Do germs spread easily on planes?

In addition to breathing in infectious droplets, passengers could be getting sick from touching seat backs, tray tables or faucets in the bathroom. Experts agree that the dirtiest part of an airliner is the tray table, which is why many passengers bring disinfecting tissues and wipe them off. Lavatories are next.



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Health Risks of Air Travel Without the freedom to roam around and stay away from those who appear sick, your chances of catching an illness go up dramatically. According to a recent study, a person's chances of catching the flu increase 80% when sitting in the infected person's row, one row behind, or one row in front.

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Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu, are the most common illnesses that air travelers might be exposed to while in flight.

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The most contaminated surface on the plane was the headrest, which was found to include hemolytic bacteria, mainly associated with strep throat, and staph. E. coli bacteria — which indicated fecal contamination — was found both in the seat pockets and on the headrests.

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Everything you need to pack for your next flight to stay as germ-free as possible
  1. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer, Pack of 6. ...
  2. Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes, Pack of 10. ...
  3. Fend Wellness Wearable Wipes, Pack of 6. ...
  4. Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 24-Pack. ...
  5. Yiderbo 50-Piece Black KN95 Face Mask.


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It's a prime location for viral transmission. “If you wear a mask, that is at least one protection you can keep constant, as well as other easy mitigations, like keeping up to date with Covid vaccines, wiping down your seat and tray area, and keeping your hands clean,” says Wallace.

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Even if it's something as simple as feeling sick, they crew know how to diagnose and treat certain ailments. If you're feeling a touch light-headed, they can administer oxygen to help you feel better. For a headache, they can access the aircraft first aid kit and give you medicine to help ease your pains.

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But showering with soap—and shampoo for the hair—removes any of the germs you may have picked up, as well as reduces the levels of your own that have grown over time, he says. There you have it. You might not want to hop right in the shower after flying, but it could save you from germs invading you and your space.

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Really, Hertzberg says, the risk of getting a respiratory infection from a plane is low. There are very few reports of infectious disease being transmitted on airplanes, she says.

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You'll definitely want to bring your own masks. Any masks available for folks at airports or on board are likely to be paper masks; the CDC recommends high quality masks or respirators during travel. Respirators are masks labeled as N95s or KN95s, which provide a tighter fit and better filtration.

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Avoid seats in front of a bulkhead, however. These often have limited, and potentially no, recline. It's also good to avoid being too close to the galley or bathrooms, especially on longer flights. These areas can be noisy and crowded, and potentially proffer particular pungencies.

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Should I shower the night before my flight? Take your shower the day or night before you leave to ensure you're not rushed the day of your flight. All you'll have to do upon waking is brush your teeth, splash your face, and zip up all your luggage before heading out the door.

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Whereas larger airlines often hire dedicated cabin cleaners to tackle the aircraft between guests, “Generally on low-cost carriers, the flight attendants will have to clean the planes themselves,” says Catrina McGrail, a former flight attendant and creator of the 24 Hours Layover travel blog.

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Boarding and While Onboard
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks to prevent frequent trips to the bathroom. Consider limiting fluids before a flight. Travelers choosing this option should use caution to avoid dehydration, and be sure to re-hydrate upon arrival at the destination.

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Low humidity on airplanes
Low humidity can cause the nasal passages to dry out and cause irritation in the nose and throat. On top of that, bacteria and viruses can survive longer in low-humidity environments, making it harder for your body to fight off any infections you might catch aboard a plane.

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