A flight attendant has revealed some in-flight habits to avoid—starting with something almost everyone uses: the tray table. Yes, the fold-down table in front of your seat might seem like a handy spot for your meal, but it’s not as clean as you think.
According to a report by Express UK, an EasyJet flight attendant shared that she would never eat directly off a tray table during a flight. Why? Simply put, hygiene—or the lack of it.
Passengers often use tray tables for all sorts of activities, from eating meals to more unexpected (and unpleasant) uses. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen people rest their heads, change baby diapers, and even prop their feet up on those tables,” she admitted.
While the crew does their best to clean between flights, it’s not always possible to thoroughly sanitize every table during quick turnarounds. That’s why it’s a good idea to give your tray a wipe before use. Keep antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer handy and give it a quick clean if you’re planning to eat or rest anything directly on it.
Another no-no? Walking into the airplane restroom barefoot or without shoes.
“Airplane toilets are heavily used and only get a proper deep clean at the end of the day’s route, meaning the floors can get pretty nasty.
While some passengers enjoy taking off their shoes during flights for comfort, it’s a smart idea to put them back on before heading to the bathroom—or even just walking around the cabin.
Airplane hygiene might not always be top-notch, so staying cautious about what you touch or where you step can make all the difference for your in-flight comfort and health.