12 Flight Tips for you to Travel Safe

Many of us travel by air these days. Be it the frequent business travelers or the ones who are heading for a vacation with their families. But have we ever given the hygiene, health and safety factors importance when we are inside the aircraft? If not it’s time we did to stay healthy while we conduct our business or to enjoy our holidays. So here are 12 Flight Tips for you to travel safe. Come let’s check them out.

Flight Tips for you to Travel Safe, Aircraft

1. Choice of Seats

Most of us prefer to be on the front seats and even pay at times to grab them. That’s quite logical as we all want to alight first before others do after we reach our destination. After all a lot of us are perpetually in a hurry be it a travel for business or even on a vacation.

Aircrafts these days are ultramodern and there are not many accidents that happen. However some studies suggest that seats at the rear are the safest in case of a crash and then the ones in the middle. So do think about it before you rush to reserve the front seats. It could save your life in case of a crash or an emergency as they are also close to the rear exits of the aircrafts.

2. The Oxygen Masks

How many of us have had the opportunity to use an oxygen mask on a flight? At least I haven’t in my long flying tenure. But you never know when we might need to. In case that happens ever, this information could be useful. The oxygen mask if it drops down, do not look around and waste time. Put it on immediately as the the oxygen lasts only for 12-15 minutes which is enough time for the pilot to bring down the aircraft to a lower altitude. A delay from your end could lead to lack of oxygen or hypoxia and before you realize you may loose consciousness. Hence be careful.

3. Air Vents

You might think that turning off the air vents above your seat makes your journey more comfortable. But think twice before you do that because those vents can actually protect you if the air is pointed directly on your face. The air from the vents help create a barrier that keeps airborne germs away from your breathing space. Combine that with a mask if you are concerned about catching a cold.

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4. Air Turbulence

Pilots often announce that the flight is encountering a turbulence because of weather conditions . But turbulence isn’t as dangerous as we may think if your seat belt is not unbuckled. Although scary, modern aircrafts are designed to handle it so don’t panic. The pilots know when they are coming and adjust their course or altitude accordingly. The real danger is when passengers ignore fastening their seat belts which may lead to getting hurt or injured.

5. The Airplane Toilets

The aircraft toilets are rarely cleaned thoroughly as they take multiple journeys one after the other during domestic flights. And all the more during long haul international flights. So it makes sense that you use them only when you can’t avoid. Therefore use the airport toilet before boarding a short flight. And refrain from using them before landing because that’s when the real rush is. However if you have to use them, put on a mask and especially for women passengers use a sanitizer spray on the seats and wipe them clean before you sit. Also clean your hands thoroughly with soap after use and use a hand sanitizer once you are back on your seat.

6. Tray Tables

Are you one who uses the tray table frequently after the flight is in mid air? There are many who take a nap as well while resting on them. These tables are rarely cleaned by airline staff and at the most may just be wiped with a dry cloth. It’s a powerhouse of germs left behind by previous passenger’s sneeze or cough and who knows may have been used by moms to change their child’s nappy as well. So if you really need to use them, use a sanitizer spray or a disinfectant wipe before you place your food or your hands on them.

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7. Seat Pockets

The use of flight seat pockets are another great way to acquire germs because they are never cleaned. Sometimes the airhostess or ground staff may just casually have a look and take away the empty bottles. And many a times you would find used napkins still there undisturbed. Avoid using the pockets entirely and instead carry a small sling bag for your phone, spectacles or your book. Staying germ free and away from infections to a large extent is in our hands.

8. The Aircraft Window

Many of us have a fascination for window seats to enjoy great views while the flight takes off or is landing. And then many love it because they can rest their head on them and take a nap. But imagine what previous travelers have left behind on them. Stay away and maintain safe distance as this is another potential place to acquire germs and infections as they are never cleaned. But if you really love to rest your head wipe them clean with a disinfectant wipe and use a shawl or stole to shield your head and face.

9. Pillows & Blankets on flights

Avoid using pillows and blankets provided on flights because they may have been used before by someone. Why take a chance as not always are the blankets cleaned and resealed says an insider source. Carry your own small blanket or shawl during you long distance international flights to be safe and healthy. And a personal neck pillow with you.

10. Tea or Coffee on flights

Don’t ever have tea or coffee on a flight. But why? That’s because the water used doesn’t come from bottled sources but on-board water tanks which are rarely cleaned. Studies have shown that there are high levels of bacteria in them. Instead stick to bottled beverages if you really wish to have a drink. Your stomach will thank you.

11. Taking your flight on a full stomach

We these days have the privilege of visiting lounges thanks to our frequent flyer status or courtesy our credit card privileges. Yes it’s not good to be hungry but then don’t overindulge as everything is free.

Digestion slows down at higher altitude due to changes in pressure and lower oxygen levels leading to discomfort. Add to that the cramped seats and limited movement option could lead to bloating and indigestion. Instead eat light, avoid excess salt and carbonated drinks if you want to feel healthy during the flight. Also bring healthy snacks with you if the inflight meals on international flights don’t look great.

12. Contact Lenses on Long Flights

If you are one who wears contact lenses, think twice before wearing them on long flights. The air inside the aircraft cabin is extremely dry and usually under 20% humidity. And that’s much lower than most desert climates. This can quickly dry out your eyes causing irritation, redness or even blurry vision. And if you fall asleep with your contact lenses it gets even worse. Therefore it is recommended by doctors that you switch to glasses during flights before boarding.