If there’s one thing that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has taught us is that the smallest hygiene practices can go a long way! Moreover, the chances of a disease spreading are higher when you’re up in the air, entrapped in a vessel, with hundreds of other passengers. However, don’t let that hold you back from your travel ventures. After all, life is too short not to travel every chance you get!
Here are a few tips on how to stop disease spreading on airplanes by Flightlink:
- Don’t travel if you have a fever or any other symptoms that suggest you might be sick
The most important way of ensuring that a disease doesn’t spread is to make sure you don’t get on board if you know you’re sick with a contagious disease! Think of yourself and those around you. Make sure you’re perfectly healthy before you get on a plane. Even mild flu or fever should warrant a delay in your travel plans.
- Make sure you’re wearing essential personal protective equipment
In wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s best if you wear a surgical mask to protect your nose and mouth from airborne droplets.
- Sneeze or cough in your elbow
Not only does this stop the spread of diseases, but it’s also basic human decency! Sneeze or cough in your elbow to ensure your germs don’t spread in the form of airborne droplets.
- Don’t touch your face
Your nose, mouth and eyes serve as the main portals of entry for any microorganism. Therefore, not touching your face is one of the best ways to protect yourself from contagious diseases!
- Open your AC vent and make sure it throws air directly at you
If your AC vent throws air directly at you, a mini channel of air goes directly from the air vent to you, which prevents other airborne droplets from getting in the channel. (should’ve studied physics a bit more thoroughly in high school, right?!)
- Ensure social distancing protocols while you’re getting on and off the plane!
Getting on the airplane first or off the airplane first will not give you a prize or a reward. The airplane won’t leave until everyone is on board, so there’s no point in rushing your way on the plane. Make sure you stay 6 feet away from others at all times.
- Don’t ask for earphones, magazines, hot towels or other non-essential items.
Every additional non-essential item that you ask for increases your risk of getting germs. Avoid doing so until absolutely necessary.
- Choose a window seat
Studies have shown that passengers on the window seat are least exposed to germs and disease spread!
- Make sure you have a sanitizer with you
Sanitizing your hands and the space around you kills the germs around you, limiting the spread of diseases. Make sure you sanitize your hands after getting on the plane.
- Avoid moving around in the airplane
Limit your movements inside the airplane to reduce your chances of coming into contact with contagious germs.
- Choose a flight without meals and bring your own snacks
Food also serves as a primary source of certain diseases, so it’s best to avoid flight meals and to bring your own snacks.
Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic has improved the hygiene standard of airplanes and airports. It’s time we continue to make more and more reforms to limit the spread of diseases on airplanes! Advanced hygiene protocols can greatly reduce the spread of diseases on airplanes.
At Flightlink, we ensure the implementation of hygiene protocols to make sure your travels with us are safe and enjoyable!
That being said, don’t forget to check out the Arusha Food Guide on your next trip to Tanzania!