The dirtiest part of a plane cabin revealed
The last thing you want is getting sick on holidays, but it turns out airplanes are really just big flying germ containers. We’ve taken a look at the dirtiest parts of a plane. Some of these will genuinely surprise you, and definitely give you incentive to carry hand sanitiser on your next flight.
1. Tray tables
The three-second rule obviously doesn’t apply to your mid-flight meal! An ex-flight attendant for Southwest Airlines told Reddit, “If you have ever spread your peanuts on your tray and eaten or really just touched your tray at all, you have more than likely ingested baby poo. I saw more dirty diapers laid out on those trays than food.” That’s genuinely concerning!
2. Blankets and pillows
A startling report in the Wall Street Journal published in 2007 found that the blankets and pillows on common flights are only cleaned every 30 days! So every time you nod off on a plane you’re basically snuggling up to a stranger and their germs.
3. Armrest
Isn’t it funny – the part of the plane which has people jostling for the best position is actually one of the dirtiest! And it stands to reason that with each new flight there’s a new person’s exposed forearm placed on this part of the seat. Make sure you wipe it with a cloth before using.
4. In-flight magazine
While they’re hardly what you’d call essential reading, the in-flight magazines are also a breeding ground for thousands of germs from the hundreds of other people who’ve thumbed through as the planes taxied down the runway. It might be an idea to bring your own reading materials!
5. Floors
A lot of people feel compelled to take their shoes off, particularly on long haul flights, but this really isn’t a good idea if you’re not taking a cavalier approach to personal hygiene. Think of all the germs that have been brought in from shoes all around the world on each flight!
6. Toilet
Well, this one’s a bit of a no-brainer but the toilets on airplanes are definitely not a germ-free zone. So if you’re not in the practice of flushing and washing your hands, maybe make an exception when you’re 10,000km in the air!
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