I recently caught up with a friend who’s been a flight attendant for about 10 years. As we were chatting, the conversation took an interesting turn: aircraft cleanliness.
What surprised me most was when he mentioned that some of the most frequently touched spots on a plane rarely get cleaned between flights.
While passengers focus on sanitizing wipes and face masks, they’re probably overlooking the real danger zones full of germs and dirt.
If you’ve read other articles here on the blog, you know I’m a bit obsessed with cleanliness. So, of course, I immediately asked which spots were the worst so I could avoid them next time I fly!
1. The Tray Table
That convenient tray table where you’re planning to enjoy your mid-flight snack?
I’m sorry to say, but it probably has more bacteria than a typical bathroom. Multiple studies have found these surfaces contain up to 100 times more bacteria than an average toilet seat.
Flight crews report regularly seeing passengers change babies’ diapers on these trays, while others use them as headrests, tissue holders, and even footrests during long flights.
Below, you can see a photo (which went viral a few years ago) of a passenger comfortably resting her feet there.
As far as we know, most airlines only do a quick wipe of tray tables once a day, if that. During quick turnarounds between flights, cleaning crews barely have time to collect trash, let alone sanitize every surface.
2. The Air Vent
The adjustable air vents above the seats might seem like a lifesaver on a stuffy flight, but they’re actually collecting dust, germs, and particles from countless previous flights.
Think about it: when was the last time you saw someone cleaning these vents? The answer is probably never.
Fortunately, modern aircraft use HEPA filters that remove microscopic-sized impurities with an efficiency of 99.97 percent.
However, the problem isn’t just the vent itself; it’s what happens when you adjust it. Every time you touch that knob, you’re potentially transferring bacteria from hundreds of previous passengers directly to your hands.
From there, it’s a short journey to your face, food, or personal belongings. For this reason, it is always best not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth during flights, or at least do so after washing your hands with soap or using sanitizing gel.
3. Seat Pocket
The seat pocket in front of you is probably one of the plane’s dirtiest spots. Flight attendants constantly find everything in them, from used tissues and dirty diapers to half-eaten food.
My flight attendant friend was like, “That’s the most disgusting spot on the plane, after the toilets.”
In addition, the fabric material of these pockets is perfect for trapping moisture and crumbs, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
And as you probably can imagine, unlike hard surfaces, these pockets can’t be effectively wiped down between flights. Some airlines only deep clean them every few months with special steam machines.
Even more disturbing, passengers often use them as makeshift trash bins during flights. Try to avoid it, and please use the trash cart when the flight attendant comes around.
PRO TIP: Very often, more passports board the plane than make it off at the other end. Don’t put your passport in the plane’s seat pocket. It’s easy to leave it behind accidentally.
What I Do and What I Recommend
Some final tips on how to stay safe on the airplane. First, if the flight is very short, avoid touching around and wash your hands as soon as you get off the plane.
If the flight is longer (e.g., intercontinental), bring a small pack of sanitizing wipes and just give the tray in front of you and the air vent knobs a little wipe.
Lastly, if you can, keep your personal items in the carry-on rather than the seat pocket. Not only will you avoid germs, but you will also avoid forgetting anything on board.
Enjoy your flight, and I’m sure, and I’m sure your immune system will thank you.
