Here’s an easy airplane seat-cleaning routine, plus a few other ideas, that may help keep you healthy on your next flight.
I spend a lot of time in the air. Through March 19, I’ve already flown 78,000 miles; I routinely log 200K air miles a year.
How sanitary are the planes where I spend so much time? Airlines take preventative measures to keep their plane interiors clean, most now more than ever. For the record, plane air filtration systems are top notch. Every few minutes air from the outside passes through HEPA filters, pumped through vents in the ceiling and then sucked out via floor vents.
But there’s only so much airlines can do, especially with quick turnarounds between flights. Cleanliness and safety also depends on passenger behavior. Your real risk of infection comes from using the lavatory and fellow passengers sneezing or coughing near you. If studies are to be believed, roughly 20% of people don’t wash their hands after using the restroom and the same percentage fly when they’re feeling sick. Yuck.
While I’m not in Naomi Campbell’s house when it comes to cleaning my airplane seat, I do want to avoid catching a bug (bacteria or virus) from my fellow flyers’ hygiene practices (or lack thereof) that might ruin my trip. Here’s my quick routine that (I hope) cuts my chance of infection.
- Wipe down hard surfaces.
As soon as I reach my seat, I stow my carry-on and break out the disinfecting wipes. I like the Clorox ones, which claim to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. They can be tough to find, especially in packet form; I’ve used others, like Germ-X, Wet Ones, and Purell. (I like how the Germ-X wrapper makes them look like something out of my medicine cabinet rather than my cleaning supplies.)
If I don’t have wipes, I use this spray organic hand sanitizer instead. As a bonus, its lavender scent helps me sleep, both on the plane and in my hotel/Airbnb. (I spray it on my pillow. I also carry it in my handbag for “washing” my hands before street-food snacking or other dining while out and about.)
I make sure I follow the directions on the disinfectant: most say surfaces should stay wet for up to three minutes after cleaning for maximum germ-busting.
What do I wipe down? Things I may touch, especially hard surfaces.
-seatbelt buckle (both parts)
-armrests
-seatback display/touchscreen (if you don’t have wipes, use a tissue to shield your finger when you touch it)
-entertainment remote
-seat recline button
-airflow control
-window shade tab
-tray table (including the twist tab that locks it into place; the tray table is one of the worst places for germs; way more than in the bathroom)
I don’t use the seatback pocket, so I ignore it; if you use it, wipe it. I wipe down my headrest unless it is cloth upholstery. (Dampening the fabric can spread germs instead of killing them.) And while disinfectants are effective on leather seats, some airlines prefer you not wipe them down, as it tends to break down the material.
There are tray and seat pocket covers if you want more protection. While that is too extreme for me, if I’m self-catering, I bring an extra paper towel to use as a placemat for my meal/snack.
You can even cover the whole seat: check out the reusable Seat Sitter. There are disposable models available, too. While I’ve seen them used, there are a pass for me. Remember: I’m only a mild germaphobe.
- Clean my hands.
After I finish the wipe-down, I sanitize my hands with a wipe or spray because I’m going to touch my face. (Of course I am; you are, too.) And as we all know, touching your face with germy hands is one of the most effective ways to get sick.
- Take care in the lavatory.
I leave on my shoes (or the slippers I’ve changed into for the flight). I wash my hands (of course!) and use a wipe or paper towel to turn off the faucet and unlatch the door when I’m finished.
- Bring my own entertainment.
Even though I wipe down the touchscreen and remote, I prefer my tablet and downloads (and my own headphones). Not only is it more sanitary, I’m hopelessly behind on my binge-watching.
- Choose a window seat.
Flying economy? Full flight? Flu season? I opt for a window seat. Fewer people walking by me means less chance of getting infected. And don’t move around the cabin unless you have to.
- Ask to change seats if someone in your vicinity appears sick.
This may not be possible—the flight may be full, the cabin crew not inclined to allow it—but it’s worth a shot if someone nearby has obvious symptoms like continuous coughing or sneezing. Of course, they may not be contagious or even ill at all, but I tend to go with better safe than sorry. And wear a mask; it’s the nice thing to do.
Twist’s Take: Following an easy wipe-down routine and taking a few other precautions may help you avoid infection from a virus or bacteria on your next flight.
