Keep this in mind if you are going to travel by plane

Getting on a plane these days is much more complicated than ever. Many of the amenities travelers have become accustomed to at airports - lounges, restaurants, bars - are closed. On the plane, there are no meal options on most flights (and there is no alcohol either).

Generally speaking, flying at this time is stressful: people are concerned with maintaining an adequate distance; every time someone coughs, everyone goes on high alert; And using the bathroom is scary, to say the least, given that there are so many surfaces that everyone touches. It makes the pleasure of air travel a little less exciting and a little more unnerving.

If you intend to book a flight, it is important to think carefully and critically about what you put in your carry-on luggage. Not only do you want to stay safe and comfortable, but you also want to prepare by not having so many stores at your fingertips at the airport. Here, we talk to doctors about packing and preparing in the Covid-19 era:

Travel safety tips for coronavirus

Although all airlines require a face shield to board, a face shield is another sure way to protect yourself. However, sometimes using an oversized bulky plastic device for a few hours in a confined space is not welcoming.

That's why Dr. Jennifer Haythe, a critical care cardiologist at Columbia University Center, suggests wearing glasses instead. Even if you don't need one and have perfect 20/20 vision, they can provide an additional barrier of protection, since Covid-19 can be spread through suspended droplets that come into contact with the eyes.

Try these:

ArtToFrames Protective Face Shield ($ 9.99; amazon.com)

MeetSun Blue Light Blocking Glasses, 2-Pack ($ 14.98; amazon.com)

Among the most obvious needs is a face mask, which can be cloth or disposable. Keep in mind that it is best to use a fresh or new face mask each time. And in cases like this where you could be rushing through an airport, the idea of ​​a breathable face mask meant for exercise isn't a bad idea either.

Try these:

Assacalynn Disposable Face Masks, 50-Pack ($ 12.99, originally $ 27.88; amazon.com)

Don't forget the headphones to disconnect. Airlines still provide headphones but they may not be as hygienic as bringing a comfortable pair from home, according to Dr. Nabeel Chaudhary of Manhattan Specialty Care. Remember to bring a pair that connects to the screen, as no airline offers Bluetooth technology (yet).

Try these:

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 ($ 59.99; amazon.com)

And you will want a clean blanket. Once you've reached cruising altitude and the cabin pressure normalizes, you settle into your seat, only to suddenly feel frozen. Cool temperatures on an airplane are part of the travel experience, but you can feel uncomfortable accepting a blanket from a flight attendant during the current circumstances.

In some cases, airlines have stopped providing them to reduce possible pollution. To be on the safe side, Dr Nasseri from Beverly Hills, California says to bring your own travel blanket or scarf.

Try this:

Easeland Soft Travel Size Blanket ($ 19.90; amazon.com)

And you can't have too many gloves when traveling by plane, according to Haythe. She says an easy way to be cautious is to pack lots of pairs of gloves for the trip.

"Put on a few layers of gloves and take them off as you go through the airport," he continues. "Remove a pair after security, another after boarding and finally when you get to your seat."

Try these:

Dre Health Powder-Free Disposable Gloves, 100-Pack ($ 29.98; amazon.com)

If you are one of those who is constantly applying lip balm, you may be doing more for your health and safety than you think. As an urban health internal medicine resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Talía Robledo-Gil explains that airplanes are very dry places, and dryness affects our moist mucous membranes. By applying balm or cream, we protect some of that moisture to avoid breaking one of our immune system barriers.

Try this:

Vaseline Advanced Lip Therapy Formula, 3-Pack ($ 5.18; amazon.com)

It is also advisable to bring your own water bottle. Dr. Ralph E. Holsworth, director of clinical and scientific research at Essentia Water, says that hydration helps the body's first line of defense, and it's essential to keep our immune systems strong.

"Mucus requires water for formation," he says. "Every cavity in the body is lined with cells that produce mucus, including cells in the ears, nose, throat, lung, and gastrointestinal tract."

When we don't have enough water in our system, we lose the ability to fight bacteria. Make sure you have a bottle of water handy, better if it has an internal straw or straw so you don't have to remove your mask when drinking.

Try this:

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Bottle (starting at $ 15.50; amazon.com)

Before Covid-19, you probably made sure to have your downloaded boarding pass on your phone and a copy of your passport in your email, just in case. However, from now on, Dr. Sarma Velamuri, the founder of health care technology company Luminare, predicts that health certifications can be part of the boarding process.

They should not be confused with immunity passports. Velamuri recommends bringing evidence that you have been monitoring symptoms for 14 days and testing negative before flying. In other words, being hyper-organized before the flight at this point is essential.

Try this:

File Folder Expanding Skydue ($ 8.99; amazon.com)

Like bringing a blanket for the trip, dressing in layers is an easy way to keep warm while in the air. Make sure to pack a super comfortable sweatshirt and suit before the flight.

Try these:

Doublju Basic Lightweight Pullover Hoodie ($ 26.99; amazon.com)

Hanes Sport Women's Performance V-Neck Tee (starting at $ 7; amazon.com)

It's been preached to us over and over again in the last six months, but here's another reminder: Wash your hands. Velamuri says this practice is more effective than hand sanitizer and should be prioritized during your day of travel. Every time you come into contact with areas that others have touched, be sure to scrub properly with soap.

Although having extra hand sanitizer is never a bad idea either.

Try these:

Kiseer Portable Travel Soap Paper Sheets ($ 9.99, originally $ 11.99; amazon.com)

Gentle Hand Sanitizer, 6-Pack ($ 26.94; amazon.com)

Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.