Flying In The New Year? What To Consider On Your Next Trip

Recently Sanctifly content creator, Sara Quiriconi flew from Miami to Los Angeles and we asked her to describe her experience so we could get a sense of what it’s like to fly in these strange times.

1. What airports were you traveling between?

I flew between Miami (MIA) and Los Angeles (LAX) at the beginning of December 2020.

“TOP TIP - Pack your own snacks and water bottle. Food is limited but water refilling stations are still available”

— Sara Quiriconi

2. What about the airport was different?

It was so quiet! Eerily quiet. I am so used to travel and dealing with crowded terminals and long lines, this was a weird experience. But it also depends on the time you're flying; I had a friend wait in the same Priority check-in line the day after I flew and was waiting 30 min to check a bag. So, hit or miss, but overall noticeably quiet. Not all shops and restaurants were open; again, depends on the time you fly, but I'd say only approx. 50% of shops and restaurants were open during daytime flight times. I was definitely glad I ate before I left for the airport, do not expect to get a good meal at the airport or on the plane!

3. What about the plane was different? Were there any particular restrictions imposed?

I was on a 777 and it was close to empty flying LAX to MIA; service is limited to drinks, no food on the shorter domestic flights. They give you a baggie with a water bottle, wipe and cookie, that’s it! I always bring some healthy snacks with me on the plane and I was glad of it! Every airport and airline will be different, I flew AA (American Airlines) and masks were mandatory.

4. What advice do you have for anyone flying in the coming months?

There are lots of new things to think about when planning a trip nowadays. Here are some things to consider/pack:

• Pack your own snacks & water bottle (most airlines only give 6 oz. on shorter flights, if any)

• Plan extra time, more than usual — airport traffic and security is a hit or miss these days, better to have extra time than be late. On that note it is also important to check with the airport to see if there are any restrictions on how early you can arrive at the airport. In order to reduce crowds some airports may be restricting the time that you can arrive, and it is important to factor this into your travel plan.

• Bring your own pen. no one will let you borrow one these days if you need it for customs forms, work, etc.

Check out Sara’s experience here.

Without a doubt the flying experience has changed dramatically thanks to the impact of Covid-19 and we need to change along with it. With a little preparation and planning, your next trip can run as smoothly as pre Covid. Here is what you need to consider and what you need to change in your pre travel routine to fly safely in 2021 and beyond.

1. Pack the new essentials

At this point we should all be used to making sure we have a mask or other form of face covering when we leave the house. Masks are incredibly important in reducing the impact of Covid-19 and are now mandatory in many airports and on many airlines. Make sure you pack a face covering for the flight, plus enough to get you through your trip. Remember all reusable face coverings should be washed daily so make sure you either pack enough spares or have a plan for washing your masks throughout your trip.

Hand sanitizer is another item on the new essential list. Although hand sanitizer stations will be available in the airport, having your own can offer comfort. The TSA allows travelers to bring hand sanitizer containers up to 12 oz (354ml) in their carry on. Please not that the usual restriction of 100ml apply to all other liquids.

If you forget your mask or your hand sanitizer there will be options to purchase TSA compliant PPE equipment at the airport. However, it is always better to be prepared so make sure to add them to your packing list.

2. Make sure your phone is charged

Another precaution we are seeing in many airports around the world is the move to contactless processes throughout the airport journey. Whether you are checking in, checking a bag, ordering food or even in some cases, using the elevator, you will need your mobile phone. Your phone will become the ultimate travel companion and the last thing you want it to me running out of charge when trying to show your boarding pass! Make sure you charge your phone fully before leaving the house. You can also pack a portable battery bank (make sure that is charged too) so that you will always have the option to top up your phone.

Another good tip is to take a screen shot or have your boarding pass downloaded onto your phone before you get to the airport. The last thing you want is to be unable to access your travel documents because you lose service.

On the plus side, if you have your phone at the ready to move through the airport, you can also have the Sanctifly app on hand to help you to Travel Well. On the app we have lots of traveler focused fitness videos, airport stretch routines and guided meditations to help you make the most of your travel downtime.

3. Check your destination country’s travel restrictions and regulations for when you go and your own country’s rules for returning

Planning for quarantine is not something any of us expected to have to add to our travel routines, however Covid-19 has made it a reality. Make sure to check the relevant travel restrictions and other health and safety regulations of your destination country. Here is a great interactive map where you can find a list of the travel and health regulations for countries all over the world. Make sure to check just before your trip as changes are being made all the time.

Plan for quarantine when necessary. Do you have to self-isolate when you arrive? Do you have somewhere you can do that and access to the relevant supplies you need? Or will you need to quarantine when you return home? Make sure to stock up on basic supplies before your trip so that you do not need to leave your house when you arrive home from your trip. Set up a grocery delivery with a local service or have a friend drop off some supplies when you return so that you can quarantine effectively.

And don’t forget to check the health and safety regulations imposed by your airline. Are you required to take a test before or after flying? If yes, you need to know when and where you will be taking the test, how long it will take to get results etc. It is difficult to give specifics as every country and state is slightly different however the one universal point is that you need to plan and prepare in advance.      

4. Have a contingency plan in case you get sick

Getting sick before you take a trip is easy to deal with, you simply stay at home. However what we may not have considered is, what do we do if we get sick or come into close contact with someone with Covid-19 while we are away from home? Having a contingency plan in place before going on the trip is vital so that we are not putting ourselves or anyone else at risk.

If you are feeling sick, displaying symptoms or have come into contact with someone with Covid, you will need to isolate. This can be difficult to accept if you are far from home, but if you have a plan in place, it makes the process a lot less daunting. Make sure you have the resources available to stay in your destination country should you need to. Take some time to learn about the support services available in the city you are staying in and make sure to take the time to reach out to loved ones and friends so that you do not feel lonely.

As many of us start to fly again or at least start to plan trips for 2021, it is important to remember that things will not be the same. Our usual travel routines will need some tweaking in order to adjust to the new normal. Keep these things in mind when planning your next trip so that you can easily change and update your travel routine.

Download the app today to explore our content and start building your healthy habits at home with Sanctifly.

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Finding Sanctuary: How to find quiet space at any airport

Travel has always been stressful. Now more than ever, we are incentivized to get in to space, away from others. So, what’s the travel ‘hack’ to finding those quiet zones at the airport without endless walking? The idea of peace and quiet can sometimes seem completely unreachable when you are sitting in the middle of a busy terminal waiting for your next flight. Your health and wellbeing should never be compromised while traveling. At Sanctifly we are big fans of finding quiet spaces to spend our airport downtime and we asked our team of travel writers and collaborators to share their top tips for ‘Finding Sanctuary’ at the airport. Here are some of the best tips they had to offer. If you have any further ideas, please share them with us at maeve@sanctifly.club.

1. Chapel / Meditation Room

Most airports will have a Chapel or Multi-Faith Prayer Room available to travelers. They are not just for religious purposes, they are open and inviting spaces where travelers are invited to relax, reflect, and meditate. These are often under-used areas of the airport and offer passengers a great opportunity for peace and quiet. Even if the space is busy, visitors are often encouraged to be quiet and not to disturb other travelers during their time in the chapel/prayer room. Just be aware that some of these rooms do function as a religious space and so may hold services from time to time.

Some airports even have a dedicated meditation space, designed specifically for passengers to relax and meditate during their airport downtime. Here are five of the best airport meditation rooms that we have found:

1. Heathrow

LHR has a dedicated ‘Rest and Relaxation Room’ located near Gate 24 in Terminal 2. The space offers comfortable seating and a calm and inviting atmosphere where visitors are encouraged to be quiet and peaceful during their airport downtime.

2. Philadelphia

The Quiet Room at PHL is a beautiful, calming space designed for passengers to enjoy solitude and prayer. The space is divided into 2 sections, separated by frosted glass so visitors can enjoy some privacy while meditating. The Quiet Room is located in the hallway that connects Gate D and Gate E.

3. Helsinki

The Aukio Meditation Space is a unique space at Helsinki Vantaa Airport. The curved 360° LED screen, soundscape and interactive wall projections take visitors on a journey through Finland’s nature and its four seasons.

Aukio is located in the Non-Schengen area, near Gate 40.

4. Frankfurt

The Quiet Room at Frankfurt Airport is a dedicated mediation space where passengers can sit and relax before their flight. The flowing design and the calming lighting create the perfect atmosphere for stress relief and meditation. The Quiet Room at FRA is located on Concourse Z, in Terminal 1, near Gate Z11.

The Sanctifly app features all chapels, multi-faith prayer rooms and meditation spaces at major airports all over the world. Go to the home screen on the Sanctifly app and click the ‘Sanctuary’ tile to find out more about your options for space, quiet and meditation at the airport.

Prayer rooms can sometimes be located outside of airport security, so keep that in mind as you plan your airport downtime.

2. Yoga space

Another great option for finding some quiet space and sanctuary at the airport is in a dedicated yoga space. This is not an option at too many airports, however as health and wellness become a more important priority for travelers, airports are taking note and introducing more fitness and wellness facilities into the terminals. Check out this article on the best free yoga rooms at airports for more info on where to find some space to stretch and meditate.

3. Empty Gates

One of the best resources for finding some extra space away from the crowds at the airport is to go to an empty gate and take advantage of the space. Most terminals will have unused gates, usually located away from the restaurant and shopping areas of the terminal. You can quickly scan the flight information screens and make a note of any gates that are not currently in use. Make sure to take note of a couple of options as you may get to the gate and realize it is about to become in use. Another important tip to remember is not to venture too far from your gate. When we are in a relaxing and peaceful space, it can become all too easy to lose track of time. Make sure you know how long it will take you to get back to your gate and leave with plenty of time, so you don’t find yourself running through the airport, late to catch your flight.

The best advantage of spending your airport downtime at an empty gate is that you get some space to move around and stretch without worrying about disturbing your fellow passengers. At Sanctifly we have created a series of travel friendly workouts and stretch routines that are designed specifically for travelers. You can find them under the ‘Fitness’ tile on the Sanctifly home screen.

4. Dedicated workspaces

Dedicated workspaces can also be a potential option for quiet space at the airport. These are areas of the airport terminal with dedicated desks and charging points, designed to facilitate travelers that need to get some work done during their airport downtime. However, depending on where the workspace is situated (and who is using it at the time), it may not be the quietest option. If the workspace is away from the main part of the terminal (i.e. the food court and shopping area) and nobody using the space is on a conference call, workspaces can be quiet and peaceful.

Some airports take this concept even further with the introduction of work pods. Jabbrrbox provides individual work booths that are quiet and comfortable and equipped with Wi-Fi, video conferencing capabilities and mobile booking to access. There are Jabbrrbox Booths available to book at LGA, JFK, PIT and CVG and can be booked in 30 minutes increments. These offer a great opportunity for some quiet time at the airport.

5. Lounges

Lounges are another potential option for quiet space at the airport. Whether or not the lounge is quiet and peaceful will depend on how many people are using the space. Ask at reception how many people are using the space before entering the lounge and you can judge whether or not you want to enter.

Some lounges will have additional facilities where you can get some space. For example, many lounges offer shower facilities, private resting rooms, and dedicating workspaces that you can take advantage of.

Sanctifly has over 260 lounge partners. Premium members can use passes to access lounges at airports all over the world. You can find all our lounge partners under the ‘Lounge’ tile on the home screen.

“The airline lounges are my favorite airport sanctuary. These lounges are especially valuable during disrupted trips. They so often reduced my stress by having pleasant and professional staff at hand to help repair my damaged itineraries.” –Scott Gillespie, tClara

Those are some options available to passengers in the transit area of the airport. There are also options for quiet space before security if that suits your travel schedule.

6. Go to the lobby

The best option for quiet space available before security in nearly every international airport is an airport hotel lobby. In most airports a hotel will either be connected to the terminal or offer a free shuttle bus to and from the airport. As with many of the space options that are not specifically designed to facilitate quiet time, this option will depend on how busy the hotel lobby is. Airport hotels tend to market towards business travelers rather than families and so there is a good chance that the clientele in the lobby are in the same mindset as you and are looking for a quiet space to work or relax during a hectic business trip. This makes airport lobby’s a great option for finding quiet space at the airport.

7. Get a room

For travelers that are willing to pay a little extra, Day Room options at Hotels have become increasingly more available and affordable. Transit hotels and airport capsule hotels offer the best chance for rest, relaxation and quiet. The hotels will offer pay-by-the-hour rates, so no matter how much time you have before your flight, you can still book a room. Even if you are not tired and don’t want to sleep, having your own space to relax or read or meditate, away from the busyness of the terminal is definitely worth it! We feature a couple of recommended Day Room options at each airport in the Sanctifly App.

8. Get out

If you do have a layover, delay or downtime of longer than 3 hours, don’t spend it in the airport terminal. Visit a nearby park to get some space and sanctuary. Spending time in nature, away from the noise and busyness of the airport is incredibly beneficial for your mental health and will help to relieve travel stress. At Sanctifly we want to help frequent travelers to make the healthiest choices for your travel downtime. We have curated and selected the best parks that are within 5 miles of every major international airport, including details on how to get there. You can find details on these parks under the ‘Run/Walk’ tile on the Sanctifly app home screen.

Building a meditation practice is not just for traveling, introducing meditation into your everyday routine can be extremely beneficial. It will also make meditation while on the road much easier! Check out this handy, detailed guide to creating a meditation space at home. You wont regret it!

Download the app today to explore our content and start building your healthy habits at home with Sanctifly.

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First Flight, New World: What To Expect At Hotels

Just as with the airport journey, travelers can expect to see some significant changes during their hotel stays. The top priority for hotels as they open up again is providing a sense of security for their guests. Travelers need to have confidence that the hotels they are staying in are safe and clean and implementing strict protocols around cleanliness and social contact.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) launched their Safe Stay™ initiative which is ‘focused on enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols, while ensuring transparency throughout the guest journey’. The initiative lays out guidelines and general advice for how different elements of the guest journey need to change and what hotels can do to help guests feel safe during their stay. We’ve summarized the key points laid out in the AHLA guidelines along with what some other major hotel brands are doing to help keep guests safe. Here is everything you need to know for your next hotel stay.

Cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene will be a top priority

All areas of the hotel will see increased cleaning schedules, with high traffic areas such as the lobby, front desk and elevators will be cleaned and disinfected more frequently. Sanitation stations will be set up throughout the hotel so guests can frequently sanitize their hands.

Guest rooms will be thoroughly sanitized with special attention paid to multi-touch, hard non-porous items including television remote controls, toilet seats and handles, door and furniture handles and light switches. Hilton announced the implementation of the CleanStay program which includes the introduction of the CleanStay Room Seal. A seal will be placed across the guest room doors once it has been clear. The seal shows guests that no one else has been inside the room since it was last cleaned, adding an extra level of security for guests.

Wherever possible multi touch items will be removed from the guest rooms

Items such as pens, paper, local guides, books and anything else that can be removed from guest rooms will be. Although these items may be relatively easy to sanitize it is likely that hotels will remove what they can to reduce the risk. Some of these items may still be available on request depending on the hotel.

We will also see a significant impact on hotel toiletries. Many hotel chains have been removing single use plastics for environmental reasons. We will see a continuation in this trend as guests return to hotels. Wall mounted dispensers are much easier to sanitizer and require less interaction from the housekeeping staff than small individual bottles.

Digital (no contact) process will be introduced.

Much like the airport, hotels will be working to minimize direct contact between hotel staff and guests. Guests will be encouraged to check in and out of the hotel digitally. It is likely that he hotel you are staying at will send you download details for their app prior to your arrival so you can be prepared. Other processes such as ordering food, contacting reception and, in some cases, accessing your room will be done digitally.

Food options and services will be different or limited

Food options at hotels will be different too. It is unlikely that hotels will serve food in a buffet style anymore and will instead encourage guests to order individual meals. Restaurants will be implementing social distancing and so seating capacity will be limited. Guests will be encouraged to pre book their meal and we may even see time limits on booking. Room service will be greatly encouraged as it helps to limit contact between guests. No contact delivery of room service will be implemented (meaning the food will be left outside your room and you will need to bring it in yourself).

Leisure centers will be open

We have been speaking to a number of our hotel partners all over the world and the general consensus is that hotel gyms will be available. Gyms will receive extra cleaning and the number of guests permitted to use the hotel at any time may be restricted.

Spas will open and accept guests again however the experience will be a little different. Staff will be wearing PPE equipment and treatments may be limited.

Back of house protocols

While the front of house changes are important for guests, what hotel staff are doing behind the scenes is equally as important. The guidelines recommend that staff should receive Covid-19 safety and facility sanitation protocols training, follow strict hand washing protocols and wear PPE equipment when necessary. Back of house areas will receive the same level of cleaning as the front of house areas and staff members will be encouraged to practice social distancing wherever possible.

Some hotel services may disappear

As mentioned above hotel staples such as the buffet and in room toiletries are unlikely to be part of the new hotel guest journey. In an effort to reduce potential contact between guests and staff we may see some other hotel services disappear too. These may include doormen, hotel porters that bring your luggage to your room, luggage storage and more. There has been specific information about reduced auxiliary services from the large hotel chains that indicates these services will be reduced or disappear. However all the hotel initiatives and the AHLA guidelines do state that contact between guests and hotel staff should be reduced wherever possible, which could mean these types of services become unavailable.

Hotels are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of guests and staff alike while still trying to provide guests with an enjoyable experience. Staying in a hotel post Covid-19 will be different, there is no doubt about that, but it is encouraging to see major hotel brands make the effort to build out these plans and put protocols in place to help keep their guests safe. Building up trust and reliability among travelers will be key to the successful reopening of hotels all over the world. To help you feel more at ease before checking into a hotel read up on what they are doing to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep their guests safe.

The Sanctifly app features lots of great travel tips such as these to help you stay healthy while on the road. Download the app today and browse hundreds of travel wellness tips, articles and airport guides to help upgrade your airport experience and start healthy on your next trip.

Sign up to the Sanctifly Travel Wellness Newsletter for monthly tips and information on the travel industry and how you can stay safe and healthy in the post Covid-19 world.

First Flight, New World: Hygiene Tips for Your Hotel Room

Hotels have been left empty over the past few months and are looking forward to welcoming back guests. While hotels will be doing a lot to ensure that their properties are safe and hygienic for guests, there are a few things you can do to make sure your hotel room is as safe as possible.

1. Put your luggage in the closet: The key to reducing the risk of cross-contamination is to keep things as separate as possible. Store your luggage in a closed closet rather than leaving it out in the room can help keep it away from you. But, before you put it away, make sure to wipe down the plastic handles and zips with a disinfectant wipe.

2. Wipe down multi-touch surfaces: The cleaning staff at the hotel will be adequately trained in thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting your room and there will likely be increased cleaning schedules as hotel reopen. Therefore there is no real need to wipe down multi-touch surfaces in your hotel room, but for peace of mind, it can be useful to do it ourselves. Spend some time wiping down door handles, light switches, the TV remote, bedside table and the taps in the bathroom.

3. Open the window (if you can) to get some fresh air circulating in the room.

Mask Hygiene while on the road

Face masks are not only becoming the norm in the airport; they are becoming more and more common anywhere people come into contact. A face mask will become the new necessary everyday item, especially while traveling, we will have to consider how to keep them efficient and hygienic. There are two types of masks you can use, a disposable mask that has a one time use or a reusable one that should be washed once a day in hot water and detergent. It is advisable to use a disposable mask while traveling as it is unlikely you will have easy access to laundry facilities while on the road. If you do opt for reusable masks the WHO recommends that you store your mask in a sealed plastic bag after use so make sure you pack some bags in your luggage. When disposing of a disposable mask, the WHO recommends that you throw it out in a close bin. Make sure to check what type of bin has been provided in your hotel room and request a closed bin or disposable solution for your masks if necessary.

How to make your hotel room feel like a home so you can relax

Once you have completed all the necessary hygiene tasks to make your hotel room feel as safe and comfortable as possible, it is now time to work on making yourself feel as comfortable as possible. Being away from home in unfamiliar surroundings can negatively affect our mood and our sleep. We asked Sara Quiriconi, frequent traveler and travel wellness expert to share her top tips for making your hotel room feel like a home. Check out her video guide here.

Top Tips For Making Your Hotel Room Feel Like A Home

1. Bring a travel-sized container of all your toiletries so that you can do the same routine you do at home on the road. This not only provides a level of comfort and routine to your hotel experience; it will also help relieve any stress you have about using hotel products. If you bring your own toiletries, you know who has come into contact with them.

2. Create a 5-minute pre-sleep ritual. For example, you could do a short meditation, a few stretches, or reading for 15 minutes (avoid screens as much as possible). The goal is to subconsciously signal to your body and mind that it is time to sleep while drawing the focus away from your surroundings. These simple, repeatable actions are grounding and can help to relieve stress and calm racing thoughts for better sleep. The key is to build the routine at home and then take it on the road.

3. Pack tools to help block out your surroundings and get a good night’s sleep. Noisy neighbors and too much light is the perfect recipe for a miserable night’s sleep. Pack earplugs and an eye mask to ensure nothing disturbs you and it feels as close to falling asleep at home as possible.

4. Treat your hotel room like your home. Make your bed, throw away your trash and hang up your clothes. Even though there is a service that will clean your room for you, by keeping a clean and tidy space just like you would at home, you will feel more comfortable.

5. Pack your favourite snacks. The most un-homely thing about a hotel room is that it is essentially just a bedroom and you have to leave if you want to eat. During a vacation, this is no problem; you want to be out and about all day and just return to your room to sleep. However, when on a business trip, your hotel room becomes your sanctuary and the only place you can relax. By packing your favourite snacks and having them on hand, you can make your hotel room feel more like home.

The Sanctifly app features lots of great travel tips such as these to help you stay healthy while on the road. Download the app today and browse hundreds of travel wellness tips, articles and airport guides to help upgrade your airport experience and start healthy on your next trip.

Sign up to the Sanctifly Travel Wellness Newsletter for monthly tips and information on the travel industry and how you can stay safe and healthy in the post Covid-19 world.

First Flight, New World: Hygiene Tips for Your Journey

Airports and airlines and other travel related businesses will be doing their part to ensure everything is hygienic and sanitary for travelers. But it is also important that we as traveler do our part to keep ourselves safe. Here are some hygiene tips you can follow at the airport and on the plane to ensure you keep yourself as safe as possible while on the road.

Face Masks

It is advised that face coverings should be worn at all times during the airport journey. Many airports have introduced vending machines that sell face masks and hand sanitizer in the airport terminal.

Tips for mask hygiene

• Wash your hand thoroughly before touching the mask.

• Ensure the mask is covering your nose, mouth and chin. If using a disposable surgical mask, place the metal piece or stiff edge over your nose and mould it to you face to ensure there are no gaps.

• Whenever possible do not touch the mask or pull the mask down away from your nose and mouth. When going through passport control you may b asked to remove your mask to show your face. Make sure to sanitize your hands before and after touching your mask and only remove your mask when you are instructed to so do.

• If using a disposable make dispose of the mask immediately after use, preferable in a closed bin and wash your hands thoroughly.

• If using a reusable mask store it in a sealed bag immediately after use. Wash the mask using hot water and detergent at least once a day.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

At the airport

Wearing a mask and sanitizing your hands often are great ways to protect yourself while on the road. Here are some more tips to help reduce the risk of you getting sick at the airport.

Avoid crowded areas.

Food courts, shopping areas and busy gates should be avoided whenever possible. Find an empty gate to relax in, away from the crowds.

Avoid high touch traffic surfaces.

For example, railings on stairs, escalators or travellators, vending machines and sockets with switches. Pack a power bank so that you can keep your devices charged while avoiding touching sockets.

Get out of the airport whenever you can.

Being out in the fresh air is much better than being inside the airport. If you are airside and cannot leave, check to see if the airport has an outdoor area, perhaps an observation deck or a patio attached to a restaurant and spend your airport downtime there. If you have a long layover then it’s worth leaving the airport and heading to a local park or walking path. You can find information and directions to local parks at most major international airports in the Sanctifly app.

Follow the health precautions recommended by the World Health Organisation

Wash or sanitize your hands whenever possible, avoid touching your face and cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of it immediately.

And always remember to sanitize throughout your journey. Airports are full of high traffic and multi contact experiences. From the moment you enter the airport right through to when you reach your destination you will come into contact with a lot of people.

Keep note of these high risk points and remember to sanitize or wash your hands immediately afterwards.

• After you use any self-service machine i.e. self-check in, vending machines, water fountains

• Directly after you go through security, those trays pass through a lot of hands!

• Before and after you eat

• After you pick up your bag

• As soon as you get on the plane

On the plane

Once you get on the plane there is even more you can do to stay safe and well. Here are some health and hygiene tips for the plane to help you avoid getting sick.

1. Pack disinfectant wipes in your carry on and wipe down the seat, seat belt, tray table and arm rest before you sit down. If you are by the window don’t forget to wipe down the wall beside you too.

2. Choose a window seat whenever you can. A window seat puts you in proximity to less people and reduces your risk of being close to a sick person.

3. Do not take complimentary pillows or blankets. While airlines will have procedures in place to thoroughly clean any items distributed to traveling passengers it is best practice to avoid using anything that is not your own.

4. Use card payments or exact change whenever possible. Cash is a high traffic touch item and runs the risk of transmitting germs from one end of the plane to the other.

5. Avoid using the bathroom if you can. Bathrooms are small, enclosed, high traffic areas within the plane and so become high risk areas for viruses to spread. If you do need to use the bathroom, ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before returning to your seat.

6. Turn on your overhead air vent on. Although the air in the cabin is generally safe, turning your air vent on can help disperse any pathogens in the air around you and ensure you are breathing the freshest possible air.

7. Follow the health precautions recommended by the World Health Organisation, i.e. wash or sanitize your hands whenever possible, avoid touching you face and cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and dispose of it immediately.

Sanctifly is a global travel wellness solution helping frequent travelers to break bad travel habits and travel healthier through the better use of their downtime.

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