Frequent flyers may be shocked to learn that the complimentary headphones handed out on long-haul flights are not always brand new. According to cabin crew secrets shared by airport transport platform GoOpti, the individually packaged headsets are collected after each flight, cleaned, and repackaged for reuse.
The same practice applies to blankets and pillows, which are also repacked and reused on subsequent flights. This revelation has raised hygiene concerns among passengers, particularly those who rely on airline-provided headphones for in-flight entertainment.
Health experts have also warned about the cleanliness of onboard water tanks. Research by Healthline found that coliform bacteria can lurk in aircraft water supplies. Flight attendant Kat Kamalani, in a TikTok video with over half a million likes, advised passengers to avoid any drink not served in a can or bottle, including coffee and tea, as they are made from the same potentially contaminated water.
For those seeking a cleaner seat, a Reddit post from a cabin crew member suggested the emergency exit row as the best option. Not only does it offer extra legroom, but it is also likely to be cleaner since children are not permitted to sit there.
