Why you should never use the seat pocket and other expert tips for avoiding the flu on a flight

The start of autumn means one thing for many of us: flu season. Searching for an endless summer, we chase the sun in search of warmth and daylight. While a holiday is relaxing, countless people say they get sick after travelling on a plane, even if they have sanitised everything in sight. 

Now, a long-haul flight attendant has taken to Reddit to give travellers advice on staying healthy while on a plane.

Here’s everything you need to know about the unexpected places germs are hiding - and how you can prevent yourself getting ill on your next flight. 

Reddit user and flight attendant, who calls themselves HausOfDarling on the platform, posted in an r/AskReddit thread about some of the most filthy places on an aeroplane. 

“I ALWAYS recommend you never, ever, ever, EVER use or put anything in the seat pocket. They are cleared of rubbish but are never 'cleaned',” they wrote.

Adding to the horror, the user reeled off a list of unpleasant things cleaning crews have removed from these small pockets, including “dirty tissues, sick bags, knickers, socks” as well as “gum, half sucked sweets, apple cores.”

It’s something few of us will think about, but a lack of cleaning means that other people’s germs can easily transfer to your belongings when they share the space in the seat pocket. 

For instance, if somebody coughs on their mobile phone, then puts it into the pocket, plenty of the germs will remain there. When you put your own phone into the same spot, those germs could make their way to your hands in a matter of seconds. 

With the quick turnaround of flights, large parts of planes are likely to harbour germs, despite the best efforts of cleaning staff.

Everywhere from safety instruction cards - often stored in seat pockets - to tray