Are bacteria borderless? The 10 dirtiest spots on an airplane

I’ve loved flying since I was a kid. I enjoy watching planes take off and land, looking forward to every journey they take me on—whether it’s a new destination or returning to the warmth of home. Maybe it’s because I often flew as a child to visit family in the United States. Every summer spent with my cousins in America became the best memory of that year, gradually making me fall in love with flying and, eventually, with travel.

Of course, unless you’re flying first or business class, there are plenty of things on airplanes that teach you the virtues of “endurance” and “perseverance”—like passengers who don’t flush the toilet, neighbors with smelly feet, bad breath, and body odor, or tasteless and bland airplane meals. But for the sake of travel, you just have to put up with all that.

But while putting up with it, you also need to take good care of yourself. The enclosed cabin, combined with dry air conditioning, means the air inside the plane is not only a major skin killer overall but also a party place for bacteria to thrive. On top of that, most travelers, after long journeys and weakened immunity, are even more prone to getting sick or catching a cold in such an environment.

Due to airlines increasing flight schedules in recent years, cleaning staff have had their onboard cleaning time severely compressed, resulting in many cleaning tasks being significantly compromised. Major U.S. media outlets have therefore compiled a list of the spots on airplanes with the most bacteria and where bacteria are most likely to linger. Here, we’ve specially compiled them for you to reference.

Further reading:

The tray table ranks high on the list. According to statistics, it’s also one of the most bacteria-infested spots on a plane—housing over ten times more bacteria than a household toilet. And it just so happens that this is where you place your food and drinks. Just thinking about it gives me the creeps. I once wiped down a tray table on a U.S. domestic airline with a wet wipe, and it came away completely black—pretty horrifying.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com

Another report pointed out that people have changed diapers, cut their nails, and done other unsavory things on airplane tray tables. Not to mention those who eat on the tables without washing their hands after using the restroom. But ultimately, cleaning staff, in their rush to turn around flights, rarely wipe down these tables, allowing bacteria to remain. So, if possible, avoid letting food come into direct contact with the tray table. If you must, use hand sanitizer first.

Airport water fountain buttons take the second spot. Since most people don’t think to wash their hands before taking a sip, these buttons can get pretty gross. Many airports offer filtered water services, so bringing an empty bottle to refill is a more eco-friendly and hygienic option.

The overhead air vent is something almost every passenger adjusts during a flight, making it a hotspot for bacteria. When adjusting the vent, use a tissue to avoid direct contact.

I always thought the area around the toilet would be the most bacteria-ridden (since many people miss their aim, XD), but it’s actually the toilet flush button. Use toilet paper to press the button instead of touching it directly with your fingers. Alternatively, if there’s a lever behind the toilet, you can even use your foot to flush.

It’s no surprise that seat belt buckles harbor bacteria—cleaning staff probably don’t go out of their way to disinfect them. It’s a good idea to wipe down the buckle with a wet wipe or use hand sanitizer before buckling up.

The locks on airport bathroom stalls are equally neglected and covered in bacteria. Use a tissue to open or lock them.

The headrests on airplane seats are also bacterial hotspots. You can place a tissue on the headrest or bring your own pillow on board.

Armrests are probably also rarely cleaned or disinfected by cleaning staff, and bacteria can survive on them for days. Use hand sanitizer to disinfect and wipe them down before use. On the bright side, if someone refuses to let go of the armrest, you can leave all the bacteria to them (just kidding).

If you’re sitting by the window, the window shade is another bacteria-prone spot. The germs on a passenger’s hands—from public transport, hotels, airports, and more—can all be brought onto the plane.

The seat pocket in front of you is another breeding ground for bacteria. While cleaning staff are supposed to clean these pockets, I’ve often found trash left by previous passengers when flying domestically in the U.S. After touching the seat pocket, use hand sanitizer or a wet wipe.

Other good ways to fight bacteria:

The air in the cabin is drier than the desert. So, staying hydrated on a plane is crucial—the only downside being the frequent trips to the bathroom. But it’s not recommended to drink tap water on the plane; bringing your own water or asking a flight attendant for water is a safer bet.

Hand sanitizer is truly a traveler's best friend. While washing hands with soap is still the most recommended method, if you can't wash your hands immediately, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. For touching any of the above items, it’s advised to either wipe them with a wet wipe or use hand sanitizer afterward.

Compared to hand sanitizer, washing your hands is definitely the best way to prevent germs. I know this sounds like common sense, but according to the CDC, it’s recommended to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (no need to count—singing the full "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" takes about that long), and make sure to scrub between your fingers, under your nails, the palms, and the backs of your hands after applying soap.

On one hand, many people suffer from severe foot odor, and airplane cabins are enclosed spaces—the idea of sharing the smell rather than keeping it to yourself will only get you in trouble. On the other hand, the carpeting on planes accumulates bacteria from the shoes of countless travelers from around the world, which is really not very hygienic. To be safe, those with foot odor issues should bring their own socks, and for long-haul flights, you can also ask the flight attendants for slippers (or bring your own).

Everyone’s body and hands carry a lot of bacteria. After touching numerous germ-laden surfaces on a plane, putting your hands in your pockets is like keeping those bacteria trapped in there and bringing them back with you.

Lastly, we hope you all head out happily and return healthy. And if you do happen to catch a cold or get sick, just think of it as… boosting your immunity.

Further reading: