After all the stress of packing, long lines at security, and the other tedious things that come with traveling, you're probably happy once you get on a plane.
But a plane is one of the places where you are most likely to get sick, with hundreds of people stuffed into a compact space. Here are the dirtiest places on any plane.
Aisle seat
Choosing a window seat will help you sleep better on a long flight – but not only that. It will also protect you from bacteria. In addition to bacteria from passengers sitting in the aisle, the tops of the aisle seats have also caught germs from hundreds of passengers who have passed by.
Restroom door handle
Here's a door handle you don't want to touch. Everyone going in and out of the tiny toilet touches the door handle — including you when you go after it. And don't bother washing your hands, because the tap is also contaminated.
Blankets and pillows Think twice before snuggling up with a warm blanket and pillow on a long flight. Even though they are wrapped in plastic, they are often not washed and are therefore used by dozens of other passengers.
In-Flight Magazines
You would think that no one reads these magazines, but they certainly do. When you pick up the booklet, you risk exposure to germs from hundreds of hands in front of you.
Locks of top trays
The upper trays are often touched by hand but never disinfected. These are full of bacteria.
Toilet flush button
This button can contain more bacteria than the toilet itself. When rinsing, make sure to use a tissue to press the button. Whatever you do, don't touch the button and your eyes. That's just asking for a nasty case of an eye infection.
The faucet of the toilet
Think about it. Before you wash your hands, what surface do you touch? That's right:you touch the faucet. Then touch it again after you wash. Use a tissue to turn the tap on and off to avoid re-exposing yourself to bacteria.
The fan grilles above
Are you feeling a little warm? Maybe it's better to leave it that way. The little button that controls your overhead vent has a huge swarm of bacteria from the many other people in front of you.
Rubber armrests
According to a study, bacteria can live on a rubber armrest for up to 96 hours. That's four days of passenger bacteria and leftovers waiting for you.
Storage pocket on the back of the seat back
You've probably seen crumbs in those boxes at least once or twice. People use the storage compartment as a convenient place to keep books, electronics, drinks and even snacks. However, it is wise to clean your belongings before touching them, or worse, eating them. Given that the flight crew certainly does not thoroughly clean those compartments between flights, there are a lot of bacteria from other people there.
Seat belt
This is not an excuse not to wear your seat belt. Listen to the flight crew and fasten your seat belt! However, you may want to consider sanitizing it before clicking the buckle. Dozens of people have touched their seat belts for you.
Folding table
Yes, they expect you to eat on the folding table. According to a study, these trays have an incredible amount of bacteria, more than your toilet seat at home. The trays are rarely if ever disinfected, so the best thing to do is wipe your folding table yourself.
Remote Control
If your airline offers an in-flight entertainment system, use caution before touching the buttons on the remote control. Your TV remote at home is bad enough - and you and your family are the only ones touching it. Now imagine how the bacteria pile up every day after dozens of passenger touches. Yes, you want to wipe it clean before using it.
Headphones
For the entertainment system, you get headphones neatly wrapped in plastic. Even though the headphones are wrapped in plastic, they are often not new – so they have been in someone else's ear.
Sunshade
On most flights you have to touch the awning when the flight attendant asks you to pull it down, or you want to do this yourself. But there are an incredible amount of germs on the handle, so use a tissue to close and open it.
