We all know that planes are pretty dirty when it comes to germs. But, according to the LATimes,  “surfaces in airport terminals can have even higher germ counts than those in the planes.” Gross! Let’s see where you need to be extra cautious.

And with the flu going around, how can you protect yourself when traveling?

This Is The New Dirtiest Place In The Airport

A new study confirms once again that various surfaces in the cabin of a commercial plane have many times the amount of bacteria than an average kitchen counter. But the latest study found that surfaces in airport terminals can have even higher germ counts than those in the planes.

The highest number of colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch were found on those increasingly popular self-serve ticketing kiosks that are popping up in terminals around the country, including Los Angeles International Airport.

The Results and what to try not to touch when traveling:

The highest germ counts in the planes were on the flush button on the toilets — 95,145 colony-forming units, followed by 11,595 CFUs on the tray tables and 1,116 CFUs on the seat buckles, according to the study. The typical kitchen counter measures 361 CFU, according to the National Science Foundation.

The highest germ counts in the terminals were found on the screens of airport kiosks, 253,857 CFUs, followed by 21,630 CFUs on bench armrests and 19,181 on drinking fountain buttons, the study said.

Bottom Line

My advice? Don’t forget to wash your hands, bring along your hand sanitizer and of course try not to touch your face with your dirty hands. You can also check in on your phone rather then using the those dirty self-serve ticketing kiosks. What tips do you have to keep you healthy when flying? 

Source: LATimes