Have you ever wondered just how clean the airplane you're flying on really is? You might be shocked to learn the truth. In this eye-opening post, we at FreeAstroScience.com reveal what airlines don't want you to know about their cleaning practices and share essential tips to safeguard your health at 30,000 feet.
The Myth of the Quick Clean
Many passengers assume planes undergo a thorough cleaning between each flight. However, the reality is far less reassuring. With quick turnarounds often lasting a mere 15-20 minutes, cleaning crews simply don't have time for a deep clean. At best, they empty the trash, restock supplies, and quickly wipe down high-touch surfaces. Carpets and seats rarely get the attention they need.
Even with heightened awareness around hygiene since the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no guarantees that the plane you board has been properly disinfected. Practices vary between airlines, but a "deep clean" involving removing seat cushions, vacuuming, and shampooing carpets typically only occurs every 30-45 days. More frequent is "fogging" - spraying disinfectant mist throughout the cabin. But this is far from foolproof.
The Dangers Lurking Underfoot
So what does this mean for passengers? In short, those floors and carpets are teeming with bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can make you sick. Walking around the cabin or, even worse, the lavatory in just socks or bare feet is an open invitation for athlete's foot, plantar warts, and a host of other unpleasant infections.
And in the event of an emergency evacuation, having shoes on could be critical. "If you escape an aircraft, the floor could be very hot or cold, it might be covered in oil or on fire, or in a cornfield," warns air disaster expert Christine Negroni. Protect your feet and keep your shoes on, especially during takeoff and landing.
Profit Over Passenger Wellbeing
Sadly, subpar cleaning is just another example of airlines prioritizing their bottom line over customer experience and safety. Every extra minute spent cleaning is a minute not earning revenue. So while spills may get a quick spot clean, there's no requirement for bathrooms to be sanitized mid-flight, even if a passenger makes a mess.
Tips to Stay Healthy While Flying
So what can you do to protect yourself? We recommend:
- Always wearing shoes, especially in the lavatory
- Bringing disinfectant wipes to clean your seat area
- Using hand sanitizer frequently
- Avoiding touching your face
- Considering wearing a mask, even when not required
While we can't control airline policies, being proactive about hygiene can help you arrive at your destination healthy and ready to enjoy your trip.
Conclusion
The reality of airplane cleanliness may be unsettling, but by understanding the risks, you can take steps to safeguard your wellbeing. Remember, when flying, don't kick off your shoes, come prepared with sanitizing essentials, and be strategic about what you touch. Have any other flying hygiene tips? Share them in the comments below! Until next time, this is Gerd Dani, wishing you clear skies and a clean flight.
Related Sources:
- https://thepointsguy.com/guide/how-often-planes-are-cleaned/
- https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/blog/never-walk-barefoot-airplane-and-other-ways-stay-healthy-during-study-abroad
- https://time.com/6284245/walking-barefoot-health-risks/
- https://www.islands.com/1533856/why-think-twice-before-take-shoes-off-flight/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/3/4/28
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