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There are a lot of people planning to travel since COVID restrictions are starting to travel. But lets be clear, it doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned with germs. So it's a good time to remind people that there are still a lot of places that carry germs....especially the airport.
So even if exposure seems to be low on planes thanks to the air filtration systems and sanitation procedures, the same isn't ringing true for airports. So the next time you are ready to be in one, you might want to take a little extra care in certain places
The germiest places in the airport include:
- Chair Armresets– Experts say seats around boarding gates are frequently touched, but rarely cleaned, which makes them “hot spots for germ transmission.” In fact a study from just three years ago said they were some of the dirtiest areas of the airport.
- Handrails– Handrails on escalators, stairs, and walk ways are also high-touch area that are rarely cleaned. It’s smart to be aware of what you touch and wash or sanitize your hands if you’ve touched one.
- Touch screens– While self-check in monitors make getting your boarding pass easier, they are rarely wiped down and touched a lot.
- Security Bins– According to a 2018 study by University of Nottingham and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, security bins, “appeared to pose the highest potential risk” for airport viruses.
- Water Fountains– A 2015 study found that drinking fountain buttons contained a high concentration of bacteria, in fact the highest of any airport surface tested.
- Bathroom surfaces– It’s no surprise that bathroom surfaces have a lot of germs, but since so many travelers use airport bathrooms daily there’s even more of a chance of touching germy surfaces. Even though they are cleaned regularly, they are also used a lot.
- Anywhere with crowds– The more people around you, the more of a chance you’ll be exposed to germs and bacteria. As one expert notes, “The best defense is to avoid close contact with people, particularly if they exhibit illness symptoms.”