Airline Safety Tips-#1 Don't Drink the Water

According to testing by the EPA, nearly all US passenger planes drinking water is unsafe. It has been recommended we not drink coffee or tea that  is made in the galley. Why? It may not reach high enough temperatures to kill the bacteria. Best idea, buy bottled water after you go through security.

Journal of Environmental Health Research suggests you may be up to 100 times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are in your normal day-to-day life.

Take Precautions:

• Don't touch the doorknob in bathrooms. I always take extra TP, open the door, and drop the tissue in a nearby waste container.
• Same with water faucet. Use tissue to turn on and off
• Use a saline nasal spray before, during and after your flight
• Bring you own pillow and a wrap. Do not use theirs.
• Stay hydrated but remember, don't drink the airplane water.

Avoid dehydration: 

Airline travel can cause feet to swell. Mainly because we don't usually drink enough water the day before or during the flight. The natural air in the cabin is dry and the snacks are usually salty. Dehydration thickens blood and inhibits regular flow, that can lead to swollen feet, blood pressure problems and sinus irritation, which will make the ears clog. Better get two bottles of water if it's a long flight.

Ears Clogged?

If ears clog in spite of drinking water, here is what to do:

• Take an antihistamine or a nasal spray a half hour before your flight.
• Yawn or chew gum, or both.
• Close your mouth and gently pinch your nose.Push air into your nose as if blowing it.
• Filtered air plugs are available at the drug store.

Final tip...check out the other Senior Travel Tips links on the left sidebar.