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USA Today
17-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Your next flight might be sprayed with pesticides. Is it safe for passengers?
Your next flight might be sprayed with pesticides. Is it safe for passengers? Show Caption Hide Caption Flying etiquette tips: Simple rules for a stress-free air travel experience Master flying etiquette: Key tips for smooth and respectful air travel. PBS's "Dream of Italy" host was surprised by an announcement about pesticide spraying on a recent British Airways flight. Some countries require disinsection on inbound flights to prevent the spread of insect-borne diseases. The U.S. does not require disinsection on flights, citing a lack of evidence of its effectiveness. The pesticide used, permethrin, is generally considered safe for humans but can cause irritation in some individuals. Kathy McCabe has traveled to Italy multiple times a year for nearly three decades. However, on a recent British Airways flight from Heathrow to Milan, she was caught off guard by an announcement she'd never heard before. Right before landing, the pilot of her April 2 flight said the crew would spray a pesticide inside the cabin, so passengers should close their eyes. "I go to Italy two or three times a year, more sometimes when I'm doing a show or filming, and I was just really taken aback," the "Dream of Italy" host said. "I was just really surprised." How safe is air travel? Are planes really falling from the sky, or are we just paying more attention? McCabe, 51, has a chronic condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), and immediately became alarmed. About 17 years ago, McCabe was living in a Washington, D.C., condo that housed toxic mold, which got her sick and triggered the genetic condition in which her body can't naturally process toxins. "For me, it turned into chemical sensitivity, where the body thinks chemicals, you know, these toxins are all bad, and so I'm very reactive," she said. "I haven't worn perfume in like 12 years. I don't use any scented products." As host of "Dream of Italy" and "Dream of Europe" on PBS and founder of Dream of Italy Magazine, McCabe is a frequent traveler who always asks for her hotel rooms to be fragrance-free. If she is exposed to chemicals, her throat can close, and she could experience brain fog or blurry vision, she said. Fearing what could happen if she reacts to the pesticides, McCabe got up and asked a crew member if she could stand in the front of the plane while the cabin is sprayed, otherwise she'll likely have an adverse reaction. She said the crew was accommodating and spoke with the pilot, who decided against spraying the permethrin, a chemical commonly used as an insect repellent, and is used on planes to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. British Airways told USA TODAY it complies with the health regulations set by international agencies to maintain safe travel for its employees and passengers. McCabe turned to social media to share her experience, which she called "ironic," given that she was heading to the small Italian town called Saturnia to heal her body in its natural hot springs. McCabe hopes to bring awareness so that the travel industry becomes more transparent about spraying pesticides. "I think that travelers are entitled to know more," she said. "I wish they would even say something before you boarded or before you flew." Story continues below. Are airplanes sprayed with pesticides? Yes, some are. It depends on the country you're flying into and its public health regulations. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, spraying pesticides in commercial airplanes has been in place to some degree since the mid-1940s. Preventing the spread of insect-borne diseases like Zika, dengue fever and malaria by spraying pesticides or wiping down the cabin before boarding is a practice called disinsection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can happen before or during the flight. Several countries require disinsection on all inbound flights or if the aircraft has recently been to a region where these diseases are prevalent. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, those that require pesticide sprays on all flights while passengers are onboard include: India Grenada Ecuador (only for Galapagos and Interislands) Madagascar Seychelles Trinidad and Tobago Uruguay Other countries accept wiping down or spraying without passengers onboard on all flights coming in, like Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Jamaica, and Chile. Some countries – such as Indonesia, France, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Korea and Italy – only disinsect flights arriving from regions where these diseases are widespread within a specific timeframe. For all flights to Italy, the airplane will be disinsected if it has been in a country identified by the World Health Organization within 28 days, according to its National Plan for the Prevention, Surveillance, and Response to Arboviral Diseases 2020-2025. However, in the U.S., the CDC has concluded there is no evidence that pesticides are effective in preventing these diseases and does not recommend this practice. In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set several restrictions, including that this can only happen when the aircraft is completely empty, with at least one hour before anyone boards. The plane must also be ventilated for 30 minutes until someone gets on. Story continues below. Is this pesticide dangerous to humans? The pesticide most typically used to disinsect planes is permethrin, a synthetic chemical that kills and repels mosquitos, ticks and mites, according to Dr. Michael Policastro, a toxicologist and emergency medical physician in Cincinnati. (It's also used as an insect repellent on clothes and outdoor gear.) "Simplistically speaking, its goal is to disrupt the nervous system of insects and spare humans the same level of effect," Policastro said, adding that humans have a greater capacity to metabolize and eliminate the chemical. However, children, elderly passengers, and those with respiratory illnesses or neurological conditions may suffer irritant exposure when sprayed in the cabin. This can result in coughing, eye watering, nasal congestion, or potential skin irritation. Some health organizations say more scientific research should be done on the impacts of long-term or high-concentrated exposures to permethrin, especially for crew members. Although it requires more study, Policastro said permethrin is considered a potential carcinogen and possibly causes neurological effects. "There's a limited amount of literature that looks at long-term exposures in low concentrations to the air flight staff, meaning pilots and flight attendants," he said. "So I think it does warrant further study." A 2025 report by the WHO agreed, stating that existing scientific evidence is outdated and that there is "scant literature" of high-quality studies on the human health effects. Policastro suggests travelers who may be sensitive to chemicals talk to their doctor before boarding a flight that qualifies for disinsemination. They can also wear long-sleeve shirts and pants to limit any skin contact with the chemicals.
Egypt Independent
06-04-2025
- Egypt Independent
Your 2025 holiday travel tips, with advice from our experts
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. We all know how stressful travel can be — but a lot of us do it anyway during the holiday season. Airports will be packed, and chaos is virtually inevitable. So, we gathered our favorite tips from travel professionals to help you prepare for your upcoming end-of-year trips. Let's look at some of the best ways to make your 2024 holiday travel experience less intense and expensive. How to save money on holiday flights Booking a trip, specifically during the holidays, can be jaw-droppingly expensive. Here's how to save some money on your end-of-year travel. Use alternate airports If you can be slightly flexible with the airports you use, it's possible to find some great deals. Duncan Greenfield-Turk, Founder of travel agency Global Travel Moments, encourages you to search peripheral airports that are reasonably close to your destination — even if less convenient. 'Secondary airports can save time and reduce stress during busy periods,' he says. 'For major hubs like Chicago O'Hare, consider flying into [Chicago] Midway. Similarly, in New York, explore LaGuardia or Newark if JFK looks chaotic.' You may also try departing from alternate airports that are not your home airport. For example, if you live in Sarasota, you may search for flights out of Tampa, Clearwater, even Orlando. The drive is farther, but the money you save could be well worth it. Kindamorphic/Book one-way tickets Joe Cronin, President at International Citizens Insurance, recommends looking into the merits of not booking a round-trip. 'You should check fares for one-way tickets with different airlines, instead. This could give you appealing flight combinations and schedules that suit you better,' he says. 'Additionally, this hack is good for grabbing a bargain at the last minute if your plans suddenly change.' This strategy also comes with the added benefit that, if you miss your outbound flight, your entire trip won't be forfeited. Don't forget about travel rewards If you have airline miles, hotel points or credit card rewards you've been holding on to, now could be the time to redeem them. Travel rewards can help cover part or all of your holiday travel expenses, opening up more funds for holiday gifts. 'One of the biggest stressors of holiday travel is finding affordable flights,' says Kathy McCabe, travel expert, host and executive producer at 'Dream of Italy' on PBS. 'After years of trying various points and miles consolidation platforms, I discovered and it's been a total game-changer. For anyone juggling travel rewards across different credit cards and airlines, consolidates all your accounts into one platform. It provides real-time guidance on how to maximize your rewards, saving you time and money.' Related article 59 travel products from Amazon that will make your trips easier Plan for delays and cancellations RobertHoetink/If you travel regularly, you know that flight delays and cancellations are common enough that you should build your holiday plans around preventing them. So how do you do that? [F]light disruptions are likely to take place during this busy period,' says Mercedes Zach, Travel Agent at flight deals website ASAP Tickets. '[E]arly morning flights…usually leave on time and are less affected by cancellations, weather conditions, or technical difficulties.' To accentuate this point, it's a bad idea to book your flights near the end of the day. That's because if a delay or cancellation causes you to miss your flight, you could find yourself stranded until the next day. The earlier you fly, the more opportunities an airline has to rebook you the same day. Julian Kheel is the founder and CEO of Points Path, an amazing internet browser extension that helps you to quickly view award prices when searching with Google Flights. He urges travelers to be proactive in the event of a delay or cancellation. 'Don't wait for the airline to reach out to you with information,' he says. 'Get in touch with an airline agent, either in person at the airport, by phone, or even via social media. And remember that the first alternate option an airline offers you isn't necessarily the only one available. Ask for other options, and even to be rebooked on another airline if none of the offered options are acceptable.' Or, if the option is available to you (at a reasonable price), take the advice of Richard Campbell, founder at 10Adventures, a platform to book hiking and cycling vacations all over the world. 'Pay the extra for a direct flight,' Richard says. 'There is so much flight chaos, with every flight at capacity, that if you miss your connection it is a total pain to get to where you want to be.' If you have a big trip on the line, consider buying travel insurance to offset the cost of having to change or cancel a trip due to a delay. Also, note that many travel credit cards include limited travel insurance benefits. Related article How to get your fourth or fifth night free on hotel award stays Prepare for the day of travel Kirk Fisher/Once you've booked your flights, the day of travel still requires savvy planning. Here are a few common-sense steps you can take to make your commute a success. TSA PreCheck There's a special lane at many domestic airport security checkpoints reserved for travelers with a membership called 'TSA PreCheck.' Members are allowed to go through security without removing their shoes, belt or jacket. They can even keep their carry-on-approved toiletries and laptop in their bag. In other words, it's revolutionary to your airport experience. This lane is typically much smaller (and moves much faster) than the regular security lane — which could mean the difference between making and missing your flight, depending on how tardy you arrive at the airport. TSA PreCheck costs as little as $78 for a five-year membership. Airport lounges Many folks don't realize how easy it is to escape the deafening anarchy of the airport concourse by slipping into an airport lounge. Whether you've got a credit card that comes with airport lounge access or you just want to purchase a day pass, airport lounges are the (comparatively) serene oasis you didn't know you needed. They typically come with free food and alcohol, as well as fast Wi-Fi and chairs that are infinitely more comfortable than those at the gate. Related article The 47 best travel gifts for the frequent flyer in your life Have a luggage plan Minimize checked bags Keri Baugh, founder of travel website Bon Voyage With Kids, urges travelers to stick to carry-on bags when possible. 'If you are flying over the holidays, don't check a bag. This saves money on baggage fees, and it reduces the chance that your bag will get lost by the airline,' she says. It's not easy for most of us to stuff a long weekend's worth of cold weather clothes into a carry-on. If you can do it, great. But Keri's point stands: When you hand your bags over to the airline, a lot can go wrong. Also, avoiding a checked bag means you won't have to stand in a line at the check-in desk. And during the holidays, those long lines can be demoralizing. Be deliberate with your carry-on bag You've probably heard the tip that you should 'cross-pack' your carry-on and checked bag (if you've got one). In short, don't put all the essentials in your checked bag. Make sure your carry-on bag has enough clothes, shoes etc. to get you by — just in case your checked bag gets lost. That's just the starting point. Sanya Weston — owner of Your Premier Travel Service — is passionate about optimizing her carry-on bag. 'Whether you're embarking on a road trip, flying, or taking a train, your carry-on bag reigns supreme,' says Weston. 'Whether you're a solo traveler or journeying with children, the contents of your carry-on can make or break the success of your vacation.' Some of her insights into packing the perfect carry-on include the following: Pack items to keep yourself and your companions entertained during the journey – a book, tablet, headphones, puzzles or a travel-sized board game. A neck pillow and an eye mask are an easy fix for added comfort during flights or long land journeys. Always pack a few snacks like granola bars, nuts or dried fruits to stave off hunger, especially if you encounter delays. A reusable water bottle is a must these days, and most airports have water fountains for filling up after passing through airport security. Ensure you have chargers for your devices and a power bank to keep them charged throughout your journey. This is especially crucial if you rely on your phone for navigation or entertainment. Pack a small toiletry bag with essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer and facial wipes. These items can help you freshen up during long trips or layovers. 26 expert-approved travel essentials you can get for $10 or less Bottom line The holiday season is here. If you don't already have your flights, hotels and other travel booked, start planning now — whether it's a much-needed stay at an all-inclusive resort or a quick jaunt to visit family. Follow these tips, and you're bound to save money on travel expenses, improve the quality of your commute and be more prepared for travel mishaps. Why you can trust CNN Underscored When it comes to holiday travel advice, trust is paramount. That's why at CNN Underscored, we pride ourselves on being a reliable source of guidance for readers navigating the complexities of travel. Expert insights: We collaborate with seasoned travel professionals, industry leaders and experienced travelers to bring you advice that is practical, actionable and rooted in real-world experience. Every tip in this guide has been vetted by experts to ensure it aligns with the latest trends and challenges of holiday travel. We collaborate with seasoned travel professionals, industry leaders and experienced travelers to bring you advice that is practical, actionable and rooted in real-world experience. Every tip in this guide has been vetted by experts to ensure it aligns with the latest trends and challenges of holiday travel. Independent reviews: We thoroughly research and test travel products, services and strategies to ensure they meet the high standards our readers expect. Transparency and accuracy are at the core of our editorial process. We thoroughly research and test travel products, services and strategies to ensure they meet the high standards our readers expect. Transparency and accuracy are at the core of our editorial process. Up-to-date information: The travel landscape is constantly evolving, and we strive to provide timely updates to our readers. From changes in airport security protocols to the latest deals on flights and hotels, we keep our content current to help you make informed decisions. The travel landscape is constantly evolving, and we strive to provide timely updates to our readers. From changes in airport security protocols to the latest deals on flights and hotels, we keep our content current to help you make informed decisions. Comprehensive coverage: Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first holiday trip, our guides cater to a wide range of needs. From budget-friendly hacks to tips for maximizing luxury travel perks, we cover it all to make your journey smoother. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first holiday trip, our guides cater to a wide range of needs. From budget-friendly hacks to tips for maximizing luxury travel perks, we cover it all to make your journey smoother. Reader-focused approach: At CNN Underscored, our priority is to empower our readers with knowledge and tools to improve their travel experiences. We listen to your feedback and continuously refine our content to better serve your needs. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
