Whenever you’re jet-setting to your next vacation spot or heading out on a business trip, you probably don’t think twice about flying. However, some of the things we do up there in the clouds aren’t great for our health & safety. Here are fifteen common things people do on planes that are risky – a lot riskier than most people realize.
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Not Drinking Enough Water
After a long flight, you probably feel quite dehydrated and that’s because the air up there in the cabin is drier than a desert. Most of us avoid drinking water to skip going to the bathroom too often but skimping on water can leave us feeling groggy. Worst of all, it can make you more jet-lagged. The trick is to drink up & keep hydrated.
Ignoring Flight Safety Demonstrations
Yes, you’ve flown a million times and you think you could give the safety demo in your sleep. But here’s the thing—every plane’s a bit different & paying a few minutes of attention could mean life or death in an emergency. Plus, it also shows respect to the crew who are there to keep us safe. Let’s give them our eyes & ears next time.
Walking Barefoot
As tempting as it is to kick off those shoes & wiggle your toes, the airplane floor isn’t the cleanest place. After all, hundreds of passengers walk through there every day and there are likely plenty of food spills—and who knows what else. You also don’t want to be running around barefoot in an emergency so keep those socks on.
Using the Tray Table Without Cleaning It
Did you know that tray tables can have more germs than the airplane bathroom? While the cleaners do wipe them down between flights, it’s not exactly rigorous cleaning—and who knows what the last passenger left behind? Before you put your food down, give the tray a quick wipe with some hand sanitizer.
Eating Food Dropped on the Tray
Similarly, dropping your snack on the tray might not seem like a big deal. But remember—those trays aren’t exactly spotless! It’s better to ignore that fallen piece of food than to take a gamble with germs because who knows what’s on the table?
Consuming Too Much Alcohol
For some people, the vacation starts as soon as they’re on the plane & they’ll celebrate with a drink or two. However, in the air, alcohol hits you differently and it can dehydrate you faster than on the ground. And let’s be honest, no one enjoys the company of a tipsy passenger! Pace yourself and remember that moderation is important.
Resting Against the Window
Leaning against the window might seem okay…until you remember all the previous passengers who’ve done the same. It’s practically a germ fest on those windows! Instead, you should use a little pillow or blanket to create a barrier & stop yourself from taking home any unwanted microscopic souvenirs.
Ignoring Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Risks
Sitting like a statue for hours is quite uncomfortable—and downright dangerous. DVT, or blood clots in your legs, is a serious risk on long flights, so make sure to stretch or walk around. Better yet, doing some in-seat exercises can keep the blood flowing & reduce the risk of DVT. Don’t forget those stylish compression socks!
Overhead Bin Overreaching
We’ve had those moments where we try to wrestle a heavy bag into that overhead bin. However, twisting & lifting in awkward positions can cause you to develop strains or even worse injuries. If you have a particularly heavy bag, you should ask for a hand to get it in the bin. It’s not worth risking it.
Not Using Seat Belts Properly
As soon as the seatbelt sign goes off, you might think it’s okay to unbuckle—but turbulence can come out of nowhere. Keeping that belt fastened around you, even when it seems calm, can save you from unexpected bumps. You should only ever unbuckle your seatbelt when you’re getting up.
Drinking Coffee or Tea
What could be wrong with having an inflight coffee or tea? Well, a lot of things. The water they use comes from tanks that might not be cleaned as often as we’d hope, so you should stick to bottled water. Try bringing your own drinks to avoid any water-related worries because your stomach will appreciate it.
Using the Blankets and Pillows Without Covers
Those comfy airplane blankets & pillows aren’t always fresh off the laundry rack. If they’re not sealed up, then that means that previous passengers could’ve been using them—gross! Instead, you should use a scarf or your own blanket. At least then you know where they’ve been!
Touching the Seat Pocket
The seat pocket is where you’ll find lots of germs from past passengers as that’s where most people put their tissues & trash. If you can, you should avoid putting any of your belongings in it—or at least sanitize your hands thoroughly afterward. Nobody wants to be sick because they touched the wrong thing.
Ignoring Ear Pain
That ear-popping sensation during takeoff & landing is rather annoying—so don’t ignore it. After all, it could cause discomfort or even ear damage! You should try chewing gum or even yawning to balance the pressure in your ears because a little jaw movement can go a long way in making you feel comfortable.
Failing to Protect Personal Data
Never connect to the free in-flight Wi-Fi without a second thought. Without a VPN, your personal data is practically flying out there for anyone to grab. You should make sure your device is secure and use a VPN to keep things private. After all, you wouldn’t want your personal info landing in the wrong hands.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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