen?

An airplane’s filtration system can neutralize potentially harmful particles and keep you safe.

9. Avoid crowds

Do you seriously need a lesson in what social distancing means?

Maintain a six-foot gap between people in security checkpoint lines or luggage pick-up areas.

You may even want to board last so you don’t have to be stuck waiting in the walkway with a bunch of other passengers.

10. Wear a face mask

This should be a standard no matter if you’re traveling abroad or taking a trip to your local grocery story.

Wear a mask not only for your own protection but for everyone else’s, too.

Have you traveled on an airplane since the COVID-19 pandemic hit?

What changes did you make to your traveling routine?

Tell us your experience in the comments below!

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