PPE Essentials for Air Travel: Staying Safe in Airports and on Flights

For travellers, taking proactive steps to maintain hygiene can help reduce germ exposure and contribute to a safer travel experience. Whether it’s in crowded terminals or aboard a flight, using appropriate PPE and hygiene practices can be beneficial for minimising risks.

1. Face Masks for High-Traffic Areas

Wearing a face mask in crowded airports and on flights is often recommended to help reduce exposure to airborne particles. N95 or FFP2 masks, when fitted properly, may provide additional filtration compared to basic cloth masks. Disposable surgical masks or reusable cloth masks with multiple layers can also be helpful for general protection. It’s ideal to carry extra masks to replace any that may get soiled during long trips.

2. Hand Sanitiser for Frequent Use

Airports and planes have high-contact surfaces, so regular hand sanitising can be useful. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers (with at least 60% alcohol) are recommended for times when washing hands isn’t convenient. Travel-size bottles can fit in carry-on luggage, making it easy to sanitise hands after touching surfaces like security trays, seat belts, and overhead compartments.

3. Disinfecting Wipes for Shared Surfaces

Disinfecting wipes can come in handy for cleaning personal space areas, such as armrests, tray tables, and seatback screens. These wipes are convenient for surfaces that may not have been thoroughly sanitised between flights and are easy to store in a bag or pocket for use as needed.

4. Face Protection for Added Coverage

While not essential for every traveller, eye protection such as safety goggles or face shields may provide extra coverage in close-contact scenarios. This might be an option for those with specific health concerns or travellers on longer flights where exposure risks may be elevated.

5. Comfortable Gloves for High-Touch Areas

Disposable gloves could be considered for high-touch areas, especially during check-in or when handling luggage. Latex-free, powder-free options may be a good choice, especially if they’ll be worn for extended periods. Gloves are typically most effective when paired with regular hand hygiene to ensure a clean environment.

Conclusion

When planning for air travel, selecting PPE options suited to high-contact and high-traffic environments may help support personal health and comfort. By preparing with the essentials—masks, hand sanitiser, and wipes—travellers can be better equipped for a safer journey.

If you need quality PPE supplies for your upcoming travel or want to learn more about effective protection options, CLEARVIEW offers a range of products designed to support health and safety on the go. Have a safe trip!

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