Airplanes are the safest and most modern mode of transportation today, but they do have limitations when it comes to cleanliness. Some areas on the plane have a high concentration of bacteria, partly due to passenger behavior and partly due to suboptimal airline cleaning procedures.
Airline attendants advise passengers to be cautious with all surfaces on the airplane, such as the fold-out food tray in front of the seat, the seatbelt… In particular, flight attendants recommend what passengers should do when using the restroom to avoid health risks, as the airplane restroom is a small and confined space that is shared by many people.
What flight attendants recommend passengers do when using the restroom
The use of the restroom on an airplane is not very comfortable, and some common mistakes made by passengers make the hygiene quality even worse.
Flight attendant Josephine Remo once revealed to Travel & Leisure about what she always advises passengers to do when using the restroom on an airplane: “The restroom is regularly cleaned, but the doorknob and door latch are not. Passengers should use hand sanitizer after stowing their luggage, after touching anything in the seat pocket in front of them, and after using the restroom” she says.
Sanitizing hands is what flight attendants recommend passengers do when using the restroom on an airplane. (Photo: Getty)
Therefore, sanitizing hands is very important because when you touch these surfaces, you can be exposed to some infectious diseases. It is necessary to clean your hands both before and after using the restroom to prevent illness for yourself and those around you.
In addition to the doorknob, toilet flush button, walls, sink, toilet paper dispenser are rarely thoroughly cleaned. If possible, limit their use and clean your hands with soap after touching these areas mentioned above. You should also avoid leaving any personal items in the restroom as it is considered one of the dirtiest places on the plane.
Brenda, a female flight attendant in Miami (USA), advises passengers not to use the provided toilet paper but to bring their own personal tissue.
She explains that when the airplane moves and experiences turbulence, water in the toilet bowl can splash onto the toilet paper rolls. Moreover, some male passengers may splash urine onto the toilet paper roll without timely handling, leaving the roll to dry and the next passenger using it unknowingly.
Although these situations do not occur frequently, the risk is still present, and if unfortunate passengers encounter them, their health will be affected.
Notes to reduce the risk from airplane toilets
In addition to the above precautions, experts also suggest some tips for travelers to minimize health risks when using the restroom on an airplane.
Always wear a face mask when using the restroom
The airplane restroom is essentially a closed box without circulating air due to the lack of windows and poor ventilation. This means that when using the restroom, we will come into contact with various types of bacteria and harmful gases from the previous person. Therefore, always remember to wear a face mask.
Always wear shoes
Some passengers take off their shoes as soon as they board the plane for comfort and go barefoot inside the restroom. This will increase the likelihood of harmful bacteria entering the body.
Carry pocket-sized hand sanitizer
Pocket-sized hand sanitizer seems to be an indispensible item for most flight attendants. Passengers should also use hand sanitizer before and after using the restroom on an airplane.
Take a shower after each flight
Due to the poor air circulation on the airplane (especially in the restroom), many surfaces can harbor a large number of bacteria, and when touched, these germs can adhere to hands, hair, and clothes. Therefore, you should shower and change into fresh clothes immediately after the end of your journey.
According to VTC news
Some areas on the plane have a high concentration of bacteria due to passenger behavior and suboptimal cleaning procedures. Surfaces such as the fold-out food tray, seatbelt, and restroom door knob are often touched by multiple people and may not be cleaned thoroughly between flights.
Flight attendants advise passengers to be cautious when touching any surfaces on the plane. They recommend using hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching common areas like the seat pocket in front of you and after using the restroom. It is also advised to bring your own personal tissue and avoid using the provided toilet paper.
Sanitizing your hands is crucial because it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. When you touch surfaces on the plane, you can be exposed to various bacteria and viruses. Cleaning your hands before and after using the restroom is essential to protect yourself and those around you.
In addition to the restroom, areas like the toilet flush button, walls, sink, and toilet paper dispenser are rarely thoroughly cleaned. It is recommended to limit your contact with these surfaces and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching them.
- Always wear a face mask when using the restroom to protect yourself from bacteria and harmful gases.
- Keep your shoes on at all times to prevent harmful bacteria from entering your body.
- Carry pocket-sized hand sanitizer and use it frequently, especially before and after using the restroom.
- Take a shower and change into fresh clothes after each flight to remove any bacteria that may have adhered to your body or clothing.
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