Ex-flight attendant Jane Hawkes, in partnership with The Wedding Travel Company, revealed one common, but filthy habit she’s seen people do while mid-flight. “I’ve seen passengers walk barefoot around the cabin,” Jane grimaced. “Yuck.”
The former air hostess said even taking your shoes off on the plane “is a complete no-no”. Jane emphasised that it is “unhygienic, unnecessary and impolite and shows a complete disregard for fellow passengers”. Partially explaining why this is just so gross to her, Jane confessed just how unclean aeroplanes really are.
“Aircrafts are only ever deep-cleaned if they are taken in for maintenance,” she revealed. “Most routine cleans involve a quick sweep for rubbish, but not much more.”
This is also why she recommends all passengers to bring hand sanitiser with them on board.
“When travelling on a plane, where possible, avoid touching any area unless you’ve sanitised them,” she advised. “The worst offending areas are tray tables, arm rests, seats, and headrests, so always give them a wipe down before using.”
So whether you’re travelling in business or first class, cleanliness seemingly isn’t guaranteed.
But it’s not just people’s lack of hygiene considerations that irks Jane; there is another all-too-common faux pas many passengers have been guilty of.
“There’s really no rush to stand up ready to disembark before the aircraft has come to a complete stop,” she said. “It’s dangerous and unnecessary.”
Plus, for anyone who has luggage in the hold, it can take some time for their stuff to appear on the conveyor belt.
As for your next trip abroad, if you’ve planned one or not, maybe Jane’s remarks will stay in your mind the next time you step a foot onto the plane.