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What's the germiest place on a plane? Travel tips you need to know

In a study of 1,100 passengers, researchers found that one in every five travelers developed a cold. Here's how to avoid germs on your next flight.
/ Source: TODAY

Do you have a flight coming up? You'll want to read this.

In a study of 1,100 passengers flying from San Francisco to Denver, researchers found that one in every five travelers developed a cold within two weeks.

So how germ-infested are planes? What can you do to minimize your sick risk? Dr. Oz appeared on TODAY Monday to expose airline health tips and to share other secrets you need to know.

Be mindful of the germ-infested spots.

  • The headrest is the dirtiest section of an airplane.
  • Other dirty spots include the seat belt, toilet flush button, tray table and air vent.
  • Keep hand sanitizer gel or wipes in your pocket.
  • Although the air is recycled, it's better to have some flow of air. Set the air vent on medium and aim it at your chest, not directly at your face.

RELATED: Germs' favorite hiding places in hotel rooms revealed

Some seats are safer than others.

  • Airplane wings float. If you're scared of having to float yourself in a river, then seats close to emergency exits by the wings are the best.
  • Mass and momentum move forward. If you're worried about impact, then the seats closest to the back are the safest.

Airplane pilots and co-pilots have to eat different meals.

  • Pilots eat first class meals and co-pilots eat business class meals. If a meal is poisonous, then one pilot remains healthy to fly the plane.

Drinking alcohol on an airplane can make someone feel more drunk.

  • On a plane, low air pressure results in lower oxygen in the air and lower oxygen getting to a person's blood and brain.

Walk around!

  • Get up and walk around on long flights to avoid blood clots. Take an aspirin before getting on the plane for the same reason.

RELATED: Ick factor alert! 5 little-known facts about germs

Other modes of public transportation can get you sick, too.

  • Gloves give a false sense of security. You wash your hands several times a day, but how often do you wash your gloves that touch the train rails and turnstiles?
  • Don't put your hands in your pockets. If you have bacteria on your hands and you transfer them to the inside of your pockets, everything you later put in those pockets will have bacteria on them.

And finally, check out your hotel.

  • Those courtesy glasses by the sink almost never get a proper dish washing and are most likely wiped down with a towel from the room, leaving them loaded with bacteria.
  • The remote control is one of the most-handled places in hotel rooms. Experts recommend using a Ziploc bag as a makeshift glove when handling the remote or using a chlorine antibacterial wipe to clean it.
  • Remove the bedspread! Some are rarely, if ever, cleaned. Fold it up and stash it well away from your belongings.
  • A quick vacuum of the carpet does nothing but pick up dust. So, bring slippers or flip-flops to protect your feet.