I'm a former A380 flight attendant and THESE are the hygiene measures I take to ensure I don't get sick on planes (including why I always use the blanket to cover the seats and scent the cushions)

Having worked in the aviation industry for almost twenty years, including overseeing cabin crew teams as a manager on board the world's largest commercial aircraft, the A380, I have had first-hand experience of the inconsistent standards of aircraft cleanliness, ranging from good to bad. to downright disgusting.

Cleaning aircraft is very unpredictable. Even airlines known for their hygiene standards fly to airports where they do not have full control over the contracted cleaning company. Unfortunately, these cleaning services often follow the practice of overcharging and underpaying their staff, resulting in a lack of motivation to do a thorough job.

This in turn leads to the airline's hygiene standards not being fully adhered to for flights returning to the main base.

Because of these unpredictable standards, I find it difficult to fully trust airline cleaning practices, and as a passenger I prefer to take matters into my own hands.

Here is some of the best advice for someone who is picky about air cleanliness.

Try to book an early flight; the first to leave are the cleanest

In addition to being more likely to be on time, early flights on short-haul routes are also usually the cleanest.

Most airlines operating domestic and short-haul flights adhere to tight schedules, limiting the time aircraft spend on the ground.

During the day there is only time for light spot cleaning, with some airlines relying on cabin crew to keep the cabin presentable until the aircraft reaches its final destination for the night stop, with the aircraft being cleaned more thoroughly in preparation for the flight. next morning.

Use blankets to cover chairs – not yourself

“On several occasions, passengers have complained that they were sitting on what appeared to be clean seats, only to discover that the cushion under the cover was dirty,” Jay wrote.

This tip is especially useful for long flights, especially in economy class.

Airlines often provide pillows and blankets for international travel. Although these essentials are cleaned before each flight, I have made a habit of using the provided blanket as a seat cover as seats are not cleaned between flights.

On several occasions, passengers have complained of being seated on clean seats, only to find that the cushion under the cover was dirty and damp from the previous flight.

Lazy cleaners often replace only the top layer and not the entire pillow, which means the pillow may still be stained from bodily fluids such as drool, sweat, and blood.

I suggest avoiding the included pillows in economy class for anything other than back support.

Pro crew tip: Bring your own personally cleaned, compact travel blanket and pillow set. If you are using the provided bedding, check the pillow under the pillowcase and inspect the blanket before using it. A quick sniff test can help determine if they have been cleaned properly. During my time in the air, I encountered many sour-smelling pillows and blankets.

The carpet may be dirty

Before placing your bags on the floor, carefully inspect your floor space, especially under the seats, as cleaners often miss these areas.

In a recent incident during a transatlantic Air France flight last June, a couple noticed a horrible odor under their belongings on the floor during the flight. Upon inspection, they discovered that the carpet on which their belongings had been placed was contaminated with blood and feces from a passenger on the previous flight who had suffered extreme bleeding. Despite the incident being reported to the airline, the cleaners had overlooked the carpet under the seat.

Pro crew tip: For an extra layer of protection, use the plastic wrapping from the included blanket to cover the bottom of your bag. If you notice any serious cleaning issues during boarding, inform the crew immediately while the door is still open. That way they have more options to deal with the situation.

Keep your shoes on

'If you enter a restroom without shoes, you can be sure we'll watch with a sense of disgust' – Jay Robert

After the previous point about the cleanliness of airplane carpets, this advice may seem obvious, but it is one of the biggest annoyances for flight attendants: passengers walking around barefoot.

If you enter a restroom without shoes, you can be sure that we will watch with a sense of disgust, fully aware of what we probably just cleaned from that floor before you entered. Just as you wouldn't walk through a public restroom without shoes, the same principle applies to an airplane restroom.

Foot odor poses a real threat to air quality on flights. I have encountered situations where the odor coming from someone's bare feet was so overpowering that I had to discreetly spray perfume in that area. There were also cases when the substance was so toxic that I had to wake passengers and subtly discuss the matter, explaining that their foot odor caused discomfort to others and that it was necessary to wear their shoes.

Pro crew tip: Consider packing travel slippers in your carry-on luggage. Many hotels offer them as room amenities. If you are confident that your feet are free of unpleasant odors, these slippers can provide a more comfortable and hygienic alternative to shoes.

Clean your seating area

A pro tip that many flight attendants swear by is disinfecting your seating area.

Many of us carry disinfectant wipes in our bags so that we thoroughly clean every touchable surface around our seat, including the seat itself if it is made of wipe-clean material.

Key areas not to miss include tray tables, entertainment screens and controls. I also pay attention to wiping down my seatbelt buckle and the AC controls. One area I stay away from is the backseat pocket, as it often harbors all kinds of unpleasant surprises, from dirty tissues and diapers to full puke bags. For this reason I don't put my phone or personal items in it. If I have to use something from my pocket, I use a round of hand sanitizer afterward.

For more information from Jay, visit www.instagram.com/aflyguytravels And www.facebook.com/aflyguyslounge.