When you’re traveling and you have to catch a flight, it can be a bit of a stressful experience. Not only are you trying to make sure that you don’t miss your flight, but you start to wonder to yourself…”Have I forgotten anything? Did I pack my toothbrush? I think I packed that extra pair of socks…or did I?”

For those who are infrequent travelers, their anxiety level is much higher than those who are seasoned. However, the anxiety level doubles for those who are “germaphobes”, such as myself, and are constantly worried about safe hygienic practices. Airplanes are some of the nastiest places to be as they are not properly sanitized on a regular basis. There have been reports on how airplanes are breeding places for germs.

Therefore, it is up to you as a passenger to protect yourself.

Here are some easy tips that you can use while on an airplane that will make you not only feel safe but will give you peace of mind while you’re in-flight.

1. Bring your own disinfectant wipes.

   It is important for you to bring disinfectant wipes with you in your carry-on bag to use while on a plane. If you do not choose to purchase a travel size container filled with pre-moistened wipes, you can always take wipes out of the disinfectant wipes canister that you have at home. If you decide to take the wipes out of a canister, you can place them into a small resealable plastic bag (for example, a Ziploc bag) to keep them fresh and ready for use on the plane. Once you arrive on the plane and before you sit down in your seat, use the wipes to clean your seat thoroughly. Wipe down your headrest, your actual seat, the arm rest, seat belt, and tray table if you plan on using it. These are things that flight attendants do not have time to do between passengers coming on and off of the plane. They focus mainly on picking up leftover trash. Therefore, it is in your best interest to sterilize your seat and the surrounding area of before take-off.

2. 
   

   Bring your own hand sanitizer.

   In your carry-on, you are allowed to bring small amounts of liquid onto the plane. When you are packing, you should make sure that hand sanitizer is one of those items. You need hand sanitizer while on the plane in case you decide to eat a snack, touch your face or simply want to sanitize your hands because you are touching other things, such as your cell phone, tablet, headphones, etc. It is also good to have your own hand sanitizer in case you have to use the bathroom; even though it would be in your best interest to wait until you land. Sometimes in the small airplane bathrooms, they run out of soap and the flight attendants do not have time to restock the inventory. Especially if a lot of people are using the bathroom in the same timeframe.

3. 
   

   Bring your own bottle of water.

   It is important to bring your own bottle of water onto the airplane as you need to stay hydrated during the flight. A majority of airplanes do not have safe tap water, therefore some will use bottled water in order to make tea or coffee. However, it is in your best interest to bring your own bottle of water to ensure you are drinking healthy water. Staying hydrated while changing altitudes and remaining in the pressurized cabin of the airplane is important as the air dries out your skin and it can cause you to feel light-headed or feel nauseous.

What are some of your personal travel recommendations for fellow “germaphobes”?

Follow me on Twitter @Jazzepentopaper and share your favorite tips!