Ready to take that trip you’ve been planning since 2019?
The good news is airports are ready and excited to help you get out of town. The bad news is people are still gross and filled with germs. To help you calm your fears, here are the surfaces and areas the experts say to avoid when traveling by air.
● Chair Armrests. According to Professor Kelly Reynolds from the University of Arizona, “sites in airports that are frequently touched but not routinely cleaned include the armrests on chairs in the terminal waiting areas.” And studies do back up that claim. In fact, chair armrests at the gates were among the dirtiest spots in airports. Best to clean it down with an alcohol wipe yourself if you’re planning on camping out for a while.
● Handrails. Infection preventionist Lauren Bryan says “handrails along stairs and escalators and the moving walkways” are also hot spots for germs. You can and should use them so you don’t biff it down the stairs with your luggage, but you really should wash your hands after.
● Security Bins. A 2018 research study found plastic trays and bins in the security area “appeared to pose the highest potential risk” in terms of carrying viruses. Half of the plastic bins they tested contained traces of rhinovirus or adenovirus. But since you really have no choice but to use them, do not forget to hand sanitize after you say goodbye to the TSA. Find more gross airport spots to avoid HERE.