For most passengers, an airplane cabin is where the actual resting happens during a long trip. But according to flight crew who’ve spent years watching passenger habits up close, there are a few surfaces and behaviors worth paying closer attention to when it comes to cleanliness.
Skip Leaning on the Window
Tommy Cimato, a flight attendant with 16 years of experience, is cautioning passengers against resting their face or body directly against the airplane window. That surface has likely been touched by countless people before your flight even began.
“You’re not the only one doing that, and you have no idea how many people, or kids, have wiped their hands or other things across that entire window surface,” he said, as reported by Express on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
Think Twice Before Wearing Shorts
Cimato also suggests giving some thought to what you wear on a flight. According to him, shorts are best avoided, since bare skin ends up making direct contact with various surfaces throughout the cabin.
“Try to avoid wearing shorts on a plane if you can. Just like with the window, you never really know how clean the surfaces are. Wearing long pants means you’ll come into contact with far fewer germs,” he advised.
The Toilet Flush Button Deserves Extra Caution
Another spot worth being mindful of is the airplane lavatory. Cimato recommends never touching the flush button with a bare hand, given how many passengers use that same button throughout a flight.
“Never touch the flush button with your bare hand. It’s genuinely unhygienic and pretty gross. When flushing, use a tissue or the paper towel provided inside the restroom instead,” he explained.
Boarding Etiquette Matters Too
Beyond cleanliness, passengers are also being reminded to be mindful of boarding etiquette. Deanna Castro, a flight attendant with roughly 15 years of experience, points out that lingering too long in the aisle while searching for your seat can slow the entire boarding process down for everyone behind you.
“When boarding, it’s more courteous to step into your row and let other passengers pass behind you,” Castro said.
She acknowledges that passengers naturally need a moment to stow their bags and get settled. But if that process is going to take a bit longer, she suggests stepping aside first so you don’t hold up other passengers still waiting in the aisle.
The Takeaway
None of these habits require major lifestyle changes, just a bit more awareness of shared surfaces and a little courtesy toward fellow passengers. A few small adjustments, like skipping shorts, avoiding bare-hand contact with high-touch surfaces, and being mindful during boarding, can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable (and hygienic) your next flight feels.
