May 22, 2014

Bacteria on the Plane: E.Coli and MRSA Can Survive for Days

Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash

All passengers, please fasten your seat belts and watch the healthy demonstration in front of you! Although flights have gotten safer over the years, what has not improved at all is the risk of catching bacteria during your flight.

Have you ever sat on plane and wondered how long germs really stay on a plane? We all know that planes get “serviced” in between flights, but that does not necessarily equate to a germ-free environment. A new study looked at how long two potentially deadly bacteria – E. coli and MRSA – can survive on various surfaces inside an airplane’s cabin, and how easily they are transmitted.

Researchers at Auburn University used actual armrests, toilet flush handles, tray tables, window shades, seats and seat pockets provided by Delta Airlines for the study, inoculating them with bacteria and storing them in conditions meant to simulate a pressurized cabin – 75 degrees Fahrenheit at 20% humidity. The study was supported by funds from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Airliner Cabin Environment Research Center.

Results of the Study

MRSA lasted seven days on the cloth seat pocket, six days on the rubber armrest and leather seat, five days on the plastic window shade and tray table, and four days on the steel toilet handle. Say it with us – gross! E. coli, by one measure, survived four days on the rubber armrest, three days on the plastic tray table, and two days on the steel toilet handle. What’s interesting is that the cloth materials (seats, tray pockets and blankets) had less transmissibility than the tables and arm rests which were more likely to transmit these bacteria by contact.

Standard airline procedures include trash removal after every flight, surface and seat cleaning, restocking pillow cases and blankets, and wiping down all counter tops. But according to this study, it’s certainly not enough to fully clean airplanes of potentially deadly bacteria!

Keeping Bacteria Away on an Airplane

Always wash your hands and use sanitizer while on the plane. Wipe down your tray table, arm rest and even the seat belt buckle.
Bring your own blankets and pillows! The airline does not wash its sheets and pillows right after you use them. They can be reused up to 5 times before it is washed again. Bring your own to avoid germs and bacteria.
Don’t walk barefoot. Most people wear sandals while on a plane but the carpets are filthy and do not regularly get cleaned. Always keep your footwear on your feet while walking around an airplane.