There is nothing more gross that touching items in common areas in and around public places. Well, an airplane is not exception. Things can get pretty nasty in the air.  As you can imagine, flying by air is not the most sanitary of experiences in life. There are some things that you should be mindful of and not touch while on an airplane. Here are at least 5 items that I would try to avoid touching while in flight.

  1. The Blankets and Pillows - The plane crew will tell you, most of the time, that blankets and pillows are replaced every morning or evening without fail. However, I'm advising to be careful. Make sure that you ask the attendant if the blanket or pillow has been used prior to you.
  2. Toilet Seats - Scientists have stated that 20% of toilet seats that have been swabbed had E-coli on them. Yuck and Ewww! If you are wanting to be a gentleman and put down the seat, use a piece of toilet paper or paper towel to do so.
  3. Table Trays - Some years back, these table trays (the ones on the back of the seat in front of you) were swabbed by experts. What they found may change your opinion of them. They found that 4 out of 6 trays were contaminated with MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), or Staph infections and noroviruses that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. They found that flight attendants only washed the trays twice a day.
  4. Armrests - Researchers laid a strand of E-coli to the armrests in an airplane and found that they stayed there for 96 hours longer than what was found on toilet handles and trays. If you rub your hands on the armrests and then on your face and eyes, you risk receiving the infection so be careful and be aware.
  5. Door Handles - Use a napkin, tissue or some other disposable unit when touching or turning door handles. Door handles can harbor many diseases that you won't want. If you do touch a handle, wash your hands with warm, soapy water.

For more information about airline sanitation, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here.

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