Airplanes are one of the filthiest places with numerous germs being stuck in various places such as tray tables, seat buckles, seatback pockets, and aisle seats. For germaphobes, it is such a nightmare to deal with a situation where you have to stay in such cramp space along with numerous germs as companion. Also, those germs can get you sick during your vacation if you don’t take car of it and yourself properly. Therefore, it is important to disinfect your airplane seat properly.
Steps to disinfect your airplane seat
You don’t have to bring many cleaning supplies to disinfect your airplane seat. With minimal supplies, you can reduce the germs and lower your risk of getting sick of the infection. What you need is a pack of disinfecting wipes. You can bring your own usual go-to wipes. You can also choose the one with good smells such as lemon or flower scent and not like public bathroom smell so other passengers won’t be disturbed by the smell.
As soon as you are on board, get your wipes ready. Some passengers might give you a side-eye pr stare. However, you don’t really have to mind them as long as you don’t bother them. Clean the area of your space only and do not disinfect your seatmate’s area especially if they are strangers not your travel companion.
Use the wipes correctly and read the instruction. Wipe down the surface hardly in one swipe. Do not wipes back and forth because then the germs will stay there. Leave the surface for about 30 seconds to four minutes, depending on the instruction on your wipe pack. Let the magic happens and do not rush it. You may have to stay still before settling and using the surface.
Do not use wipes to disinfect upholstery because it won’t work. If you use wipes on upholstered surface then the germs will stay there. You will only make the surface wet without killing the germs which means you just create another problem. You can instead use a reusable or packable seat to cover your upholstered seat or the headrest.
What about the airplane seatback pocket? Should you disinfect it as you do to your tray table and seat? Do not try to disinfect it because it won’t do anything. This place is one of the filthiest parts in the airplane so do not stash your water bottle or snacks inside the pocket. You can use a seatback-pocket replacement accessory instead. It can hang from seatback tray latch.
If you don’t really have time or will to disinfect your airplane seat, you can at least practice good hygiene such as applying hand-sanitizer before eating your meals or touching your face area, washing your hand after using the toilet, etc. By practicing good hygiene you can reduce the risk of getting sick during your travel. But if you can do a little bit extra, always have your pack of wipes ready.