Travel tidy, arrive happy
Every day in the United States, millions of people take to the skies and while the cabin air is refreshed more often than in most buildings, the surfaces we touch tell a different story. From the coffee you sip to the seat you settle into, there are small, simple choices that make a big difference in keeping your trip cleaner and more comfortable.
1. Don’t Drink the Coffee or Tea
A warm drink might seem like the perfect way to settle in, but the water for coffee and tea comes from onboard tanks that are not always cleaned as often as you would hope. Instead of risking it, I always pack my own sealed bottle or grab a drink at the airport before boarding. Not only does it taste better, but I also avoid wondering about where the water came from. It is a small change that makes me feel more at ease and in control of my comfort while flying, and I have found it turns the flight into a calmer, more enjoyable experience overall.
2. Avoid Touching Tray Tables Without Wiping Them
That little fold-down tray in front of you might be more useful than it looks, but it is also one of the dirtiest things on the plane. Many people eat, sneeze, and even rest their heads there, and it is not always wiped between flights. I keep a small pack of disinfectant wipes in my bag so I can give the surface a quick clean before using it. It takes only seconds and makes me feel much better about setting my snacks or phone down. This tiny habit means I can enjoy my meal or work without worrying about what I might be touching during the flight.
3. Skip the Seat Back Pocket
The seat back pocket seems like the perfect place to stash your book, phone, or snack, but I have learned it is not worth the convenience. These pockets are rarely cleaned and often hold used tissues, crumbs, or worse from previous passengers. I prefer to keep my belongings in a small bag or pouch that I place on my lap or under the seat in front of me. It keeps my things cleaner and means I do not have to reach into a mystery space. Over time, avoiding the seat back pocket has just become second nature and makes me feel a little more in control of my space.
4. Watch Out for Lavatory Door Handles and Sink Taps
The lavatory may be cleaned during the flight, but the door handles and sink taps are constantly touched and can carry more germs than you want to think about. I always grab a tissue or paper towel before touching anything inside the bathroom, including the latch and the water controls. It might feel like a small step, but it keeps my hands cleaner and reduces the need to rush for the hand sanitizer afterward. Little habits like this have become part of my flying routine, and they give me a bit of peace of mind when moving around in shared spaces like the airplane lavatory.
5. Sanitize Armrests and Seatbelt Buckles
It is easy to overlook the armrests and seatbelt buckles, but both are touched by dozens of people throughout the day. A quick wipe before settling in can make all the difference. I keep a travel-sized pack of wipes in my carry-on for this reason alone. Once I clean these areas, I can relax without thinking about what might be lingering there. It is one of those small things you can do that sets the tone for the rest of your flight. Knowing I have taken care of my own seat space helps me feel more comfortable and less distracted during the trip.
6. Keep Your Shoes on Seriously
Walking around barefoot on a plane may seem like a way to get comfortable, but the cabin floor is not as clean as you might think. Spilled drinks, crumbs, and even worse can end up in the carpet, and it is not always thoroughly cleaned between flights. I keep my shoes on whenever I leave my seat, even for short trips to the bathroom. If I want to relax, I might switch to clean socks while sitting, but I never step on the cabin floor without shoes. This small choice saves me from a lot of unnecessary contact with whatever has been left behind on the plane.
7. Choose Early Flights for a Cleaner Cabin
I have noticed that cabins tend to feel fresher on morning flights, and there is a reason for that. Planes are usually given a more thorough cleaning when they have been on the ground overnight, so the earlier in the day you fly, the cleaner the space is likely to be. This means fewer crumbs in the seat crevices and a tidier bathroom. Whenever possible, I try to book flights before noon, and it has made a big difference in how comfortable I feel. Starting the day with a fresh flight just feels better and sets a calmer tone for the trip.
8. Don’t Fear the Cabin Air
Many people worry about breathing cabin air, but I have learned it is cleaner than you might expect. Airplanes use hospital-grade HEPA filters that refresh the air multiple times per hour, mixing fresh outside air with filtered inside air. Knowing this helps me relax and focus on the things I can control, like keeping my hands clean and avoiding high-touch surfaces. Instead of feeling anxious about the air, I use my energy to make my own space tidy and comfortable. Understanding how the system works has taken away a lot of the worry that comes with flying for long periods.
9. Lavatory Flush Buttons Are Surprisingly Clean
This one might surprise you, but the lavatory flush button is often one of the cleaner things in the airplane bathroom. It is disinfected regularly throughout the day, especially on longer flights. While I still wash my hands and avoid touching my face afterward, I do not stress over this small detail anymore. It is nice to know there is at least one part of the bathroom that is not as risky as it looks. This knowledge makes the whole lavatory visit feel a little less unpleasant and a lot more manageable when you really have to go mid-flight.
10. Safety Cards Are Low Risk
When you want something to read, the safety card is a calmer choice than most things around your seat. It is handled less often and stays tucked away, which keeps it from picking up as much grime as busy surfaces like the tray table. I give it a quick look and put it back so my hands are not wandering. It also reminds me of useful basics I might ignore once the flight settles. If you need a simple distraction, reach for the card, not the magazine. Keep it brief, then sanitize and relax. Small choices add up. You avoid pages that have passed through many hands. Tuck the card back, clean your hands, and settle in for the ride.
11. Don’t Touch Your Face Without Sanitizing First
During a flight, it is easy to forget how many surfaces you have touched. From the seatbelt buckle to the lavatory door, your hands can collect germs without you even realizing it. I try to avoid touching my face until I have used hand sanitizer or washed my hands thoroughly. It might seem like a small habit, but it really helps reduce the chance of picking up something unwanted. Keeping this in mind has become second nature for me, and it is one of the easiest ways to stay a little healthier while traveling by plane.
12. Bring a Personal Hygiene Kit
Over time, I have built a small hygiene kit that comes with me on every flight. Inside are disinfectant wipes, a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, tissues, and a resealable bag for used items. Having these essentials means I can take care of small messes, clean my space, and keep my hands fresh without relying on what is available onboard. It is a little piece of control in a shared environment, and it has made flying feel more comfortable and less stressful. With a few simple tools, I can focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about the germs.
Planes move fast. Germs move faster. But if you wipe surfaces, skip the coffee, and fly early, you’ll land healthier.
This story 12 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane and What to Do Instead was first published on Daily FETCH
