Flight attendant warns over germ-riddled plane seat part you shouldn't touch

30 March 2024 , 12:02

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There's one part of the seat you should never touch (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

We're never going to look at plane seats the same way again.

If you're planning on jetting away somewhere sunny for the Easter holidays, you might want to pack some disinfectant wipes in your hand luggage before you get on the plane. A flight attendant has shared some news that we all needed to hear but none of us are really ready to accept - some parts of the plane are absolutely riddled with germs.

In fact, they claimed there's one part of your seat that you should avoid touching at all costs as it's far dirtier than any other part of your chair. But which part is it?

Your immediate reaction might be to assume it's the seatbelt, as this is something all passengers touch when they sit down. But strangely, that's not the filthiest part of your seat. According to a flight attendant who spoke with Ski Vertigo, the worst part is actually the pocket on the back of your seat.

They said if you feel tempted to put your belongings in the pocket, you should consider taking steps to make sure the area is clean first, as you have no idea what else has been stored in there. "If you must use the seat-back pocket, consider lining it with a disposable bag for your items," they said.

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"This not only keeps your belongings clean but also simplifies cleanup and minimises your contact with potential contaminants. For longer flights, consider packing a small 'hygiene kit'."

The flight attendant said the kit could include "face masks, hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, and even a spare set of clothes in your carry-on". Not only will the spare clothes help you get rid of germs faster, but changing clothes after a long flight can "help you feel refreshed" - especially as plane journeys can often make you feel sluggish.

And the flight attendant isn't alone in their claims, as a previous Reddit thread involving flight attendants who shared their "disturbing plane secrets" included many posts talking about the same topic.

One person wrote: "I ALWAYS recommend you never, ever, ever, EVER use or put anything in the seat pocket. They are cleared of rubbish but are never 'cleaned'. I have pulled out and seen all sorts pulled out from there. Dirty tissues, sick bags, knickers, socks, people's feet, gum, half-sucked sweets, apple cores ... and then next flight you go and put your phone or laptop in there."

Zahna Eklund