Flying During the Holidays? Flight Attendants Remind You to Bring These Two Essential Items!

Aside from packing your necessary travel essentials, flight attendants strongly recommend bringing tissues and hand sanitizer—you’ll be surprised at how important they are!

 

 

Why Are These Items a Must?

Holiday travel means packed flights, as people rush to visit family or go on vacation. But with the increased crowd, airplanes can become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, especially during flu season.

Even though aircraft cabins are cleaned regularly, certain surfaces remain hotspots for germs—including tray tables, seat pockets, blankets, and restrooms.

Flight attendant Josephine Remo revealed that some areas on a plane, such as door handles, toilet flush buttons, and tissue dispensers, are not always thoroughly sanitized. That’s why using hand sanitizer or tissues after touching these surfaces can help prevent infections.

Hand sanitizer is a must-have when flying, and passengers should also avoid using airplane-provided tissues in restrooms. Instead, bring your own dry and wet tissues for better hygiene.

The Dirtiest Spots on an Airplane

According to Business Insider, the six dirtiest places on a plane are:

• Restrooms
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Tray tables
• In-flight magazines
• Seatback screens

Among these, seat pockets are particularly concerning. While they are meant for storing magazines, many passengers carelessly stuff their trash inside, making them one of the most bacteria-ridden areas on a plane.

To stay safe, never place airplane blankets or magazines directly on your face—this could expose you to lingering bacteria from previous passengers.

Pre-Flight Preparation Tips

• Check airline baggage policies to avoid overweight luggage fees, which can be quite expensive. Even if you’re a frequent flyer, reviewing the latest baggage rules before each trip is always a good idea.
• Invest in a durable suitcase rather than prioritizing style. Flight attendants recommend choosing luggage based on weight, sturdy wheels, and cushioned handles for easier handling.
• Make your luggage easy to identify—if you have a common black or brown suitcase, tie a brightly colored ribbon to the handle. Also, attach a luggage tag with your contact details in case it gets lost.

By packing smart and staying mindful of hygiene, you can enjoy a safer, stress-free flight during the holiday season!