The Most Unhygienic Parts of a Plane You Should Avoid
Traveling by air can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most overlooked aspects of flying is the cleanliness of certain areas on board. A flight attendant has recently shared her insights on the parts of the plane that should be avoided at all costs, highlighting some concerning hygiene issues.
CiCi in the Sky, a popular travel expert with over 300,000 followers on TikTok, has become a go-to source for air travel advice. As an aviation specialist, she offers valuable tips to help passengers make their journeys more comfortable and safe. Recently, she revealed the dirtiest parts of the plane that she strongly advises against using.
Seat Pockets: A Hidden Hazard
One of the main concerns raised by CiCi is the use of seat pockets. She describes them as “gross” due to the variety of items people tend to shove into them. From dirty tissues to used sick bags, these pockets are often filled with unsanitary items. “I’ve never seen them cleaned,” CiCi said. “I’ve seen people’s stuff spill out of their bags and get all over people’s jackets, clothes or whatever. So just don’t do it.”
This warning was echoed by a Reddit user named HausofDarling, who advised passengers to avoid using seat pockets altogether. They warned, “I always recommend you never, ever, ever, ever use or put anything in the seat pocket. They are cleared of rubbish but are never ‘cleaned’.”
What’s Really in Those Seat Pockets?
CiCi shared some of the unappealing items she has encountered in seat pockets. These include dirty tissues, sick bags, undergarments, socks, gum, half-sucked sweets, and even apple cores. “Then next flight you go and put your phone, laptop or iPad in there,” she added, highlighting the potential for contamination.
An anonymous crew member also confirmed these findings, sharing a particularly grim discovery. “I once discovered vomit outside of the paper bag which spilled through the seat pocket. It was absolutely awful, but what can you do?” they said, emphasizing the lack of proper cleaning procedures.
Other Unhygienic Habits Identified
New research from AllClear Travel Insurance reveals that 70% of travelers admit to unhygienic habits while flying. The most common issue is storing personal items inside the seatback pocket, which is one of the most unhygienic parts of the plane. Other habits include resting your head on the tray table (19%) and using the toilet without shoes or in socks (13%).
AllClear also spoke to an ex-flight attendant who described the shocking contents of seat pockets. “Sometimes dirty nappies and used sick bags would be left in seat pockets,” they said. This highlights the importance of being mindful of where you place your belongings during a flight.
Tips for Staying Clean While Flying
With so many hygiene concerns, it’s essential to take precautions. Almost a third of travelers (29%) store their personal items and food in seatback pockets, but these areas are rarely cleaned. To stay safe, travelers should try to store snacks in resealable containers and sanitize their hands if they use the pockets.
Additionally, avoiding the use of seat pockets altogether is the best option. If necessary, it’s advisable to carry a small hand sanitizer and wipes to clean any surfaces you come into contact with.
By being aware of these hidden dangers and taking simple steps to protect yourself, you can ensure a more pleasant and hygienic flying experience.
