A TUI flight attendant has shared three things you should never do on a plane – and some travellers were surprised to learn they’d been making these mistakes
If there’s someone you should take travel advice from, it’s flight attendants (stock image)(Image: Image Source via Getty Images)
Jetting off on holiday should be a relaxing experience, but even the most seasoned globetrotters could be making some major hygiene and safety blunders as soon as they set foot on an aeroplane. Whether you’re a nervous flier or a frequent traveller who knows the safety briefing off by heart, navigating the unspoken rules of the cabin can be a minefield.
Now, a TUI flight attendant has lifted the lid on the common passenger habits that secretly drive cabin crew mad – and some of them are genuinely stomach-churning.
German air hostess Mrs Miva took to TikTok to reveal the “three things you should never do” while airborne, leaving plenty of holidaymakers stunned.
From triggering false emergencies to risking some serious hygiene hazards, her viral video had hundreds of viewers sheepishly admitting they were guilty as charged. So, are you committing any of these ultimate travel sins that cabin crew hate?
1. Ditch the deodorant and hairspray
If you want to freshen up before landing, stick to a roll-on. Mrs Miva warned that spraying aerosols like deodorant or hairspray in the confined space of a plane toilet “could trigger the smoke detector”, instantly sparking a mid-air panic.
Aircraft smoke detectors are incredibly sensitive and designed to pick up tiny particles in the air. While they are usually smart enough to distinguish actual smoke from other substances, a heavy aerosol cloud in a tiny lavatory is a surefire way to set off a false alarm.
To save the crew from rushing to your door expecting a fire, leave the sprays securely in your hand luggage.
2. Don’t fall asleep against the window
We all love securing a window seat so we can rest our heads and catch a few winks, but Mrs Miva urged passengers to think twice.
“Don’t lean your head against the window. They are very rarely cleaned,” she claimed.
While tray tables and high-touch areas are usually given a quick wipe-down between flights, deep cleans are much less frequent – especially when planes are operating tight, back-to-back turnaround journeys.
As a result, those acrylic windows can harbour a massive accumulation of germs. If you absolutely have to lean against the wall to sleep, make sure you give the area a thorough wipe down with antibacterial spray first.
3. Never go to the toilet without shoes on
This one should be common sense, but you would be surprised how many people wander down the aisle in their socks or even completely barefoot.
While cabin crew do their best to tidy the lavatories and restock supplies during long-haul flights, the sheer volume of passengers using such a tiny space means the room isn’t always pristine.
If you spot a suspicious puddle on the floor, do not assume it has just splashed out of the sink. As Mrs Miva bluntly warned: “Don’t go to the lavatory with socks or barefoot. The water on the floor was not used for cleaning.”
So do yourself a massive favour – keep your shoes on!
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