The Dirtiest Parts of Airplanes According to Flight Attendants

By Ivan PetrenkoAug 5, 2024 22:30 PMNews
Share:
Dirty hand with visible grime
Flight attendants warn about hygiene risks on board. Source: pixabay

According to data collected by the New York Post, flight attendants are raising alarms about some of the dirtiest parts of airplanes, which could be a concern for health-conscious passengers. Various social media posts highlight several areas and practices that passengers should be aware of to avoid coming into contact with germs.

Hand Hygiene Issues

Another critical point raised is the inability of flight attendants to wash their hands during beverage service. Due to the fast-paced nature of their work, there simply isn’t enough time to maintain proper hand hygiene between serving drinks, which can lead to the spread of bacteria.

Airplane Toilets and Toilet Paper

Miami-based flight attendant @flightbae.b has warned passengers against using airline toilet paper, suggesting that it is often contaminated. Instead, she advises using tissue paper, which is generally cleaner. This recommendation is based on the observation that toilet paper can become contaminated during the frequent use of the airplane restroom by passengers.

Dirty Ice Trays

Ice cubes on a wet surface
Avoid ice in drinks due to sanitation issues. Source: pixabay

One of the most alarming revelations comes from a flight attendant who posted on Reddit, advising passengers to avoid ice in their drinks. The attendant explained that the ice trays are rarely cleaned, and the ice is scooped into them without much sanitation. This lack of cleanliness can lead to the spread of germs through the ice.

Passenger Behaviors

Experienced flight attendants also point out certain passenger behaviors that contribute to a less hygienic environment in the cabin. These include using personal grooming tools like foot pumice and engaging in other unhygienic practices that can spread germs.

Safe Seating Choices

For those looking to minimize germ exposure, experts recommend choosing window seats. Research has shown that window seats tend to be more sterile compared to aisle seats, which are frequently touched by passengers moving through the cabin.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

  • Avoid ice in drinks due to rarely cleaned trays.
  • Be aware of flight attendants' limited ability to wash hands during service.
  • Use tissue paper instead of toilet paper in airplane restrooms.
  • Be mindful of personal hygiene and avoid engaging in grooming activities in the cabin.
  • Choose window seats for a more sterile environment.
Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Manchester Piccadilly platforms under glass roof during engineering works

Nine Days Offline: What Manchester Piccadilly’s Overhaul Means for Your Journey

Feb 16, 2026 18:12 PM
AirAsia X Airbus aircraft in red livery climbing after take-off against a cloudy sky

AirAsia X Returns to London with Bahrain Stop

Feb 16, 2026 02:17 AM

Ryanair Urges Germany to Scrap Air Travel Tax

Feb 16, 2026 02:05 AM

Wizz Air Plants its Flag in Palermo

Feb 15, 2026 22:11 PM
British Airways aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

British Airways Adds Madrid and Toulon as 50th Avios-Only Milestone

Feb 15, 2026 22:08 PM
Panoramic view of Turin skyline with Mole Antonelliana and Alps in the background

Ryanair expands Turin base for Summer 2026

Feb 15, 2026 21:55 PM
Palm tree overlooking clear blue sea and rocky coastline in Barbados

Dublin to Barbados returns for spring 2026

Feb 15, 2026 18:52 PM
Colourful townhouses in Poznań Old Town under blue sky

Ryanair adds three new routes in Poznań for Summer 2026

Feb 14, 2026 17:19 PM
Emirates aircraft operating Valentine’s Day themed flights

Emirates Adds Valentine’s Touches to Flights and Lounges

Feb 14, 2026 05:06 AM

Air Serbia Valentine’s Offer Brings Half-Price Companion Fares

Feb 14, 2026 04:53 AM

UK Airports Hit as Lufthansa Strike Cancels Hundreds of Flights

Feb 13, 2026 17:07 PM
Wizz Air aircraft parked at the airport

Wizz Air Adds Easier Connections, But Transfers Stay Manual

Feb 13, 2026 16:54 PM
Lufthansa passenger aircraft flying above mountainous terrain

Germany Grounds Flights as Lufthansa Strike Hits Major Hubs

Feb 13, 2026 16:41 PM
People taking part in a quiet prayer gathering indoors

Quiet Space Lands at Leeds Bradford Airport

Feb 12, 2026 16:04 PM
SunExpress aircraft operating overnight service between Manchester and Dalaman

Midnight Departures Put Dalaman Closer to Manchester

Feb 12, 2026 15:55 PM

Liverpool Street Expansion Finally Approved After Years of Debate

Feb 12, 2026 15:42 PM

Glasgow–Hanover Flights Return for Summer 2026

Feb 12, 2026 15:39 PM
Kuala Lumpur skyline with Petronas Towers

London–Kuala Lumpur Returns to Gatwick After 14 Years

Feb 12, 2026 02:56 AM
Coastal town overlooking the sea

Salzburg’s Summer Flights Get a 2026 Refresh

Feb 12, 2026 02:43 AM
Passengers socialising inside a vintage railway carriage in the 1930s

1930s Glamour Rolls Back on the Rails This Summer

Feb 12, 2026 02:37 AM
Historic street scene in central Bucharest

Stockholm Gains a Fresh Eastern Europe Link

Feb 12, 2026 02:24 AM
Crowd holding Italian flags during a demonstration

Italy Braces for Nationwide Aviation Strike on 16 February

Feb 11, 2026 20:41 PM

Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans

Feb 11, 2026 20:38 PM

Iberia Tightens Luggage Checks With New Fines at Airports

Feb 11, 2026 19:05 PM
Evening view of Frankfurt city centre

Frankfurt Gets a New Short-Haul Player

Feb 11, 2026 18:42 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft on the apron

Ryanair Flags OTA Price Gaps in February Survey

Feb 11, 2026 18:39 PM