Unfortunately, travel can sometimes be a one-way street to getting sick. From being around a lot of people to being in new spaces, there are plenty of opportunities to come into contact with viruses and bacteria. You might also be one of those people who gets sick more easily, which clearly doesn’t help.
To avoid catching something, you might wear a mask or use mini hand sanitizer religiously. Or you might do neither of those things and hope for the best. All of those choices are understandable.
When it comes to staying healthy while traveling, there’s a precaution that many of us don’t think about, doctors and infectious disease experts say. It’s intentionally avoiding a certain airplane seat (and picking a certain other one instead). Ahead, doctors reveal which seats those are and how your seating arrangement can play a role in whether you come home with the sniffles.
The Airplane Seat Experts Say Is A Germ Magnet
The seat experts said the worst offender is the aisle seat.
“While the aisle seat may seem convenient if you are someone who gets up to use the lavatory during flight, it does put you in closer contact with more people on the plane,” explained Dr. Jarod Fox, an infectious disease physician with Orlando Health.
Dr. Ashley Drews, a system epidemiologist and medical director of infection prevention and control at Houston Methodist, shared the same concern. “Aisle seats expose you to everyone who walks past you, up and down the aisle.”
According to research by Emory University, 40% percent of passengers get up once during their flight, and 20% get up two or more times.
Airborne pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, can move around the cabin when someone coughs, sneezes or just breathes near you, even in passing.
Surface exposure is another risk to be mindful of.
“Not only do you touch and potentially transfer germs to your armrest, but others in the aisle may hold onto it during turbulence when walking to the restroom,” said Dr. Jen Caudle, a board-certified family medicine physician who works with Clorox.
The Best Airplane Seat For Minimal Germ Exposure
For what it’s worth, your best seating option is a pretty sweet one.
“I’d advise booking the window seat,” Drews said. “Studies, although limited, have shown that it is the safest seat in respect to acquiring infections.”
Caudle agreed — specifying that avoiding the bathroom part of the cabin is also best. “This seat limits your exposure to those [sitting] in your row, fewer people touch your armrest, you avoid direct bathroom traffic and you can lean against the wall to rest without people brushing past you,” she said. “Plus, you get a great view of the skies.”
To be clear, your risk isn’t zero in a window seat. It’s zero in very few, if any, places.
And what may matter more is who’s next to you.
“You can get infected no matter where you sit on a plane, as it is typically those closest to your seat that present the highest risk,” Fox said.
“The most important predictor of whether you will catch an infectious disease from someone while traveling is whether you are seated next to someone who is infectious,” Drews noted. “The seats in front of and behind your seat are the next most important.”
Obviously, that much is out of your control, so do what you can and opt for the window seat.
Other Tips For Staying Healthy On An Airplane
As mentioned, even the window seat has risks — but so does travel in any form and at any time.
“Travel can significantly increase your exposure to germs and viruses at any time of year, making illness prevention a priority,” Caudle said.
While you can’t keep yourself 100% safe from sicknesses, you can minimize your risk of catching or spreading germs with these doctor-approved practices:
Wash your hands with soap and water (or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available) before eating or drinking and after going through security.
Pack to-go disinfecting wipes and use them on tray tables, arm rests and seat buckles.
Avoid touching your face and unnecessary surfaces.
Wear a mask, especially when in close contact with others.
Don’t get on an airplane if you’re sick.
Stay hydrated — not only because it’s generally healthy, but because flying can dehydrate you.
Prepare for stress-free activities you can do to pass the time, such as downloading a few episodes or a movie, creating a playlist or packing a good book.
Sneeze and cough into your elbow — keeping others safe and healthy is important, too!
These steps are important for everybody, but some groups may want to pay special attention.
“Passengers who are immunocompromised or have an underlying heart or lung condition have a greater risk of infection and consequences if they are infected, and should consider this more strongly,” Drews added.
In short, when you’re writing your to-do list ahead of a trip, remember to make a note to get the window seat — not the aisle seat — when you’re booking your flight.