Flight Attendant's Four Essential Air Travel Rules You Must Follow
An experienced flight attendant with over a decade of service has revealed her personal dos and don'ts for air travel, warning that she has witnessed some truly "diabolical things" during her time in the skies. Charity Nelms, a US reality TV star and 11-year veteran of the cabin crew, shared these crucial guidelines in a recent TikTok video, emphasising that these practices are essential for any traveller.
1. Wipe Down Seatbelts, Not Just Tray Tables
Many passengers board planes with disinfectant wipes, diligently cleaning tray tables and seat backs. However, Charity argues this focus is misplaced. "I don't really get why you're wiping the back of the seat," she explained, noting that clothing typically prevents direct contact. Instead, she insists travellers should concentrate on seatbelts.
The metal buckle and fabric strap receive constant handling from every passenger, accumulating spills, vomit, and various bodily fluids over time. Charity emphasised, "The amount of throw up, baby vomit, bodily fluids, liquids that have spilled, random stuff that end up on those seatbelts. Wipe them down. I do." This simple step can significantly reduce exposure to germs.
2. Always Wear Full-Length Trousers
Charity's second rule is straightforward: avoid shorts, skirts, or dresses that leave skin exposed. "Wear full pants. None of your skin should be touching that seat," she advised, regardless of whether you've disinfected the surface. Drawing from her extensive experience, she revealed, "The amount of things I have seen on the seat... I have seen some diabolical things."
This precaution creates a vital barrier between your skin and potentially contaminated surfaces, offering protection against unknown substances that may have soaked into the fabric during previous flights.
3. Maintain Proper Lavatory Hygiene
According to Charity, many passengers neglect basic lavatory etiquette, and flight attendants are well aware of it. "You are not washing your hands after you use the lav," she stated, adding that some also fail to flush the toilet. She revealed that cabin crew can detect these lapses from outside the lavatory.
Her recommended protocol includes:
- Always flush the toilet
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap
- Exit and close the door using your elbow to avoid recontaminating your hands
4. Keep Footwear On in Lavatories
Charity's final rule addresses a common mistake: removing shoes in aircraft lavatories. "It is never, ever water on the floor in the lav," she cautioned, explaining that socks act like sponges, absorbing whatever liquids are present. She strongly advises keeping shoes on at all times when using these facilities.
This practice protects your feet from unsanitary conditions and potential infections, ensuring you don't track contaminants back to your seat. By following these four rules, travellers can significantly improve their hygiene and comfort during flights, drawing on insider knowledge from a professional who has seen it all.
