You've settled into your airplane seat, destination on your mind, ready to relax. While most passengers unwind at this point, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anita Patel follows specific non-negotiable safety protocols before takeoff.
The Tray Table Danger Zone
Dr. Patel never uses airplane tray tables without sanitizing them first. She observes that cleaning crews have limited time between flights, making thorough disinfection of every surface impossible. The moment she sits down, she immediately wipes down tray tables with antibacterial wipes.
What's lurking on those surfaces? Bacteria, viruses, and particularly gastrointestinal bugs that can ruin your trip. "Vomiting and diarrhea are not how anyone wants to start a trip," Patel emphasized, noting that many viruses survive on surfaces for extended periods.
Research supports her concerns. Cleveland Clinic reports cold germs can live on surfaces up to one week, influenza viruses up to 48 hours, and COVID-19 from hours to days. A Travelmath study identified tray tables as the germiest spot on planes or in airports, containing nearly double the bacteria of the next worst location: airport drinking fountains.
Patel extends her cleaning routine beyond tray tables to any wipeable surface around her seating area, including the small clip everyone touches to open and close the table. She particularly emphasizes this practice for families with young children who frequently put their hands in their mouths.
Unexpected Sun Exposure at High Altitude
Many travelers don't realize the increased UV radiation exposure during flights. Dr. Patel always applies sunscreen before flying because UV rays become significantly stronger at higher altitudes.
"That sunlight that is really nice when you are up in the sky is also more harmful than when we are on the ground," she explained. While window shades provide some protection against sunburn, they offer limited defense against UVB rays responsible for skin cancer and aging.
Patel noted that if she were more organized, she would incorporate protective clothing into her travel preparations for additional safety.
The Cumulative Effect of Small Precautions
Beyond surface cleaning and sun protection, Patel emphasizes consistent seat belt use for herself and her children throughout the flight, even when the seat belt sign is off.
She advocates for what she calls the "cumulative effect" - the combined protection from multiple small safety measures. These practices shouldn't create travel stress but rather become routine precautions that significantly reduce health risks.
"It's not about perfection; it's about doing the best you can," Patel concluded, encouraging travelers to adopt manageable habits that can make air travel safer for everyone.
