This is an unpleasant topic but....There is a minor "epidemic" of bedbugs and I'm wondering about the chances of spreading the little critters through airline luggage compartments, seats on trains and planes, etc. Are airlines and rail companies doing anything to prevent the spread of bedbugs?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
I have never heard of bedbugs being spread in the manner you suggest.
Posted by
Freedonia
15013 posts
Besides hotels, bedbugs are now being found in movie theaters, retail stores and even offices. I haven't heard of airlines or rail companies doing anything about bedbugs.But that doesn't mean they are not susceptible. To keep yourself safe, my suggestion would be to put everything inside your suitcase into ziploc bags. Even though I use packing cubes, they are now going inside ziploc bags. (Some may see this as redundant but I prefer packing cubes over putting my stuff directly into the bags. I keep better organized and it keeps me from leaving things behind.)The Ziploc brand has bags as big as 2 ft x 2.7 ft. If you're worried about getting them while sitting on your selected mode of transportation, there are natural spray products that are supposed to repel the bugs. They are not odorless so I might be hesitant so use them in a confined area.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Frank II is right, and all forms of transport have reported infestations as has been reported all over the news as of late. I'm not really sure there's much you can do beyond what's already been suggested. Use tripadvisor for hotel reviews. Hope for the best when on the plane. Brace yourself, Anita, because you may find it interesting to know that Philly is number 2 on the list of top 10 most infested cities in the U.S. You may be more likely to bring them home from your own city than from an airplane, train, or a hotel in Europe. I remember a flight being grounded because of ticks (of all things) awhile back, but I haven't heard if any preventative measure are being taken. I seriously doubt it...that would cost money. BTW, I've been to many of the cities in the Top 10 just this year and haven't encountered any issues. Beyond tripadvisor for hotels, I wouldn't probably spend too much time worrying about it. Sooner or later, the bugs win.