A flight attendant has advised passengers to avoid wearing shorts on aircraft, citing hygiene risks. Tommy Cimato, a seasoned cabin crew member, warned that shorts expose skin to bacteria-laden surfaces, increasing the chance of germ contact.
Cimato compared the risk to leaning one's head against the aeroplane window, which he also advises against. 'You never know how clean it's going to be,' he said, adding that wearing trousers provides a barrier against germs.
Other hygiene hotspots include tray tables, which a 2019 study found harbour an average of 11,595 germ colony-forming units. Cabin crew member Jamila Hardwick noted that cleaners often lack time to wipe every tray table. Passengers are advised to use antibacterial wipes before eating.
Cimato also urged travellers to avoid touching the flush button in lavatories with bare hands, recommending the use of a tissue or napkin. He encouraged passengers feeling unwell to inform crew rather than suffer in silence.
