The 10 Dirtiest Things On Planes You Don't Want To Touch & 10 Ways To Keep Yourself Clean
The 10 Dirtiest Things On Planes You Don't Want To Touch & 10 Ways To Keep Yourself Clean
The Gross Side Of Flying
Everyone loves travelling to another country, but no one actually enjoys the travel part of the trip. Flying by plane is convenient to get where you want to be quickly, but it sure is uncomfortable, especially when you fly for long durations in such a cramped space. And when everyone's touching every little surface there is, you just know it's full of bacteria and germs everywhere. To make sure you feel as clean as you can during your flight, here are 10 of the dirtiest things on planes to be careful of, and 10 ways to keep yourself tidy.
1. Tray Tables
When folded up, tray tables may seem harmless, especially when they look clean on the surface, but they're being touched constantly and aren't always wiped thoroughly between flights. Passengers use them for meals, phones, books, and more, so if you need to eat or set personal items down, it's smart to assume the table needs a quick clean first.
2. Seat Belt Buckles
Though seat belt buckles keep you safe during your flight, they also harbor plenty of bacteria. These are handled by all passengers, and are likely used by plenty of unwashed hands. You probably won't think twice about touching yours, but it's worth remembering before you rub your eyes or reach for a snack.
3. Lavatory Door Handles
As you've probably guessed, the airplane bathroom door handle is one of the most questionable surfaces on board. It's touched repeatedly throughout the flight, which means the heavy traffic from passengers ensures bacteria is constantly building there.
4. Armrests
Armrests never look that dirty, but that's exactly why they can be easy to overlook. They spend the entire flight being touched by hands, sleeves, and maybe even the occasional sneeze. Since you're resting your arms there for hours, it's a dirty surface you're putting yourself in contact with.
5. Seatback Pockets
Though the seatback pockets seem like handy storage and carry safety cards, magazines, and inflight brochures, these areas are often stuffed with tissues, wrappers, and personal items used by other passengers. They're hard to clean carefully, meaning they're likely full of debris and germs collected overtime.
6. Overhead Bin Latches
Before takeoff and after landing, overhead bins become a high-contact zone as passengers rush to store or retrieve their belongings. The handle in particular gets touched by so many different people in a short window, and with your focus on your luggage, you're not thinking about how dirty your hands just became.
7. Window Shades
Since they're right beside your seat, window shades may seem like a safe, personal area, but plenty of other passengers touch them throughout the day. So while being seated by the window is a treat for the eyes, just make sure you're careful with sanitizing your hands after enjoying the view.
8. Touchscreens and Entertainment Controls
The next time you're about to snack after putting on your favorite movie for your flight, make sure you wash your hands first. Those screens and remote controls are definitely grimy given how much contact they get from dirty fingers. A simple wipe down can do wonders.
9. The Lavatory Sink Area
You might overlook the bathroom sink given that it's where people wash their hands to get clean, but the area around it definitely shouldn't be ignored. It's often messy and wet, letting bacteria build up right where you thought you were safe. Try to avoid anything but the tap to be safe.
10. The Air Vent Above Your Seat
That little adjustable air vent overhead can be useful when the cabin feels stuffy, but it's another surface many passengers twist and reposition. It's easy to forget how many people touch it when it's out of sight and out of mind, but plenty of dust and residue can collect there over time.
1. Bring Disinfecting Wipes
One of the simplest ways to stay clean on a flight is to carry a small pack of disinfecting wipes you can use on nearby surfaces. Focus on the most-touched areas in your seat, like the tray table, armrest, seat belt, and screen, so that you can feel like you're in a more controlled space.
12. Keep Hand Sanitizer Within Easy Reach
Water and soap aren't always readily available, so the next best thing is to carry a mini hand sanitizer that can you give immediate comfort. Use it after touching dirty surfaces and before meals so you can worry a bit less about all the built-up bacteria.
13. Wash Your Hands Properly in the Lavatory
When you do use the airplane bathroom, take the extra moment to carefully wash your hands. Use soap, water, and rub thoughtfully so that you can remove germs you've contracted during the flight. The sink is definitely small and the space is cramped, but putting in the effort when you can makes all the difference.
14. Avoid Touching Your Face During the Flight
Touching your face often happens without you realizing it, especially when you're tired or bored, but try your best to avoid it while on a flight. Your hands might be dirty, but that doesn't mean you have to transfer the germs to your face!
15. Store Snacks in Clean Packaging
For those of your who bring your own snacks, keep it in clean sealed bags and containers so you can avoid placing them directly on the tray table. That barrier between your food and the dirty surfaces makes a massive difference.
16. Keep Your Phone Off Questionable Surfaces
It's easy to leave your phone on dirty surfaces without thinking twice about it, but since you're always touching it and bringing it close to your face, you want to be more wary about it. Keep it in your hand, your pocket, or your bag so you can avoid having it come in contact with more germs.
Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
17. Use a Tissue or Paper Towel as a Barrier When Needed
Sometimes a simple barrier is all you need to avoid direct contact with high-touch surfaces. Using a tissue for a lavatory handle or a paper towel when touching a latch can help limit what gets onto your hands in the first place. It's a small addition, and it might seem like a hassle, but it can help make you feel cleaner.
18. Wear Clothes That Help You Stay Comfortable and Covered
Cleanliness isn't always just about germs, because comfort also affects how often you touch surfaces and adjust yourself during the flight. For example, wearing clothes with sleeves or layers can help reduce skin contact with dirty surfaces!
19. Keep Personal Items Organized in Your Own Bag
Carrying a spacious bag that comfortably holds all your personal items saves them from being left on empty tray tables, seatback pockets, and other germ-heavy areas. When things are organized in your bag, it also makes it easier to find what you need without needing to take everything out.
20. Clean Up Again After You Land
Just because you've landed and have exited the plane doesn't mean you're free to touch whatever you want again. It's a good idea to head to a bathroom after the flight and wash your hands once more. Maintaining your own cleanliness as best as you can is key to avoiding bad germs and bacteria.
