The flight attendant explained the measures he took to avoid getting sick on board

By TravelWiseFeb 18, 2024 10:25 AMNews
Share:
The flight attendant explained the measures he took to avoid getting sick on board
The former A380 flight attendant told us what to do to avoid getting sick on the plane. Source: Photo: Pixabay

Jay Robert spent almost 20 years in the aviation industry and as a manager led cabin crew teams aboard the world's largest commercial aircraft, the A380. He noted that he had personal experience with airplane cleanliness standards that were quite unpredictable.

Jay described some of these rules as both good and bad, and sometimes downright disgusting, saying that "these unpredictable standards make it hard to fully trust the cleaning practices of airlines." The former flight attendant named 5 ways for those who want a clean flight, reports the Daily Mail.

Take an early flight

Those who fly early usually board a clean and tidy airplane. Otherwise, the plane stays on the ground for a limited time, which is not enough for a full cleaning. In addition, some companies mistakenly assign the responsibility for cleanliness to flight attendants.

Cover the seats with blankets, not yourself

This applies to those flying economy class on long flights. It's important because the seats are not cleaned between flights, and customers may complain about dampness or dirt on the seats. Also, you should avoid the pillows provided and instead take your own compact set for convenience.

Unpleasant carpet

You should carefully examine the place where you plan to put your bag. If you notice any strange dirt, it's best to use a plastic blanket wrap to cover the floor under the bottom of your bag.

Don't take off your shoes

Given the dirt and liquids that may be on the floor, it is better to avoid possible contact with such an irritant to not spoil the flight experience. It will also help eliminate possible unbearable foot odor. As an alternative, use your own slippers, which you can take with you in your baggage claim.

Clean up after yourself

Clean up after yourself when you get off the plane. Simply wipe the seats, table, screens, and controls with a damp cloth. Also, make sure you don't leave any garbage behind.

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
Snow-covered residential street with icy road conditions

Cold Snap Brings Travel Risks Across Parts of the UK

Feb 17, 2026 04:39 AM
Stone Bridge and statues over the Vardar River in Skopje

Palermo Gains Skopje Link as Wizz Air Expands Base

Feb 17, 2026 04:06 AM

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

Feb 16, 2026 18:12 PM

AirAsia X Returns to London with Bahrain Stop

Feb 16, 2026 02:17 AM
Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in flight against a cloudy sky

Ryanair Urges Germany to Scrap Air Travel Tax

Feb 16, 2026 02:05 AM
View over central Palermo with historic buildings and mountains

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

Ryanair adds three new routes in Poznań for Summer 2026

Feb 14, 2026 17:19 PM

Emirates Adds Valentine’s Touches to Flights and Lounges

Feb 14, 2026 05:06 AM
Air Serbia aircraft in flight

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

Feb 14, 2026 04:53 AM
Passengers waiting inside airport terminal overlooking runway

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

Quiet Space Lands at Leeds Bradford Airport

Feb 12, 2026 16:04 PM

Midnight Departures Put Dalaman Closer to Manchester

Feb 12, 2026 15:55 PM
Interior of London Liverpool Street Station with platforms and trains

Liverpool Street Expansion Finally Approved After Years of Debate

Feb 12, 2026 15:42 PM
Historic buildings and gardens in central Glasgow

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

Stockholm Gains a Fresh Eastern Europe Link

Feb 12, 2026 02:24 AM

Italy Braces for Nationwide Aviation Strike on 16 February

Feb 11, 2026 20:41 PM
Stranded traveller sitting at airport with suitcase after flight cancellation

Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans

Feb 11, 2026 20:38 PM
Passenger travelling with a hard-shell suitcase in an urban setting

Iberia Tightens Luggage Checks With New Fines at Airports

Feb 11, 2026 19:05 PM