Stomach-churning travel warning as experts list the most disgusting parts of an airplane

Next time you board a flight, make sure you wipe surfaces down and avoid ice in your drink.

Flight with flight attendant

Many surfaces can hold bacteria (Image: Getty )

We all love to travel and air travel can be a treat. There are, however, many hidden germs on a flight so be aware - and act accordingly. 

Experts have divulged the most disgusting parts of a plane - and not even your inflight drinks are free of bacteria.

Dirtiest parts of a plane

Tray tables

Tray tables can harbor all sorts of bacteria, according to cheapair.com. Some passengers sleep on tray tables while others can be messy eaters. 

Some parents have been spotted using them as a changing table. Make sure you wipe everything down thoroughly with a bacterial wipe. 

Wiping down seat

Wipe down your seat with an anti-bacterial wipe (Image: Getty )

The bathroom

With plane bathrooms being so tiny, there are plenty of places for bacteria to form. When you use them, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Don’t linger for too long in there and try not to touch too many surfaces. 

Headrests

Headrests don't receive the attention they deserve when it comes to cleaning between flights. Consider bringing your own neck pillow, headrest cover, or hat to create a barrier.

Headrest

Headrests on flights don't get the attention they deserve (Image: Getty )

Seat pocket on plane

Many things such as food and dirty tissues are put in seatpockets (Image: Getty)

The seat pocket

All sorts of things get shoved down those narrow seat pockets. There can be food and drink items, dirty tissues, and even chewing gum. Try to keep your personal items on you rather than putting them in the pocket. 

Bedding down 

Despite the fact that a blanket comes wrapped in plastic, don’t assume these and the pillows have been laundered. Sometimes they are just refolded and put into fresh plastic bags.

Man asleep on flight under blanket

Don't assume blankets have been laundered when they're handed to you (Image: Getty )

In-flight drinks

While sitting back and watching a movie, sipping a gin and tonic might sound like a great idea, but drinking ice on a flight is not recommended.

Studies have shown that the water used to make ice on airplanes isn’t always the cleanest, and airplane ice cube trays harbor bacteria. If you’re concerned about germs, skip the ice altogether and opt for a bottled drink instead.

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