Discover common illnesses you risk when using airplane bathrooms and practical tips to minimize infection, like limiting fluids and using paper towels to avoid touching surfaces.
Have you flown recently? It’s kinda wild to think about how many people use those airplane bathrooms, right? And how clean (or, let’s be real, *not* clean) they might be. We’re gonna dig into some things you should really consider before you head to that tiny airplane lavatory.
Note: We’ll explore this topic further to give you a comprehensive guide. Stay tuned!
Common Diseases
Using public restrooms, like those on airplanes, increases the risk of contracting several common illnesses, including:
- Influenza and common colds
- E-coli bacteria
- Shigella Bacteria
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
Even so, many people ignore the inherent need for extra caution when they have short layovers or during long flights. We’ve noticed, that some people avoid using airplane restrooms entirely.
Tips to Reduce Risk
If you love to travel, whether for exploration or work, here are some tips and guidelines to help you minimize the risk of infection when using airplane restrooms:
- Try to limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks about four hours before your flight. Reduce your overall fluid intake to avoid frequent trips to the restroom. When you arrive at your destination, make sure you are hydrated, but only with water, to avoid dehydration.
- Don’t walk barefoot (shuffling) or with open shoes during the flight. You might be tempted to kick off your shoes and relax, but resist that urge when you go to the bathroom. New research indicates that airplane bathrooms could have more germs than you think; even urine on the floor from travelers who weren’t careful enough, which you definitely do not want on your socks.
- Make sure to latch the door properly upon entering the restroom. Given how small the airplane lavatories are and how often people are lining up to use them, it makes sense to lock it up properly to avoid embarrassment from other passengers. The seatbelt sign might come on, but being safe is always better than sorry.
- Grab a bunch of paper towels and use them to touch the faucet or handles. Once you’re done washing your hands, use the paper towels to open the door. This will help you avoid touching surfaces that might be contaminated.
- Clean the toilet seat before using it with a wipe, tissue, or sanitizer to ensure it is clean before you sit on it. Remember to keep some of these items in your bag before flying. Some people simply cover the toilet seat with tissue paper or those paper toilet seat covers.
- Always use healthy habits, whether you’re on the plane or not. Be sure to hydrate frequently by drinking water; be sure to know what is in your carry-on. Doing so will reduce the possibility of becoming ill and will leave you feeling clean after using the airplane bathroom.
- Don’t toss paper towels on the ground or leave them on surfaces to avoid spreading germs to whoever uses the restroom after you, and keep them in a specific location.
- Don’t drink from the tap (faucet); that is, the water there isn’t suitable for drinking and not filtered enough.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to ensure cleanliness. Then, you can avoid your hands from holding germs and eventually carrying them to your mouth.
- After washing your hands, avoid any surfaces; use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.
- Make sure to dispose of any personal care products in the airplane lavatory trash can after you are done.
- Generally, avoid coming into contact with different surfaces inside airplane restrooms, as microbial contamination and harmful bacteria can quickly spread to you; more often than not, they end up coming in contact with the airplane’s surfaces.
- Do not delay using the restroom in case you need to use it. You don’t need the other passengers waiting for you. And remember, bring all of your devices when using it.
- Try not to enter the restroom, as airplane restrooms are crowded with passengers going in and out of the plane.
- If you are traveling with your children, be sure to take note of the following:
- Make sure your children are able to use the restroom on their own without issues, as they can cause a distraction. If your child requires assistance, ask a member of the flight crew – not a passenger – to supervise and take care of them during your visit to the restroom.
- Take them to the restroom only when necessary to help them, and ensure their safety and correct usage.
- Change diapers in the designated area, not on the plane seats or restrooms.
If you have special needs or are experiencing difficulties during the flight:
- Consult the flight crew for assistance with airplane facilities whenever necessary.
- Request assistance from the flight attendants when needing to use the onboard wheelchair from the airplane.
- Try to schedule your visits to the restroom at off-peak hours when opportunities and drinks are served to make moving with a wheelchair in the airplane easier.
- If possible, try to opt for aisle seats close to the restroom, especially for those who may need to frequently visit the airplane lavatory.
Testimonials
I used to dread flying because of the airplane bathrooms. But after reading this article, I feel much more prepared. I’ve started packing antibacterial wipes and being more mindful of what I touch. It’s made a huge difference in my peace of mind.
As a frequent traveler, I thought I knew all the tricks. Turns out, I was missing a few! The tip about using a paper towel to open the door is a game-changer. Who knew airplane bathrooms had that many germs!
I’m not gonna lie, I was one of those barefoot walkers to the bathroom. Never again! This article was a wake-up call. Now I’m all about socks and hand sanitizer. Thanks for the tips, they really helped!
Myth & Facts
Question: Are airplane bathrooms really that dirty?
Answer: Um, yeah. Studies have shown they can harbor a lot of germs due to the high volume of users and limited cleaning schedules.
Myth: Airplane tap water is safe to drink.
Fact: Nope. It’s generally not recommended because the water tanks on planes can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Stick to bottled water.
Question: What’s the most important thing to do in an airplane bathroom?
Answer: Wash your hands! Like, really wash them. And then use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.
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