Keeping Clean on Flights: 5 Hygienic Travel Accessories

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    • Due to security and safety regulations, even frequent travelers can have difficulty recognizing which travel accessories are allowed on flights. Hygiene is especially difficult when liquids aren't allowed past the security gate. Below are a few flight-friendly accessories to help keep travelers clean on their next flight.

    1. Non-Alcoholic Wipes

    While gels and liquids over 3 ounces are restricted on flights - as are any products containing alcohol because of its flammability - non-alcoholic moistened wipes are not. Travelers can pack hand wipes or even baby wipes to keep their hands clean when it's difficult to get to a sink. The wipes can also be used on other areas of the body to quickly freshen up, even in a cramped plane bathroom.

    2. Disposable Toothbrushes

    Toothpaste is not allowed on flights in containers weighing more than 3 ounces. While it may be acceptable to pack travel toothpaste, packing both travel toothpaste and a travel toothbrush is cumbersome, especially when one-time-use disposable toothbrushes with toothpaste built right into the brushes make the perfect travel accessories. These are convenient for brushing teeth to freshen breath on long flights.

    3. Dry Soap Sheets

    Wipes can be used to wash most of the body, but generally aren't recommended for the sensitive skin on the face, as they may lead to breakouts or. dry skin. Instead, pack a container of dry soap sheets formulated especially for the face. Travelers need only splash a little water on their face in the airport or plane restroom, hold the sheets under running water to get their hands soapy and then use their hands like washcloths to scrub their faces, without irritating the delicate skin.

    4. Disposable (or Washable) Seat Covers

    Airlines don't have time to thoroughly clean seats after each flight and yet crumbs, spills and germs are commonplace on plane seats. Some studies have even found traces of urine and vomit soaked into the plush seats. Rather than sitting on someone else's mess, travelers can bring along travel accessories such as attractive disposable seat covers, sold in packs of two for around $13. Fitted to standard airline coach and first class seats, the traveler simply hooks the sheet on the top and bottom and sits in a perfectly clean environment. These are also available in reusable, washable and sturdy fabric.

    5. Clean Air Filter

    Located above each seat is typically a pressure nozzle that controls the air flow directly over the individual traveler. Travelers can purchase travel accessories such as a reusable clean air filter that they attach temporarily over the nozzles above their seats. The air flow directed at the traveler is filtered for allergens, viruses and bacteria, decreasing the chances of catching an illness in the small environment, and even alleviating pressure headaches.

    Hygienic travel accessories that meet security and safety regulations can make any traveler's trip a lot more comfortable. These accessories are a must in any health-conscious traveler's carry on bag.