Flight attendant reveals the dirtiest area of a plane – and it’s not where you’d expect

By ESTHER MARSHALL

Published: 11:42 BST, 2 June 2025 | Updated: 11:49 BST, 2 June 2025

Flights aren’t often the most comfortable way to travel. 

Whether you’re sitting next to a rude fellow passenger or squashed into an economy seat, there are many ways a plane journey can become a bit of a nightmare.  

But don’t worry. 

A former British Airways flight attendant, Jane Hawkes, has revealed her best tips to have the most comfortable journey possible, and revealed which area of the plane is generally even dirtier than the toilets. 

The travel expert says: ‘If you’re travelling this summer, don’t forget to pack hand sanitiser in your hand luggage.

‘When travelling on a plane where possible avoid touching any area unless you’ve sanitised them. 

‘I recommend always carrying sanitiser and wipes in your hand luggage, as aircrafts are only ever deep-cleaned if they’re taken in for maintenance.’ 

Jane reveals that between journeys the plane is usually just given a ‘superficial wipe over’ and quick tidy up by crew. 

A former flight attendant has revealed her best tips to have the most comfortable journey possible (stock photo)

‘The worst offending areas are tray tables, arm rests, seats and headrests, so always give them a wipe down before using,’ says Jane

And the dirtiest areas? 

She says: ‘The worst offending areas are tray tables, arm rests, seats and headrests, so always give them a wipe down before using.’ 

In partnership with The Wedding Travel Company, former flight attendant Janealso revealed where the best seat on the plane is and passengers will get ‘more leg room’ in this coveted spot.

‘The best seats are by the bulkhead, right at the front of the plane,’ explains Jane. ‘The interior walls separates the cabins from the galley, so you don’t have anyone reclining their seat in front of you. 

‘These seats also have more leg room, and due to their location at the front of cabins, they can provide priority boarding and exit. 

‘Passengers in these seats will also be served first in that cabin, meaning you get to enjoy your food and drink too.’ 

But being in the best seat on the aircraft might not even matter much if your fellow passengers don’t behave. 

According to Jane, one of the worst etiquette mistakes travellers can make is putting their feet up on the seats. 

Travellers who ‘take off their shoes and socks’ are breaking every etiquette rule in the book, says Jane. ‘I’ve seen passengers walk barefoot around the cabin, yuck’

She explains: ‘The worst thing any passenger can do is put their feet on the seats. It’s unhygienic, unnecessary and impolite and shows a complete disregard for fellow passengers.’ 

Another ‘complete no-no’? Travellers who ‘take off their shoes and socks’ are breaking every etiquette rule in the book, says Jane. ‘I’ve seen passengers walk barefoot around the cabin, yuck.’ 

The former flight attendant also claims that those who use loud devices ‘without headphones’ are ‘deeply annoying’ while ‘talking through safety announcements’ is ‘disrespectful to staff and other passengers’.

And Jane’s ‘biggest bugbear?’ 

Passengers who recline their plane seats without checking whether it’s okay to do so. 

She explains: ‘My biggest bugbear and no doubt one which many will agree with, the reclining of seats not just during the meal service but at any time during the flight without at least checking if it’s ok with the passenger behind.’  

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Flight attendant reveals the dirtiest area of a plane – and it’s not where you’d expect

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