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Travelers' War on Germs Gains Ally in Self-Cleaning Surfaces

Dec. 19, 2018
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3 min read
Pathologist analyzing bacterial cultures in petri dsh
Travelers' War on Germs Gains Ally in Self-Cleaning Surfaces
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For travelers, the idea of interacting with dirty surfaces is a constant concern. While things like the self check-in kiosk might be convenient, they are one of the dirtiest things you will come into contact with while you are in an airport.

Things aren't looking much better once you head over to the security check point. The bins — used by thousands of passengers — carry all types of germs and viruses. Daily, thousands of shoes — who have been who knows where — get placed into bins. As the bins are used over and over, the transfer of germs to other items that later get placed into them like change, your car keys and electronics is unavoidable.

And if you think that "cleaning crew" that the gate agent says is on the plane while you wait to board is getting your ride spic and span before you enjoy your flight, unfortunately you'd be wrong.

For those of us who travel for business, vacation or are simply on a mission to satisfy our ever present wanderlust, the perceived cleanliness of a hotel, airport or plane can play a big role in our decision making when choosing how we fly and where we stay.

A line of products from NanoSeptic is looking to help calm some of those worries for passengers and guests. The product uses mineral crystals that are light-activated to create an oxidation process that kills germs and viruses that come in contact with the high-tech material. The process — which NanoSeptic says works better than bleach — means that the surface is always clean.

Akron-Canton airport (CAK) was the first airport to deploy the self-cleaning surfaces according to a report by NanoSeptic. Products include mats for the bottom of TSA bins and a flexible version of the material that can be added to touch points — doors, kiosks, hand rails and touchscreens — all around the airport to help in the war on germs.

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Image via NanoSeptic

Once you have managed to survive the gauntlet of the airport, taking your seat on the plane confronts you with an entirely new set of germ-riddled surfaces. Tray tables can be yet another point of concern for passengers. Most flyers report that they will attempt to clean those surfaces before placing personal items or food directly on the surface.

Surfaces like hotel vanities also pose a particular issue for most when it comes to putting our personal items, like toothbrushes, down on a surface. So, NanoSeptic has released a line of travel mats. The mats —just like the ones used in the TSA bins — give travelers the option of having an easily portable surface that is always clean. The mats are available in a range sizes and can be used in the bin at security, on the tray table while in the air and placed on the bathroom vanity in your hotel room once you have arrived.

NanoSeptic's small travel mat. Image via NanoSeptic

Hopefully airports, airlines and hotels will become more proactive about deploying new technologies like self-cleaning surfaces in the near future.

Featured image by UIG via Getty Images

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.