Flight Attendant Warns Travelers About Airline Blanket Hygiene

Travelers are being advised to avoid folding airline blankets on planes. A flight attendant with 20 years of experience, Natalie Magee has seen it all. We recently caught up with Andrea in a story for Travel + Leisure, as she explained her take on the cleanliness of communal objects. To get cozy and stay clean Magee suggests that travelers consider a BYOB—bring your own blanket—method.

Magee calls attention to the unsanitary conditions of airline blankets, especially for those not individually wrapped in plastic. “Most airlines have contract cleaners that take the blankets off after international flights and wash them in hot water, then seal them in plastic bags to be reused,” she noted. The problem is how frequently an airline washes its blankets depends largely on what kind of flight it is and the airlines’ own practices.

“I’ve had blankets on my flights that we are instructed to just refold and put back in the bin,” she explained. The failure to clean these blankets at all presents grave implications for their cleanliness. Passengers frequently pass them to each other, increasing the risk of spreading germs.

Magee’s personal experiences are what really drive home her discomfort with airline blankets. She admitted, “Not even flight attendants want to touch airline blankets.” Her concerns extend to seeing travelers use them inappropriately, stating, “Probably one of the grossest things I’ve seen is someone using blankets to change their baby’s diaper.” Such incidents highlight the potential for contamination.

Airline blankets are gross, and the discussion has picked up steam now that more health-aware travelers are taking to the skies. Magee urges riders to be on the lookout for healthy habits that will make them more comfortable and safe. “I always bring my own if I want to use it for comfort,” she stated.

As travelers head back to the skies this fall, travelers should listen and take tips such as these from Magee. Whether you’re worried about comfort, flammability, or germs, bringing a personal blanket will make sure you’re covered.