When you’re jetting off on holiday the last thing you’re probably thinking about is germs. But you should, because a recent study by Travelmath shows that airports are dirtier than the average home. To find out just how dirty, a microbiologist collected 26 samples from five airports and four flights. The results are measured in bacteria (or colony forming units) per square inch (CFU/sq. in.). Are you ready to be grossed out?

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Welcome Aboard
Everything looks relatively clean, but looks can be deceiving. Let's examine the common surfaces in the cabin.

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Seatbelt Buckle
Of the surfaces tested on airplanes, the seatbelt buckle was the cleanest. But that's not saying much. The average bacteria score was 230 CFU/sq. in.

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Lavatory Flush Button
The lavatory flush button comes next with a score of 265 CFU/sq. in.

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Overhead Air Vent
Surprisingly, the overhead air vent is actually dirtier than the flush button. It measured 285 CFU/sq. in.

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Tray Table
The absolute dirtiest spot on a plane? Your tray table. In fact, at 2155 CFU/sq. in., it's nearly ten times dirtier than the flush button in the bathroom. Ew.

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In the Airport
But what about the airport? Well, it's rather dirty too.

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Bathroom Stall Locks
The bathroom stall locks were the cleanest of the items surveyed. They measured 70 CFU/sq. in.

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Drinking Fountain Buttons
But think twice about using the public water fountain. With a test result of 1240 CFU/sq. in., it was the dirtiest place tested in the airport.

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Money
By way of comparison, let's look at some common surfaces in the average household. These numbers come from the National Science Foundation. Are you ready to be grossed out?
Let's start with money. Surprisingly, despite the number of people who handle it, it measured a low 5 CFU/sq. in.
Let's start with money. Surprisingly, despite the number of people who handle it, it measured a low 5 CFU/sq. in.

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Cell Phones
Cell phones are a bit dirtier, measuring 27 CFU/sq. in.

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Home Toilet Seats
Your toilet seat isn't filthy, but with a score of 172 CFU/sq. in., it's not clean, either.

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Home Countertops
With a rating of 361 CFU/sq. in., you might be better off preparing dinner on your toilet seat.

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Pet Toys
You want germs? Look no further than your pet's toys. At 19,000 CFU/sq. in., they're quite icky.

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Pet Bowls
But the filthiest item in your house? Your pet's food bowls. The NSF study measured an average of 306,000 CFU/sq. in. Yuck!

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Hand Sanitizer
So what can you do? Use hand sanitizer. It's not 100% effective, but it can definitely help.

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Sanitizing Wipes
Always bring sanitizing wipes when flying so that you can wipe down dirty surfaces like that disgusting tray table!

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Bacteria
Remember, there are lots of germs out there. Be sure to wash your hands often — especially when travelling.
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