Traveling during cold and flu season: does it matter which seat you choose on the plane?
Created: 12/29/2022, 3:00 p.m
By: Anna Heyers
Whenever there is sniffling and coughing everywhere, the question arises of how to protect yourself from viruses and bacteria on the go.
The choice of location can play a role here.
Whether with family in another federal state, in the snow or out in the sun - anyone who is out and about is exposed to a particularly large number of viruses.
Everywhere people cough and sneeze - just typical winter season.
But you can also pay attention to this and protect yourself on the go, for example on an airplane.
Cold and flu season: does it matter which seat you choose on the plane?
Yes, at least a little.
In the corridor you are more exposed to people who might be on their way to the toilet.
Many passengers tend to hold on to the upper seat edges.
It's very similar on the train, for example on the way to one of the three most beautiful thermal baths in Bavaria.
If you have a cold or something similar, you unintentionally spread your pathogens.
It's better to book a window seat.
Here the risk of infection is lower.
But you can't completely rule it out.
According to experts, you can sleep more peacefully or enjoy the flight from the window seat on the plane.
The risk of infection is reduced here.
© kasto/Imago
Tips for traveling during cold and flu season
People who are out and about now should always have a pack of disinfectant wipes or something similar with them - regardless of whether they are traveling by plane, train or bus.
With this, the accessible surfaces are cleaned once.
This includes, for example, the armrests, the table and, if necessary, its opening mechanism and perhaps also the plastic paneling around the window.
Since the corona pandemic, mouth and nose masks have also become normal in everyday life.
If you put one on when you travel, you protect yourself and others from viruses buzzing around.
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Can I get to boarding in time, where is the right gate or platform?
Stress when traveling can also be a contagion factor.
So that the immune system does not weaken, you should ensure you get enough sleep and eat healthy food.
Also on the go.
What to do if the person sitting next to you is sick?
The same applies here: Put on a face mask to protect yourself (if this is not still standard with the airline anyway).
They protect against droplet infections - and are particularly recommended for people sitting next to you who have a bad cold.
If you don't have one with you, you can go to an airport pharmacy.
They usually have the mouth-nose masks in stock.
If there are still seats available on the plane, you can ask the flight attendants if you can transfer.
Already a row away from the sniffling person, the risk of infection decreases.
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The air in the plane
The windows cannot be opened on the plane, you sit together with many other passengers in a relatively small space and breathe the same air for a certain time.
Although it is constantly vacuumed and cleaned, it is very dry.
Tip: Moisten mucous membranes, for example with nasal spray or eye drops, and drink plenty of water.
Especially on the go: pay attention to hygiene
Anyone who is currently on the go should pay particular attention to washing their hands thoroughly.
Even without soap, a good 60 percent of the dirt particles are washed away - with even more.
It doesn't matter whether the water is cold or warm.
After washing, you should also disinfect your hands.
Cold viruses don't stand a chance anymore.
Stay warm - cold feet can lead to a cold
It doesn't matter whether you're heading towards the Caribbean or the Alps: it often gets very cold on the plane.
Sometimes blankets are distributed, but they are not always enough.
Thick socks and a cardigan, for example, should therefore also be in your hand luggage.
Or a travel pillow that can be spread out to form the ceiling.
Why is that so important?
According to a study by Cardiff University in Wales, cold feet increase the risk of catching a cold.
