Where the most germs can be found at airports

Did you know that touchscreens are likely to be the most concentrated sources of germs at airports? An overview of the hygiene pitfalls for travellers.

The latest tests reveal hygiene blackspots at airports and aboard the plane. The risk of picking up an infection is not only high in winter. Due to the growth of international travel, pathogens are increasingly passing around the entire planet. A study looking at germs in airports has just been published in the USA. Everyone automatically assumes that toilets are the worst offenders when it comes to incubating bacteria. But that’s not true! Anyone that uses a self-service terminal runs a much higher risk of picking something up.

Travellers should also be extra vigilant when it comes to bench arm rests at the airport. Once on board, passengers should clean their hands after coming into contact with toilet flushes, fold-away tray tables or the buckle of their seat belt. Hand sanitising gel or disinfectant wipes are strongly recommended. But it is also worth bearing in mind that not all bacteria trigger illnesses – we need many of them to live.

According to the results of the test, although lots of bacteria were found on the buttons of water fountains, the majority were completely harmless. Whatever you do, we hope you stay healthy on your travels!