Are You a Frequent Flyer? Here’s How to Avoid Airplane Health Risks

How to Avoid Airplane health Risks by GTI travel

Airplane travel can be a time to get work done, take a nap, or catch up on your favorite Netflix series. Unfortunately, if you are a frequent flyer, you can also be catching a cold from your fellow passengers or sapping your energy by succumbing to unhealthy eating and sitting on long, cramped airplanes.

Here are some ways to avoid airplane health risks:

Bring an Empty Water Bottle

You might be tempted to leave your water at home knowing that you can’t take it through security, but you can take an empty water bottle and fill it up before boarding the plane. Taking your own water helps you make sure you are hydrated throughout your trip which is the best way to keep your nasal membranes moist in the dry pressurized cabin air, making it easier for your body to flush out germs. Companies can provide their business travelers with a water bottle with the company logo to encourage drinking water while traveling.

Flush Carefully

Germs in the restroom are a given, but you can avoid contact with the many microorganisms in the airport and plane restrooms by using a paper towel while touching surfaces of the toilet and door.

Pack Healthy Snacks

A pack of peanuts or pretzels is not the best nutrition for a flight. Bringing or purchase foods that will make you feel good, like:

  • Salad
  • Granola or protein bars
  • Fruit
  • Yogurt
  • Hummus and vegetables

Not sure where you can get healthy foods to eat while traveling? A travel agent can help business travelers know what is available and where to find it.

Take a Deep Breath

Low humidity, high pressure, and less available oxygen make airplane travel put a load on your respiratory system. Here are some travel consultant tips:

  • Take long, deep, easy breaths to get more oxygen into your bloodstream.
  • Bring saline to hydrate your sinuses and flush out germs.
  • Take off contacts, especially if you are sleeping.
  • Use eye drops to flush out bacteria and keep eyes moist.

Move Around

Whenever you are allowed to get out of your seat, make sure you take the opportunity to stand, walk down the aisle and move. That can prevent the possibility of developing deep vein thrombosis leg clots. When you are in your seat, be sure to move your legs and ankles frequently and to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and your blood moving.

Vitamins and Medications

Don’t forget to also pack your vitamins for the flight. Keeping your energy up with good foods will help your body fight off infections and make you feel better. Forget something at home? Your business travelers will have someone they can call for help if you have the 24/7 personal services of GTI travel consultants.

Use Travel Consultants for Booking Travel

The truth? Less time in the air is your healthiest bet. Using a travel management company can help you make sure business travelers have the most efficient travel possible to and from their destination.