As you settle into your airplane seat, stowing your coat in the overhead locker might seem like the perfect way to free up space. However, cabin crew with years of experience are issuing a stark warning: this common practice is a serious hygiene mistake.
The Shocking Truth About Overhead Bin Cleanliness
Loretta Hill, a JetBlue Airways flight attendant with a decade of experience, advises travellers to think twice before using the overhead compartment for personal clothing. The bins, she explains, are far from clean. This view is strongly supported by fellow crew member Emilia Ryan, who told Reader's Digest that overhead bins "can get pretty dirty."
The primary culprits for the grime are suitcase wheels, which roll through all manner of airport and aircraft filth before being hoisted aloft. A recent study highlighted that suitcase wheels are a staggering 58 times dirtier than the average toilet seat. This bacteria is then transferred directly into the storage locker. Emilia Ryan also notes that exploded bottles of lotion or other toiletries frequently add to the mess.
Why Cleaning and Contact Make It Worse
Compounding the issue is the fact that these lockers are not routinely deep-cleaned by the cabin crew. They often fall outside standard cleaning protocols, meaning germs can accumulate flight after flight.
Microbiologist Jason Tetro provided further insight to Reader's Digest, explaining that while the bins themselves see little direct human contact, the luggage placed inside is a major source of contamination. "Expect names like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus and maybe the odd yeast," he stated, referring to the types of bacteria commonly found.
A Space Hog and a Health Hazard
This warning is not an isolated one. Last month, flight attendant Mateusz Maszczynski also urged passengers to avoid this practice, describing the bins as often "filthy" and admitting "the thought of putting my coat into an overhead locker seriously gives me the ick."
Beyond hygiene, stowing a bulky coat overhead is discouraged for practical reasons. It consumes valuable space meant for carry-on luggage, potentially slowing down the boarding process and causing disputes among passengers.
So, what should you do with your coat? The experts recommend several more sanitary and considerate alternatives:
- Place it at your feet, under the seat in front of you.
- Keep it on your lap during the flight.
- Fold it and store it inside your carry-on suitcase.
- Tuck it behind your back for extra lumbar support.
By choosing one of these options, you can stay comfortable, keep your belongings cleaner, and help ensure a smoother boarding process for everyone on board.
