Flight attendant’s shocking revelation: Why wearing shorts on a plane could be a huge mistake!

As we all know, comfort is key when embarking on a long-haul flight. Indeed, many of us choose to don our comfiest attire – usually, it's a trusty pair of joggers and our favourite jumper.

However, it turns out there's one item of clothing that should be avoided at all costs when it comes to in-flight fashion.

This may come as a surprise to a lot of you: flight attendants strongly recommend that passengers avoid wearing shorts (or even skirts) while on a plane.



According to cabin crew member Tommy Cimato, well-known for his air travel tips online using his account, @tommycimato, the reason for this advice is quite shocking—to say the least.

In one of his popular videos, which has now gained over 650,000 views, Tommy reveals that wearing shorts on a plane could potentially expose passengers to harmful bacteria lurking on the seats.


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One cabin crew member has explained why holiday goers should never wear shorts on a plane. Credit: Daniel Frese/Pexels

He compares wearing shorts to leaning your head on the plane window, saying,

‘It's the same thing as the window – you never know how clean it's going to be. So, if you have pants, you're going to have less germs.’

By wearing long pants, passengers minimise their direct contact with seats, which in turn protects them against germs and bacteria.



Adding to that, he explained: ‘Do not fall asleep or lean your head on the window. You are not the only one that has done that, and you don't know how many people or children have wiped their hands or other things all over the window.’

Though we may not think about it, the plane seats we are sitting in may be home to a wide variety of germs and bacteria, such as E. Colombaecus and Bacillus cereus, two of the fastest-growing bacteria, are among the most common strains found on plane surfaces.

What’s more, there have also been reports of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. on surfaces common aboard aircraft.

The risk of encountering these germs is usually quite low, as commercial aircraft are regularly sanitised and cleaned.

However, the risk is increased during longer flights as bacteria spreads from one surface to another.



But the startling revelations don’t end there.

Mr Cimato continues to share more eye-opening information regarding in-flight hygiene, including advising passengers not to touch the flush button in plane toilets with their bare hands.


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The cabin crew said plane seats are host to a lot of harmful bacteria. Credit: Tommycimato/TikTok

Instead, he recommends using a napkin or tissue when flushing, as the bathroom is considered one of the dirtiest spots on a plane.

Social media users have thanked Mr Cimato for sharing these invaluable tips, with many stating they were previously unaware of the potential hygiene risks associated with their in-flight habits.

Some were left shocked to learn that planes aren't cleaned as frequently or as thoroughly as they had believed.



‘In conclusion, the whole plane is dusty,’ one wrote.

‘Don’t they sanitise every flight?’ One asked, to which Tommy replied: ‘The ground crew does all the plane cleaning. They try their best to keep it clean, but this is just in case it gets missed.’

You can watch his video below:



Many who are immune-compromised are often more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Older people and children are also vulnerable as their immune systems may not be as robust as they once were or, in the case of kids, not as fully-developed.

Therefore, it's essential that we take extra precautions to maintain good hygiene during our travels. Consider carrying antibacterial wipes with you to clean your seat and surrounding areas before you settle in.
Key Takeaways
  • A flight attendant has warned passengers not to wear shorts or skirts while on a plane.
  • Wearing shorts or skirts can expose passengers to bacteria on the plane and the seat.
  • The cabin crew member also advised against leaning heads on the window or touching the flush button in the plane's restroom.
  • Many social media users have thanked the cabin crew member for sharing his advice and tips.
Though we understand the plane journey is difficult enough without adding extra layers such as hand sanitisers and wipes, bear in mind that you must play your part in maintaining a healthy, hygienic environment and protecting your health as best you can.

What are your travel essentials? Let us know in the comments!
 

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He mentions not touching the flushing device with bare hands - I would include opening the door from inside without a tissue also. And while it is difficult not to open it from outside without protection to go in, it might just pay to take a small packet of tissues with you to go in. Any what about holding on to all those seat backs when wobbling all the way down the aisle to get to and from the toilet? Wouldn’t that be just as dirty?

JUST TAKE A SMALL PACKET ON BOARD WITH YOU AND A SMALL BOTTLE OF HAND SANITIZER TO CLEANSE YOUR HANDS ON RETURN AFTER YOU PUT YOUR SEATBELT BACK ON. I have small travel sized bottles of hand sanitizer in the inner pocket of each bag that I use no matter whether I’m going out with friends, to the supermarket or on a flight. There is a small bottle in the car console also. PROBLEM SOLVED.
 
He mentions not touching the flushing device with bare hands - I would include opening the door from inside without a tissue also. And while it is difficult not to open it from outside without protection to go in, it might just pay to take a small packet of tissues with you to go in. Any what about holding on to all those seat backs when wobbling all the way down the aisle to get to and from the toilet? Wouldn’t that be just as dirty?

JUST TAKE A SMALL PACKET ON BOARD WITH YOU AND A SMALL BOTTLE OF HAND SANITIZER TO CLEANSE YOUR HANDS ON RETURN AFTER YOU PUT YOUR SEATBELT BACK ON. I have small travel sized bottles of hand sanitizer in the inner pocket of each bag that I use no matter whether I’m going out with friends, to the supermarket or on a flight. There is a small bottle in the car console also. PROBLEM SOLVED.
Me too!
 
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