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HuffPost
24 Jul 2024
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If you hate germs, you likely struggle with public bathrooms, frequently touched surfaces and high foot traffic spaces — all of which are present during air travel. From the security line to baggage claim, traveling by airplane means exposing yourself to lots of people and lots of places.
Daniel Eiras, who was formerly an assistant professor of infectious diseases and immunology at New York University’s Langone Health, previously told HuffPost that things like your seat belt buckle or tray table are generally not disinfected between flights, making them extra germy spots. As such, he suggested that in addition to keeping your hands clean, it can be smart to give your seat and everything around it a quick swipe with a disinfectant wipe before takeoff.
To help you protect yourself from germs as much as possible, we rounded up some handy tips and tools for reducing germs at the airport and on the plane. Some are mini solutions to wipe down tables, some are pads or covers to keep you and your stuff protected and others are general body products to keep you feeling extra sanitary in the sky.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1
Amazon
A travel set of Clorox wipes
The classic, the OG, the best in the game: You need some travel Clorox wipes. Wipe down your luggage handle, the security bin, your seat at the gate, your seat on the plane and really everything else. This comes in a three pack each with 75 wipes and a strong seal that keeps the wipes from drying out.
Promising review: "They were great for traveling on an airplane. I was able to take an entire package in my carry-on luggage and wipe down my seat and tray etc." — Shaunna Lagrow
Promising review: "They were great for traveling on an airplane. I was able to take an entire package in my carry-on luggage and wipe down my seat and tray etc." — Shaunna Lagrow
2
Amazon
A three-pack of surface cleaner
For some extra oomph, bring along some of these pet- and kid-friendly mini surface cleaners. They don't have intense fumes or smells, can be directly sprayed onto messes and wiped away, meaning you don't need to use water or a wet sponge and it won't dry sticky or leave residue. This also comes in a TSA-approved two-fluid-ounce bottle.
Promising review: "I took this on a trip to Florida. Sprayed everything on the plane because I'm a germaphobe. The seatbelt, the tray, the seat, the flight attendant (just kidding). And in the hotels works great for spraying the tv remotes, door knobs, light switches, etc. my husband and I haven't gotten sick yet this winter!" — Aubrie
Promising review: "I took this on a trip to Florida. Sprayed everything on the plane because I'm a germaphobe. The seatbelt, the tray, the seat, the flight attendant (just kidding). And in the hotels works great for spraying the tv remotes, door knobs, light switches, etc. my husband and I haven't gotten sick yet this winter!" — Aubrie
3
Amazon
A quality tumbler that keeps your drink hot or cold
If you're iffy about plane water, you're likely not taking any plane-made coffee, tea or ice. It may be worthwhile to grab a hefty but still travel-ready and leak-proof tumbler that retains drink temperature. Stanley's IceFlow tumbler is like the Quencher's sporty little sister, measuring 30 ounces and equipped with an easy-carry handle. (Remember: Just in case you forgot the drill, bring this to the airport empty and fill it with water once you're beyond security.)
Promising review: "I have two of the Stanley 40oz. cups and love them. Unfortunately, they are not easy to travel with. I trusted the Stanley name and it did not disappoint. This is the perfect size for my backpack and the straw stays put until you want a drink. Great for day trips or traveling on planes." — Pamela Prussel
Promising review: "I have two of the Stanley 40oz. cups and love them. Unfortunately, they are not easy to travel with. I trusted the Stanley name and it did not disappoint. This is the perfect size for my backpack and the straw stays put until you want a drink. Great for day trips or traveling on planes." — Pamela Prussel
4
Amazon
A disposable seat cover
Made from 100% polypropylene, these disposable seat covers fit most plane seats and are recyclable after use. They come with two covers in each package and are designed to feel soft on the skin while giving you some extra peace of mind.
Promising review: "These disposable airplane seat covers were very easy to use and have added to my peace of mind on 6 different flights, 4 of which were transcontinental. They fit on a variety of seats on different carriers and truly covered the surface and provided an excellent safety barrier. Very light and fits into any carry on with ease. Highly recommend!" — One Patriotic Citizen
Promising review: "These disposable airplane seat covers were very easy to use and have added to my peace of mind on 6 different flights, 4 of which were transcontinental. They fit on a variety of seats on different carriers and truly covered the surface and provided an excellent safety barrier. Very light and fits into any carry on with ease. Highly recommend!" — One Patriotic Citizen
5
Amazon
A set of four portable straws
Similarly, you may not want to use a straw from a bin that many hands are grabbing. This handy pack comes with four travel straws that can each easily attach to your keychain.
Promising review: "These straws are great, they even include a brush for washing! I never knew such a thing existed! Convenient for traveling when I need a straw for drinking!" — Vicki Antonucci
Promising review: "These straws are great, they even include a brush for washing! I never knew such a thing existed! Convenient for traveling when I need a straw for drinking!" — Vicki Antonucci
6
A pack of dissolvable soap sheets
If the restroom is out of soap, you wanna wash on the go or the dispenser just looks gnarly — you'll be glad to have a pack of these portable mini soap sheets. Each pack comes with 100 sheets. Simply get them wet and enjoy the soap lather keeping your hands clean. These come in packs of one, two and three in jasmine, orange, rose, lavender and unscented options. Clip the coupon for 5% off.
Promising review: "I purchased these for an upcoming trip so that I could wash my hands anywhere. I was amazed at how well these worked and how small/compact they are. Very easy to travel with and you can even stick them in a pocket. I’m crazy about having clean hands at all times so this was the perfect addition to my purse products!" — Audrey p
Promising review: "I purchased these for an upcoming trip so that I could wash my hands anywhere. I was amazed at how well these worked and how small/compact they are. Very easy to travel with and you can even stick them in a pocket. I’m crazy about having clean hands at all times so this was the perfect addition to my purse products!" — Audrey p
7
Amazon
A trio of Lysol spray
Another handy tool, these mini Lysol atomizers kill 99.9% of mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses when used correctly. These bottles are each one ounce, come in a three-pack and are great to throw in a bag or back pack on the go. You can also get them in packs of six, eight and 12.
Promising review: "I carry these in my bag and spray at will. They are great for killing odors in plane bathrooms as sometimes it just smells when we get on board or after many customers use the bathroom and it starts to get a little spicy. They fit in small pockets or spaces in luggage or purses. Mighty and powerful." — Dionne Audain
Promising review: "I carry these in my bag and spray at will. They are great for killing odors in plane bathrooms as sometimes it just smells when we get on board or after many customers use the bathroom and it starts to get a little spicy. They fit in small pockets or spaces in luggage or purses. Mighty and powerful." — Dionne Audain
8
Amazon
A pair of portable iPhone chargers
We know the drill — your flight is delayed, your phone is dying and the only outlet is on a weird pole by a trashcan. Protect yourself now and get yourself a pair of these travel portable phone chargers, so you never need to deal with the outlets. Be sure to hit the 15% off coupon.
Promising review: "No longer will I be stuck charging my phone randomly on walls or the “charging stations” in airports. This lil buddy fit my iPhone 12 Pro with no issues and quickly charged it back. I was able to keep my phone charged on a super long bus ride to our mission trip destination (7 hrs). Recharged it the night before our return and never ran out of cell service. Being in a foreign country and only speak a very small amount of the language, I used my Google translate a lot to help me navigate the transit system" — Kelly
Promising review: "No longer will I be stuck charging my phone randomly on walls or the “charging stations” in airports. This lil buddy fit my iPhone 12 Pro with no issues and quickly charged it back. I was able to keep my phone charged on a super long bus ride to our mission trip destination (7 hrs). Recharged it the night before our return and never ran out of cell service. Being in a foreign country and only speak a very small amount of the language, I used my Google translate a lot to help me navigate the transit system" — Kelly
9
Or a disposable tray table cover
When eating, reading or just using the tray table, you'll feel better after sliding on one of these ingenuous disposable tray table covers. They're also recyclable after use and have a U.S. map and fun games on them for extra entertainment.
Promising review: "This is a fantastic item and I also glad someone thought of it. It is folded so it is small and fits in your purse. Slides easily on tray. No more worries about what was put on the tray before you!" — Kindle customer
Promising review: "This is a fantastic item and I also glad someone thought of it. It is folded so it is small and fits in your purse. Slides easily on tray. No more worries about what was put on the tray before you!" — Kindle customer
10
Amazon
A pack of Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom wipes
Tackling the bathroom can be its own beast. These Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom wipes are great for wiping down toilet seats, sink handles and door knobs and then can be flushed in the toilet after using them.
Promising review: "If you are traveling, you need these. I wiped everything in my room and on the plane." — izzy7879
Promising review: "If you are traveling, you need these. I wiped everything in my room and on the plane." — izzy7879
11
Amazon
A set of individually wrapped flushable wipes
To feel extra fresh or if you don't want to reach for the communal roll of toilet paper, keep some individually wrapped flushable bathroom wipes with you. These are designed to be gentle on the skin thanks to sunflower, aloe and rosemary extracts. They're also paraben-, alcohol- and fragrance-free.
Promising review: "I dread using the restroom during travel, especially if it’s an unexpected trip to the restroom. These actually were my saving grace because I ended up getting food poisoning and these saved my life! I still felt super clean and fresh throughout my travels and I wasn’t scared to have a visit to the bathroom! Reordering!" — Sydney Monét Coleman
Promising review: "I dread using the restroom during travel, especially if it’s an unexpected trip to the restroom. These actually were my saving grace because I ended up getting food poisoning and these saved my life! I still felt super clean and fresh throughout my travels and I wasn’t scared to have a visit to the bathroom! Reordering!" — Sydney Monét Coleman
12
Amazon
A set of disposable toilet seat covers
Sit in serenity with a pack of disposable toilet seat covers. This set comes with five packs each containing 10 sheets, letting you use the loo without getting the loo on you.
Promising review: "I like that they are divided into a ten pack carrying case. They fit nicely in my bag. They are very convenient to have when traveling." — Doreen
Promising review: "I like that they are divided into a ten pack carrying case. They fit nicely in my bag. They are very convenient to have when traveling." — Doreen
13
Amazon
A 50 pack of KN95 masks
After the last four years, you're likely no stranger to a face mask. Not only can they actively help prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID, the common cold, flu and more but they can give you a little peace of mind knowing you have an extra barrier around your nose and mouth. These popular and highly-rated have five layers of filtration and a metal nose clip so they won't slide off. Be sure to hit the 5% off coupon.
Promising review: "I wore these masks on the plane. They are perfect and fit inside your backpack or purse." — J. Marie
Promising review: "I wore these masks on the plane. They are perfect and fit inside your backpack or purse." — J. Marie
14
Amazon
A pair of washable mats
On a semi-recent plane trip where I needed to unpack and repack my bag at my gate, I was thrilled that I had a plastic rain poncho with me to lay out on the ground, so I didn't need to put all my stuff on the floor. If you don't want to put your things directly in the bins at security or want to make sure you have a surface with you in the event you need to take things out of your bag, it could be prudent to have a washable, foldable mat that you can easily tuck away and then throw in the machine when you get to your destination.
Promising review: "These pads are just great. This is my second purchase. I won't hesitate to buy more. They are made very well, and price is right." — Mendy Jo
Promising review: "These pads are just great. This is my second purchase. I won't hesitate to buy more. They are made very well, and price is right." — Mendy Jo
15
Amazon
Mini packs of single-use Purell
Purell kills many common germs and has a mild formula that won't strip your hands of its moisture barrier. Just pop a handful of these individual individual hand sanitizer packets in your carry-on bag and you're good to go.
Promising review: "Carrying tubes or bottles of sanitizer takes up much space in purse or pocket. Made or travels easier on planes, at airports and on cruise ship." — Victoria
Promising review: "Carrying tubes or bottles of sanitizer takes up much space in purse or pocket. Made or travels easier on planes, at airports and on cruise ship." — Victoria
16
Amazon
A pair of laundry bags to contain dirty clothes
If you need to change your clothes the minute you land or just find yourself needing to change in the airport, something like these drawstring laundry bags is great as you can hang it from the hook in the bathroom, ensuring that none of your clothes get on the floor and your dirty plane clothes don't mess with your clean packed ones.
Promising review: "we ordered this for our laundry when we travel, and it's magnificent. It has a good size and the material is pretty good, it looks like we are going to have this for a really long time." — Monik
Promising review: "we ordered this for our laundry when we travel, and it's magnificent. It has a good size and the material is pretty good, it looks like we are going to have this for a really long time." — Monik
17
Amazon
A trio of Touchland hand sanitizer sprays
Another smart choice is a spray hand sanitizer — it's easy to share with kids or others, can be sprayed onto a seat or table and you can easily give a spritz to a kind stranger.
If you're looking for the elite option, I can attest that while Touchland hand sanitizers cost a slightly shocking $10 each they truly are chef's kiss. These sprays are rectangular and thin, so they're super easy to sneak in a bag. They literally smell like perfumes, feel so good on the hands and aren't sticky or wet. They like immediately dry upon being sprayed, but not in a dry-out way, just in a not-clammy way. Get them, you won't regret it.
Promising review: "I want to hate these or at the very least think they’re not worth it…because for freaking HAND SANITIZER they’re sooo pricey considering I can get gel for $1 for a giant bottle. But they’re fantastic. I will never stop buying these and recommending them to others. The scents are pleasant and mild, no overpowering alcohol smell, ZERO skin drying, easy to transport due to the flat bottle. Plane trip? The flat profile makes it easily fit in your bulging, overfilled liquids bag. After 3 purchases I finally put them on subscribe & save. Don’t hesitate like I did." — Kat
If you're looking for the elite option, I can attest that while Touchland hand sanitizers cost a slightly shocking $10 each they truly are chef's kiss. These sprays are rectangular and thin, so they're super easy to sneak in a bag. They literally smell like perfumes, feel so good on the hands and aren't sticky or wet. They like immediately dry upon being sprayed, but not in a dry-out way, just in a not-clammy way. Get them, you won't regret it.
Promising review: "I want to hate these or at the very least think they’re not worth it…because for freaking HAND SANITIZER they’re sooo pricey considering I can get gel for $1 for a giant bottle. But they’re fantastic. I will never stop buying these and recommending them to others. The scents are pleasant and mild, no overpowering alcohol smell, ZERO skin drying, easy to transport due to the flat bottle. Plane trip? The flat profile makes it easily fit in your bulging, overfilled liquids bag. After 3 purchases I finally put them on subscribe & save. Don’t hesitate like I did." — Kat
18
Amazon
16 packets of Kleenex
Tissues may feel like an obvious choice, but you always seem to need one when you don't have one. This set comes with 16 mini packages, each with 10 tissues in them, meaning you'll always have a hankie whether you need to blow your nose or wipe a table.
Promising review: "These small packages of Kleenex are irreplaceable when traveling. You’ll always have them on hand for noses and spills and restroom stops!! Love these!!!" — Dennis M. Hannah Jr.
Promising review: "These small packages of Kleenex are irreplaceable when traveling. You’ll always have them on hand for noses and spills and restroom stops!! Love these!!!" — Dennis M. Hannah Jr.
19
Amazon
A travel-friendly bag for all your cleaning needs
Of course, you need a handy, TSA-friendly travel bag to keep your small sanitation items all together. This option has two zippers for easy access.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this! I needed something to hold my makeup and brushes without breaking anything or squeezing makeup everywhere and this is perfect! It’s simple, very cute and the zippers and super durable! If you’re a frequent traveler and a makeup girlie, I definitely recommend this!" — Gabrielle
Promising review: "I absolutely love this! I needed something to hold my makeup and brushes without breaking anything or squeezing makeup everywhere and this is perfect! It’s simple, very cute and the zippers and super durable! If you’re a frequent traveler and a makeup girlie, I definitely recommend this!" — Gabrielle
20
Amazon
A travel extension cord
Another hack is keeping a travel extension cord in your bag, so you don't need to sit on the floor by the outlet or touch other high-traffic areas. The 3.2-foot cord wraps around the base for easy storage and travel and offers trhee outlets, three USB ports and two fast-charging USB-C port.
Promising review: "I bought this specifically for work travel and I love it. Fits perfectly in an already full laptop backpack. Works great in conference rooms, airports, and hotels. Wraps back up to the same size easily after use. Has a bit of reach from the extension, and allows charging at ports for your phone while your laptop (and several coworkers laptops) are plugged in." — Amazon customer
Promising review: "I bought this specifically for work travel and I love it. Fits perfectly in an already full laptop backpack. Works great in conference rooms, airports, and hotels. Wraps back up to the same size easily after use. Has a bit of reach from the extension, and allows charging at ports for your phone while your laptop (and several coworkers laptops) are plugged in." — Amazon customer
21
Amazon
A pair of 10-foot long iPhone chargers
Or, grab a pair of 10-foot iPhone chargers that can help you get your phone some juice while keeping a nice distance from others.
Promising review: "Loved the length. You can still use your device while it’s charging. Exactly what I needed for home and traveling." — Amazon customer
Promising review: "Loved the length. You can still use your device while it’s charging. Exactly what I needed for home and traveling." — Amazon customer
22
Amazon
An AirFly Bluetooth transmitter
When it comes to plane itself, this handy transmitter enables the cabin TV to link with your personal earbuds or headphones. No need to use the headphones handed out by the flight attendants or mess with the plug on the seat handle.
Promising review: "I ordered this for my recent 15 hour flight to South Africa. I used it to hook my AirPods up to and it’s very straight forward on how to connect your Bluetooth headphones up. It’s super easy to bring with you and charge, it comes with a charger and a little pouch to put the device in. Fits perfectly in a personal bag/carry on." — Sally Wilkins
Promising review: "I ordered this for my recent 15 hour flight to South Africa. I used it to hook my AirPods up to and it’s very straight forward on how to connect your Bluetooth headphones up. It’s super easy to bring with you and charge, it comes with a charger and a little pouch to put the device in. Fits perfectly in a personal bag/carry on." — Sally Wilkins
23
A handy and hygienic seat back portable pocket
Never reach down into the black hole that is the pocket of the seat in front of you again. This handy portable seat back organizer folds into the top of your closed tray table and has a spot for a water bottle as well as a book, computer or snacks.
Promising review: "Easy to slip on. Holds everything. Wash & hang to dry. Avoid filthy airplane trays." — KimB
Promising review: "Easy to slip on. Holds everything. Wash & hang to dry. Avoid filthy airplane trays." — KimB
24
Amazon
A set of packing cubes
Along with that, using packing cubes can help you stay organized, limiting the endless rummaging around your bag for every item. Say goodbye to touching everything with a dirty hand looking for your package of wipes and rest assured knowing your clean clothes are packed away. Clip the coupon for 15% off.
Promising review: "Easy to use and the variety of sizes helps with packing! Able to organize better and fit in suitcases or duffle bags with ease. They are light weight and durable." — Lyla
Promising review: "Easy to use and the variety of sizes helps with packing! Able to organize better and fit in suitcases or duffle bags with ease. They are light weight and durable." — Lyla
25
A pack of eyelid wipes (no, really)
Kind of a random one, but I asked my most Type A (and very clean) friend what her airplane must-haves are. After hand sanny and surface wipes, she said named these eyelid wipes that can help prevent styes and just keep her feeling fresh and protected without worrying about gross circulated air making her eyes dry and crusty.
Promising review: "I use this when traveling. It’s an easy way to keep my eye lids clean as I have oily skin and have had problems with infections." — tadance
Promising review: "I use this when traveling. It’s an easy way to keep my eye lids clean as I have oily skin and have had problems with infections." — tadance
26
Your own travel blanket
These days, many flights don't even offer blankets anymore, but even if one is available, you'd probably be glad to have your own. This portable option is snuggly, easy to pack and can go in the washing machine the second you get home. Clip the coupon for 11% off.
Promising review: "This is the best blanket!! I bought it for a trip, but use it all the time at home. It is soft, big, and warm, but also lightweight so it doesn’t feel heavy! I am a pretty big person and it is still large enough and long enough to cover from my neck to my feet, with room to spare. It folds up nicely and fits into a nice compact case, perfect for traveling! One of the best and my favorite purchases I’ve made on amazon. Definitely going to purchase a couple more. Highly recommend!!" — KM
Promising review: "This is the best blanket!! I bought it for a trip, but use it all the time at home. It is soft, big, and warm, but also lightweight so it doesn’t feel heavy! I am a pretty big person and it is still large enough and long enough to cover from my neck to my feet, with room to spare. It folds up nicely and fits into a nice compact case, perfect for traveling! One of the best and my favorite purchases I’ve made on amazon. Definitely going to purchase a couple more. Highly recommend!!" — KM
27
Or a classic travel pillow with a removable and washable cover
With that, you may also want your own travel pillow that comes with a removable cover that can go in the wash. This option comes with an easy-carrying bag and has lots of color options. Grab the 10% coupon for extra savings.
Promising review: "A nicely sized little pillow that can be squeezed into its small pouch for travel. I like that I can wash the cover." — Elisa
Promising review: "A nicely sized little pillow that can be squeezed into its small pouch for travel. I like that I can wash the cover." — Elisa
28
Amazon
A first aid kit
If you're worried about germs, you're probably intentional about health in general. Keeping a first aid kit around is smart and can help any little cuts or travel-inflicted accidents heal. Clip the coupon for 20% off.
Promising review: "I like that it's a semi hard case to ensure contents don't get crushed. It's the perfect size to hold all the first aid necessities while traveling. I remove items I don't expect to need & add my own additions, like OTC meds." — christine
Promising review: "I like that it's a semi hard case to ensure contents don't get crushed. It's the perfect size to hold all the first aid necessities while traveling. I remove items I don't expect to need & add my own additions, like OTC meds." — christine