Airports: love them or loathe them, they’re the gateway to adventure, family reunions, and sometimes, a much-needed escape from the daily grind. But as any seasoned traveller knows, airports are also a bit of a germ-fest.
With around 12 million people jetting off every single day, it’s no wonder that some surfaces are crawling with more than just lost boarding passes and forgotten sunglasses.
But did you know that one of the dirtiest spots in the entire airport is something you can’t avoid, no matter how light you pack?
We’re talking about those humble security bins – the plastic trays you toss your phone, wallet, and sometimes even your shoes into before heading through the scanner.
According to research, a whopping 50 per cent of these bins carry respiratory virus genetic material. That’s a higher contamination rate than any other surface in the airport, including the toilets!
Dr Steven Goldberg, chief medical officer at HealthTrackRx, warns that these bins are basically petri dishes on wheels. But unless you’re travelling with nothing but your passport and a winning smile, you can’t skip them. So, what’s a savvy traveller to do?
The One Thing You Should Never Put in the Security Bin
We all know the drill: you’re in the security line, earbuds in, maybe listening to your favourite songs to calm the nerves. When it’s your turn, it feels natural to toss your earbuds or headphones into the tray with your phone and keys.
But here’s the thing – doctors say that’s a big no-no.
Why? Because earbuds and headphones spend a lot of time right next to your face – your eyes, nose, and ears, which are the main entry points for germs. Earbuds, in particular, go straight into your ear canal, making it all too easy for any nasties lurking on the tray to hitch a ride into your body.
Dr Daniel Egan, an infectious disease specialist, explains that viruses love nonporous surfaces like plastic bins, earbuds, and headphones. The worst offenders? Respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses such as rhinovirus (the common cold), coronavirus, norovirus, and influenza. Not exactly the kind of souvenirs you want to bring home from your holiday!
How to Keep Your Tech (and Yourself) Safe
So, what’s a savvy traveller to do? The best advice is simple: before you reach the security checkpoint, pack away everything you can. Pop your earbuds back into their case and tuck them safely into your bag.
Not only does this keep them clean, but it also means you’re less likely to leave them behind in the rush to your gate.
Once you’ve collected your belongings, give your hands a quick squirt of sanitiser or wipe down your bag with a sanitising wipe. It’s a small step that can make a big difference, especially during cold and flu season.
Bonus tip: Keeping your valuables zipped away also means you’re less likely to lose them in the chaos of security. We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment of realising something’s missing as we dash to our gate!
A Few More Tips for Staying Healthy at the Airport
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching high-traffic surfaces.
- Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
- Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser and a pack of wipes in your carry-on.
- If you’re feeling unwell, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others.
Travelling should be about making memories, not catching a cold (or worse) before you even reach your destination. With a few simple precautions, you can breeze through security and start your holiday on the right foot.
Key Takeaways
- Airport security screening trays are one of the germiest surfaces, with research finding 50 per cent carry respiratory virus genetic material.
- Doctors strongly advise against placing your earbuds or headphones in security bins, as viruses can cling to nonporous surfaces and these devices go directly in or near your ears, nose and mouth.
- To avoid contamination, put your earbuds and other small items back in their cases and inside your bag before going through security, and consider using hand sanitiser after handling your belongings.
- Regularly clean your earbuds and headphones by removing the tips or coverings, wiping them thoroughly with alcohol wipes, and ensuring everything is completely dry before using them again.
Do you have your own travel hygiene hacks to share? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below – let’s help each other stay healthy and happy on our travels!
