One of the busiest air travel times will be upon us soon.  The long Thanksgiving weekend is historically one of the most hectic times to fly as is the holiday season from mid-December into the New Year.  In 2016, during the Thanksgiving travel period, more than 27 million passengers caught a flight to somewhere while 45 million passengers took to the skies from December 15 to January 5.  That’s a whole lot of people descending upon our airports with their luggage and their germs.

Air travel, while convenient and usually fast, is also stressful.  Not only do we have to navigate congested airports while hauling heavy luggage but we are also more vulnerable to picking up a virus such as a cold or the flu particularly during the winter months. 

How can we enjoy our travels without bringing home a bug we didn’t intend to pick up along the journey?  Here are several travel tips on how to stay healthy while flying:

1.  Arrive at the airport well rested

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before boarding the plane.  Studies have shown when we are lacking sleep, this can compromise your immune system making you more susceptible to infection.  Having a well-rested body can naturally help boost your immunity keeping you better protected.

2.  Bring a sweater or sweatshirt during cold weather

Airplane flights are notoriously known for being cold.  To keep warm, bring with you a cozy sweater or warm socks for those extra chilly flights.  However, as tempting as it may be to turn off the overhead air vents, keep air circulation moving keeping them on high to help blow away airborne illnesses.

3.  Pass on the complimentary in-flight blankets and pillows

Unless you are certain you will be getting an individually wrapped, fresh blanket or pillow, it is best to bring your own from home if you must.  

4.  Wipe down your tray table and overhead vents

Before placing your hands, a book or heaven forbid, any food on the tray table in front of you, sanitize it first using an antibacterial wipe.  Never eat any food directly off the surface – bugs such as E. coli can live up to 72 hours on unwashed tray tables.  A University of Arizona airline study found the superbug known as MRSA (Staphylococcus Aureus) on 60% of tested tray tables.

This same rule of sanitizing also applies to the overhead vents.  These are some of the most germ-filled places on a plane so get out your portable hand wipes and swipe off those viruses.  Also be sure to travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer for using before and after eating when there may not be access to soap and water. 

5.  Do not travel by air without having a flu shot first

Think about it.  You will be in a small, enclosed tube for possibly hours amongst all kinds of people from everywhere, many of whom may not be immunized against the flu or could be harboring an infection of some kind.  You need to do what it takes to protect yourself from the seasonal flu so you don’t come back home seriously ill.  To get the full benefit of the flu shot, get inoculated at least 10 days before boarding a plane.  This gives the shot time to get into your system giving you the fullest protection you need. 

6.  Take breaks from long stretches of sitting

If your flight is going to be longer than 2 hours, it’s a good idea to take regular breaks from sitting. The idea is to keep your blood pumping in order to prevent dangerous deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  Walk the length of the plane or head to the back galley area to do some simple stretching.  Even when seated, do simple foot circles or pointing and flexing of your feet frequently to improve circulation.

7.  Drink lots of water

Flying can dehydrate you.  Instead of kicking back with drinking wine, beer, or a cocktail, go for a glass of water.  Bring along your own bottled water to keep you well-hydrated and feeling more refreshed.

8.  Sleep when you can

Take a nap if you are able to help pass the time but also to reduce the feeling of confinement and stress when flying in cramped conditions.  Bring along your own neck pillow to make the sleep a little more comfortable and to prevent neck pain. 

9.  Take added precautions in the bathroom

Sadly, not all of your fellow passengers may be as hygienic as you after using the restroom.  Any surface in the small quarters could be potentially affected by someone who was less than attentive when cleaning up after personal business.  Avoid carrying anything into the room and do not set a purse on the floor or sink where it can easily pick up filth you can’t see.  Use a paper towel or tissue barrier between your hand and any handles or faucets.  And always wash your hands thoroughly before leaving.