8 Hidden Germ Hotspots In Airports And Hotels You Should Watch Out For

Travelling can be exciting, but it also exposes you to countless surfaces touched by thousands of people every day. Airports and hotels generally maintain high standards of cleanliness, yet with the sheer volume of travellers, some areas may still have germs. During peak travel seasons, these spots can become high-touch zones where bacteria and viruses might linger. While this doesn't mean these places are unsafe, being aware of such areas can help you stay cautious. You might want to wash or sanitise hands after contact. Here are the key places you should watch out for.

Also Read: Can Shaving Razors And Tweezers Go In Cabin Baggage? Airport Rules Explained

4 Areas In Airports Where Germs Could Linger

1. Security Check Trays

Security trays are among the most frequently handled items at airports. With hundreds of travellers using them every day, these trays may collect germs between cleaning cycles simply due to high traffic. Their constant use makes them one of the busiest touchpoints in the security area.

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2. Self-Service Check-In Screens

Check-in kiosks see constant use throughout the day, with travellers tapping screens one after another. This level of activity means the surface can easily pick up microbes from multiple hands. Because these screens are touched so frequently, they often become one of the busiest contact points in the terminal.

3. Airport Toilets

Toilet door handles, flush buttons and taps are among the most frequently touched surfaces in any restroom. Because they are used by many people and often exposed to moisture, these areas may sometimes allow germs to linger between cleaning cycles.

4. Boarding Gate Seating

Boarding gate seats experience constant use throughout the day as passengers wait for flights. With so many people sitting and placing belongings on them, these surfaces may sometimes collect germs between cleaning schedules. Their high traffic makes them one of the more frequently touched areas in the terminal.

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4 Places In Hotels Where Germs Could Linger

1. TV Remote Controls

Remotes are often overlooked during cleaning in hotel rooms. They're handled by many guests, and their textured surfaces and small crevices can make thorough cleaning challenging. This means they may carry germs over time, making them one of the more commonly touched items in the room.

2. Light Switches And Door Handles

These surfaces are often missed during routine cleaning yet touched several times a day. Because they experience frequent contact and limited cleaning, germs can accumulate over time. Each interaction adds to the chance of germ transfer, making them worth a little extra attention.

3. Bathroom Counters

Bathroom counters can sometimes hold traces of previous guests' toiletries. Moisture and leftover product residue can make cleaning a bit challenging, allowing germs to linger even after the space looks clean.

4. Bedside Phones

Hotel phones are often shared by guests and may not always be cleaned thoroughly. Their frequent use and placement near the bed make them a common touchpoint, which means germs can build up over time if not regularly disinfected.

Also Read: Why Hotel Rooms Rarely Have Windows That Open Fully

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Smart Hygiene Hacks Every Traveller Should Know

• Pack Your Defence Kit: Slip a travel-size hand sanitiser and a few disinfectant wipes into your bag. They're your first line of defence against germs on the go.
• Wash Like A Pro: After touching high-contact surfaces, give your hands a thorough wash. It's the simplest and most effective way to stay healthy.
• Hands Off Your Face: It's tempting, but avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth while travelling. Germs love shortcuts into your system.

Travelling doesn't have to mean compromising your health. By staying alert to these common areas and practising simple hygiene habits, you can enjoy a stress-free journey.