4 Safety Tips for Senior Air Travel

Posted by Melissa Rubin in travel advice.

Flu season is among us! No matter where you go and no matter who you talk to, germs are everywhere! Unfortunately, senior transportation is no substitute. Senior air travel, which is, traveling via airplane, has germs in places you would never think of!

These germs are not dangerous, but better to be safe than sorry when traveling. Here are some of the major health concerns you should be aware of when flying to a senior travel destination:

Keep away from airplane water supplies

This not only includes the water in your cup that you receive from the flight attendant, but also the water from the bathroom sink as well as the ice cubes in your Diet Coke. Water on airplanes has been under review by the EPA for traces of E. coli for six years.

This questionable water supply comes from the limited supply of clean water airplanes have. When bottled water runs out, many airplanes fill bottles with tap water. An airplanes water supply can be filled up at a number of different ports, some of which the water supply might not be 100% clean.

Although the amount of planes with contaminated water has decreased, to prevent this problem simply buy a bottled water in the airport before boarding, and stick to prepackaged drinks (with no ice) while on board.

Keep all your personal items away from the seat pocket

Consider all the people who fly on planes. Whereas planes are cleaned after every use, the area in front of your seat might be overlooked. People of all ages use the seat pockets, leaving anything from smashed French fries to old gum wrappers. Although the seat pockets are convenient to store items in, stay away!

Instead, store everything in a small, easy to open carry-on bag. If, however, you cannot get over losing the convenience of the seat pocket, bring a plastic bag with you to place in the pocket before you put any of your possessions in it.

Be wary of tray tables

Tray tables are possibly the most germ infested area of a plane. Eating is not the only activity people find a use for these tables. Babies are changed, heads are rested, games are played, fingers are traced over, etc. all over the surface (and underneath) tray tables.

In light of this, it is no wonder the superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, which can be fatal. To prevent contracting this bug, use disinfectant wipes before and after every use. Above all, NEVER eat or directly off the surface.