Travelling After The Pandemic, Items To Bring On Your Next Plane Ride

While most of us are resting in our own homes, our hearts go out to those stuck in another country, not knowing when they can travel back home. I hope that the situation gets better and these people can re-unite with their families after such a long and weary separation.

If you need to travel by airplane, packing for the flight may be the last thing on your mind so here is a list of some essentials (if you can gain access to them) to bring abroad for a safe flight back home:

1. Hand Sanitiser

The most emphasised tip during this pandemic is to wash your hands. Needless to say washing your hands frequently is the best way to keep your hands clean. However, we all know that airplane bathrooms are not known for being the cleanest. Therefore, bringing hand sanitiser onboard will decrease the number of bathroom trips and cleaning your hands frequently would be simple.

Remember: Bring bottles smaller than 100ml and store in ziplock bag if you do not want your sanitiser to be confiscated at the airport.

2. Surgical Mask

This is a given as the virus is airborne.

Remember to follow the proper procedures when wearing and disposing of the face masks to prevent the spreading of the disease.

How to put on and remove a face mask: https://www.sfcdcp.org/communicable-disease/healthy-habits/how-to-put-on-and-remove-a-face-mask/

3. Re-useable Mask

If you do not have supplies of surgical masks, opt for an alternative re-useable mask. If even that is unavailable, DIY your own mask, prevention is key to halt the spreading of the virus.

DIY your own: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRfhuRNua_E

4. Goggles/Sunglasses/Spectacles

Air is dry on the airplane so we may unconsciously rub our eyes often, provide an extra layer of protection to your eyes with some trendy eyewear.

5. Gloves (optional)

If you look up to Naomi Campbell, you saw this one coming. Wearing gloves can prevent you from germs creeping onto your hands, BUT keep in mind that this does not work if you constantly touch your face/phone with gloves on, or eat with them. In fact, as you cannot constantly wash them, you could be putting yourself at more risk.

All that being said, if you are going to be sleeping for your entire flight, wearing gloves would be a smart option to prevent your hands from touching unnecessary things.

How to remove used gloves correctly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATU383lIfT8

6. Disinfectant Wipes

Wipe down your tray, arm rest and seat when you arrive to your seat, although we put our trust in the airlines to be accountable for keep planes clean, there is no harm in being extra safe. Wipes are also good for frequently disinfecting your phone/tablet as you are probably going to be using it constantly.

Lastly, try to maintain distance from other travellers and maintain personal hygiene. Remember to check out the COVID-19-specific travel advisories for each country and abide to them carefully to make your trip a safe and hassle-free one.

Have a safe flight!