Tips For Avoiding Bed Bugs When Traveling By Plane Or Staying In Hotels

Traveling is one of life’s great pleasures, but nothing brings a trip to a screeching halt quite like bed bugs. These tiny, hitchhiking pests don’t discriminate between a five-star hotel or a modest budget stay. They’re not drawn by dirt or mess but by warmth, carbon dioxide, and the promise of a meal—meaning you. And flights? Yep, they can be just as risky. The last thing anyone wants is to bring bed bugs home as an unwanted souvenir. While you can’t control every environment, a few simple habits can go a long way in reducing the chances of a run-in.

What To Watch For Before You Settle In

The moment you step into your hotel room, your instinct might be to flop down on the bed or throw your bag onto a nearby chair. Try to resist that urge for just a minute. Bed bugs are masters of hiding, and one of their favorite spots is the very place you’ll be sleeping. Instead of rushing to unpack, take a little time to inspect your surroundings. It’s not about tearing the room apart but giving it a quick, purposeful look-over.

Start by checking the mattress—particularly the seams, edges, and tags. Bed bugs often leave behind tiny rust-colored spots from droppings or crushed shells. You might not see live insects, but you might notice signs they’ve been around. The headboard, especially if it's upholstered or attached to the wall, is another sneaky hiding spot. Lift up the corners of the fitted sheet, glance along the piping, and shine your phone flashlight if needed.

Furniture near the bed is another area worth scoping out. Nightstands, couches, and even picture frames can harbor these pests. They're not limited to just mattresses, which is why a broad inspection is worthwhile. It may feel a little awkward, but a quick check early on can save a world of frustration later.

Luggage Is A Bed Bug’s Best Friend

When it comes to travel, luggage becomes a target. Bed bugs don’t hop or fly, but they’re quick crawlers with an uncanny ability to sneak into seams, zippers, and lining without being noticed. While you're staying in a hotel, the way you store your suitcase matters more than you might think.

Instead of placing your bag on the bed or a soft chair, opt for a hard surface like a desk or, even better, use the luggage rack if the room provides one. Before setting it up, inspect the straps and corners for any signs of bugs. If it looks suspect, keep your suitcase off the floor and away from the walls. Bed bugs can crawl up walls and along baseboards, so distance matters.

Consider using luggage liners or hard-shell suitcases that are more difficult for pests to infiltrate. Keeping your belongings zipped up when not in use and avoiding sprawling clothes all over the room can also help limit potential contact. If you've packed dirty laundry or worn clothing, seal it in a plastic bag to keep it from mixing with anything else.

And when the trip ends, don’t rush to unpack on your bed or couch. That’s one of the fastest ways to introduce something into your home without even realizing it. Instead, open your suitcase in a garage or bathroom—somewhere with hard surfaces and good lighting. Inspect your clothes and give your luggage a once-over before bringing it inside.

Flying? Here’s What To Keep In Mind

Most people don’t think of airplanes as a place where they’d encounter bed bugs, but it’s not unheard of. High passenger turnover, long flight times, and the tight fabric spaces around seats can make flights a potential source of exposure. While bed bugs aren’t likely to be swarming the cabin, it only takes a few tucked away in upholstery or a carry-on to create a problem.

Window seats may offer a slight advantage, simply because they’re further from the aisle where traffic (and potential hitchhikers) is heavier. Before settling into your seat, you can give it a casual once-over. Peek at the seams of the seat cushion or the area where the seat back meets the base. It’s a good habit to keep your personal items, especially bags, in the overhead bin rather than tucked under the seat in front of you if possible.

Keep jackets, scarves, and blankets off the floor when you can. Using a travel pillow or cover that’s washable is a smart move too. And once your flight’s over, repeat that luggage caution—don’t just drop it onto your bed when you get home. A few simple checks can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise down the road.

Signs You May Have Picked Up A Passenger

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, bed bugs still manage to hitch a ride. If you start noticing itchy welts that appear overnight or spots of blood on your sheets, that might be a red flag. Bed bugs are nocturnal, feeding while people sleep, and they’re known for hiding in tight, hard-to-reach places during the day. You might also notice small black dots—waste droppings—along seams of mattresses, furniture joints, or even behind wall outlets.

Finding a live bed bug can be tricky, especially early on. They’re small, flat, and reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed. Often, the first signs show up before the bugs are seen. The sooner you respond, the easier it is to keep the problem contained.

Heat treatments, mattress covers, and insecticide treatments can be part of a multi-step approach if it turns out you did bring some home. But trying to handle an infestation alone can be overwhelming and often ineffective. These insects are resilient, and missing just a few can result in the problem returning quickly.

Travel should be enjoyable, not stressful. With a few conscious habits—checking hotel rooms, storing luggage smartly, and keeping an eye out during flights—you can reduce the odds of bed bugs crashing your trip or coming home with you. But if something slips through the cracks and you suspect you’ve got an issue, that’s when it’s time to let the professionals step in.

At Fortified Pest Control, we know how disruptive bed bugs can be. Our team is trained to identify, eliminate, and prevent infestations using proven methods that get to the root of the issue. If you've noticed unusual bites, suspicious marks, or just want peace of mind after a trip, contact us today. We’re here to help you handle the problem so you can get back to feeling comfortable in your own home.