1. Headrests – A Resting Spot for Germs
You might lean back and relax against your seat’s headrest, but so did countless other passengers before you. Unlike hard surfaces, fabric headrests absorb sweat, hair oils, and bacteria, creating the perfect breeding ground for germs. And since they aren’t wiped down between flights, they’re basically a germ sponge.
If you want to stay clean, consider bringing your own travel pillow or a disposable headrest cover. If that’s not an option, at least avoid touching your face after resting your head against the seat. Because nothing says “welcome home” like a forehead breakout or a mystery rash from your flight!
2. Airplane Coffee – A Brew You Should Skip
Think twice before ordering coffee on a plane. Flight attendants warn that the water tanks used to brew coffee and tea are rarely cleaned, sometimes going months without proper sanitation. This means your morning cup of joe might contain more than just caffeine—it could also have bacteria lurking in the pipes, including some that could upset your stomach mid-flight.
Not only that, but the brewing equipment isn’t cleaned as thoroughly as you might hope. Residue builds up, creating the perfect environment for germs to thrive. If you need a caffeine fix, opt for bringing your own. Your stomach will thank you later, and you’ll dodge a potentially nasty case of airplane tummy troubles.
3. Tray Tables – A Bacteria Buffet
You might think that tray table in front of you is the perfect place to eat your in-flight meal, but think again! Flight attendants say these surfaces are rarely sanitized between flights, and studies have found more bacteria here than on your average household toilet seat. Yikes.
Passengers use tray tables for everything from eating to changing diapers (yes, really), making them a prime breeding ground for germs. Some people even prop their bare feet on them—double yikes! If you must use it, wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe before setting down your snacks—or your elbows! Better yet, keep your food in its packaging and avoid placing anything directly on the table.
4. Seatbelt Buckles – Touched by Thousands
Clicking in for safety? So did thousands of other passengers before you, and chances are, those buckles haven’t been cleaned in a while. People touch them after sneezing, coughing, or eating, leaving behind a lovely collection of germs that just keep accumulating with each new flight.
Since deep cleaning is usually reserved for overnight stops, those seatbelts might have seen more action than you’d like to imagine. A quick swipe with a disinfecting wipe can give you peace of mind before takeoff. And for extra safety, try to keep your hands away from your face until you’ve had a chance to sanitize after buckling up.
5. Overhead Air Vents – A Germ Cyclone
That little twisty air vent above your seat may be your best friend for cooling off, but it’s also a hotspot for bacteria. Flight attendants warn that passengers touch these vents frequently, and they often go untouched by cleaning crews. If the last person to adjust it had unwashed hands, whatever they left behind is now yours to enjoy.
Before adjusting that airflow, grab a tissue or disinfecting wipe. Otherwise, you might just be blasting a swirl of airborne germs straight into your face. And if you’re already paranoid about catching something mid-flight, it’s best to aim the vent slightly away from you instead of directly onto your nose and mouth.
6. Lavatory Door Handles – A No-Touch Zone
It’s no surprise that airplane bathrooms are germy, but did you know the filthiest part isn’t the toilet? Flight attendants say the lavatory door handle is the real danger zone. Why? Because not everyone washes their hands properly (or at all—gross).
Even if you scrub up like a surgeon, you’re still at risk the moment you touch that handle on your way out. If you must use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly and use a paper towel to open the door when you leave. Better safe than sorry! And if the lavatory is out of soap? You might want to wait until landing.
7. Seatback Pockets – Hidden Horrors
You might think of the seatback pocket as a handy storage spot for your book or phone, but flight attendants think of it as a trash bin. People stuff used tissues, dirty napkins, gum wrappers, and even old food in there. And guess what? They rarely get a thorough cleaning between flights.
Since many of these pockets are basically fabric-lined germ traps, you’re better off avoiding them altogether. If you need to use the pocket, consider placing your items in a plastic bag first. Otherwise, you might be sharing space with someone’s leftover germs from the last flight—plus a few mystery crumbs.
8. Window Shades – A Touchy Subject
Looking out at the clouds? Just know that the window shade you’re touching has been handled by countless other passengers, some of whom were coughing, sneezing, or just had greasy hands from their in-flight snack.
Since these shades aren’t wiped down regularly, it’s best to use a tissue if you need to adjust them. Or better yet, let someone else do it and keep your hands clean. If you must touch it, try to avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your face afterward—because who knows what’s lurking on that plastic surface?
9. Armrests – A Sharing Zone for Germs
While you might fight your seatmate for the armrest, what you’re really battling is a war against bacteria. These surfaces are touched constantly and rarely sanitized between flights, making them prime real estate for germs. Plus, some people like to rest their faces or even bare feet on them—double the contamination, double the disgust.
Keep your hands off as much as possible, or at least give them a good wipe-down before getting too cozy. And if your flight buddy sneezes into their hand before claiming the armrest? Maybe just let them have it. There are some battles best left unfought.
10. Overhead Bins – A Dirty Little Secret
Think of the overhead bin as the wild west of the airplane—everyone’s bags, hands, and who-knows-what-else have been up there. Flight attendants say that bins are almost never sanitized, meaning they collect dust, bacteria, and an unknown mix of whatever passengers have been carrying around on their luggage.
When retrieving your bag, avoid touching your face immediately afterward. A quick hand-sanitizer session can save you from whatever mystery germs were lurking on that latch. And if you see a fellow passenger sneeze into their hand before stowing their bag? Maybe let them go first and give it a minute before reaching up.
11. In-Flight Magazines – A Literal Page-Turner for Bacteria
If you’re flipping through that in-flight magazine, congratulations! You’re touching something that’s been handled by thousands of people and has likely never been disinfected. Ever. Studies have found cold and flu viruses lingering on these pages for hours—sometimes even days.
From coughs and sneezes to greasy fingers, these magazines are crawling with bacteria. If you must entertain yourself, bring your own book or use your phone—just don’t forget to sanitize that too! Because nothing says “vacation ruiner” like catching a bug from a decade-old crossword puzzle.
