Let’s face it: flying can be stressful enough without the added worry of germs, especially in the post-pandemic world. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just heading out for your first trip in a while, one question remains crucial: What’s the best seat on a plane to avoid germs?
While we all know the basics—wash your hands, don’t touch your face, pack some hand sanitizer—choosing the right seat can also make a difference in minimizing your exposure to those pesky airborne germs. So, which seat should you pick to reduce your chances of catching something mid-flight? Let’s dive into the best ways to stay healthy in the air and why your seat choice matters more than you think.
The Best Seat to Avoid Germs: Aisle, Window, or Middle?
If you’ve ever had to choose between a window seat with a view, an aisle seat with easy access to the restroom, or the dreaded middle seat, you might not have considered which one is best for avoiding germs. Here’s what the experts say about each option:
1. Window Seat: The Germ-Averse Favorite
When it comes to minimizing germ exposure, the window seat reigns supreme. According to research, sitting by the window reduces your chances of coming into contact with other passengers and the germs they may be carrying. Since you’re tucked away from the aisle, fewer people are walking past you, and you’re less likely to come into direct contact with passengers or crew moving about the cabin.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that passengers seated in window seats have less physical contact with others, making it harder for germs to spread. Plus, you have the added bonus of avoiding the infamous “aisle brush”—that moment when people bump into you as they walk past.
2. Aisle Seat: Convenient but Germier
While the aisle seat gives you easy access to the restroom and allows you to stretch your legs more freely, it comes with a higher risk of exposure to germs. Why? Passengers in the aisle seat tend to have more contact with people walking up and down the aisle, which means more opportunities for exposure to bacteria and viruses.
From passengers brushing against you to flight attendants serving drinks and snacks, sitting in the aisle puts you in the pathway of potential germ spreaders. If you’re particularly concerned about catching something, the aisle might not be your best bet.
3. Middle Seat: The Worst of Both Worlds
No one likes the middle seat, and when it comes to avoiding germs, it’s no better. Not only do you have less personal space, but you’re also sandwiched between two people, which increases your contact with others. The middle seat offers no real advantage in terms of germ exposure, so if avoiding illness is your priority, it’s best to skip this option altogether.
Other Tips for Reducing Germ Exposure on a Plane
Now that you know the window seat is your best bet for avoiding germs, there are a few other strategies you can use to stay healthy while flying:
1. Disinfect Your Space
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by wiping down your seat, tray table, armrests, and seatbelt with disinfectant wipes. High-touch surfaces like these are breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, so taking a few seconds to sanitize your space can go a long way in keeping you germ-free.
2. Use Hand Sanitizer
Hand hygiene is crucial when flying. Even if you wash your hands in the airplane bathroom, it’s always a good idea to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol handy. Use it after touching high-contact surfaces, such as bathroom handles, seatbelt buckles, and overhead bins.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
It’s easier said than done, but try to avoid touching your face while on the plane. Germs are often transmitted through the mouth, nose, and eyes, so keeping your hands away from your face can reduce your chances of getting sick.
4. Bring Your Own Blanket and Pillow
Airline-provided blankets and pillows can harbor germs from previous passengers, so it’s safer to bring your own if you’re planning to sleep on the flight. A travel-sized blanket and a neck pillow can provide comfort without the risk of catching something from shared items.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is essential for keeping your immune system strong and fending off illness. Cabin air is notoriously dry, which can dry out your mucous membranes and make you more susceptible to infection. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the flight.
6. Use Air Vents Wisely
While it may seem counterintuitive, using your air vent can actually help keep germs at bay. Set the vent to low and direct the airflow downward toward your lap. This creates a small barrier of moving air that can help blow away any airborne particles before they reach you.
How Germs Spread on Planes
To understand why seat selection matters, it helps to know how germs spread in an airplane cabin. Airplanes are enclosed spaces with a high turnover of passengers, so it’s no surprise that they can be hotspots for germ transmission.
While the air in modern airplanes is filtered through HEPA filters, which remove 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, germs can still spread through physical contact and touching contaminated surfaces. This is why your seat location and behavior during the flight play a big role in determining your exposure risk.
Most germs spread when passengers move around the cabin, use the bathroom, or touch communal surfaces like tray tables, seatbelt buckles, and overhead bins. That’s why the fewer people you come into contact with, the lower your chances of getting sick.
Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely for Your Health
When it comes to avoiding germs on a plane, the window seat is your safest bet. Not only does it offer you a peaceful view of the clouds, but it also minimizes your contact with other passengers and reduces your exposure to high-touch areas like the aisle. Combine that with some disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and smart use of your air vent, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more germ-free flight.
Remember, while flying does come with some risks, being mindful of where you sit and how you interact with your surroundings can help you stay healthy and enjoy your journey—germ-free!