The dirtiest thing you can touch on a plane is not what you think

IF YOU thought the bathrooms on a plane were dirty, you’ll be disgusted by these findings. Here’s how to stay germ free on your next flight.

Supplied Travel China Southern A330-200 plane interior. For Escape travel news. Picture: Supplied

IF YOU thought using the bathrooms on a plane was a tad risky, you’ll be shocked at these latest findings.

The Today Show in the USA released its first of three reports last week exposing the dirty truth about what germs are lurking on planes and in airports.

Taking three different flights across the country, each on a different major airline, their team gathered samples from various stages of the journey including check-in, armrests and toilets with some concerning results.

The first shock — security screening.

Tests of two bins used to collect shoes, bags and other personal belongings that go through the x-ray machine revealed the presence of dangerous bacteria. One bin was found to have foecal matter at levels high enough to make people sick.

How on Earth did foecal matter end up on these bins?

Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency doctor at New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital told the show: “We’re talking about skin or soft-tissue infections, which can potentially lead to overwhelming infections in your bloodstream”.

But that’s just the beginning.

Once on the plane, the germ situation isn’t any more comforting. Crumbs on the aisle floors and mysterious stains on the seats had the team questioning how thorough the cleaners were between flights.

The most shocking find was the levels of bacteria found on the tray tables. Covered in germs, one flight attendant recalled seeing them being used as change tables for babies nappies.

The humble tray table is a haven for bacteria.

While all the armrests came back negative, tests on the seat belts were filthy including one that showed the presence of “human bacteroides”.

“These are bacteria that live in our gut and our intestines. These are dangerous bacteria that cause serious infections”, said Glatter.

Another study conducted by Auburn University found that harmful and potentially deadly bacteria like MRSA and E. coli survive for days on arm rests, toilet flush handles, tray tables, window shades, seats and seat pockets.

So how can you prevent picking up one of these dreaded bugs on a plane?

Carry sanitiser and wipe down your tray table before use, wash your hands frequently, don’t walk barefoot on the carpet and check the back seat pocket before use for any nasty leftovers from the previous flight.

Seatbelts are “filthy”. Wipe those buckles down before use.