9 Surprising Things You Should Know About Air Travel

From the annoying security lines to the tight and sometimes gross seating conditions, traveling by air is not always the most pleasant experience. Did you hear about the guy who sat in a urine-soaked seat during his first class flight? It wasn’t his urine either; it belonged to the passenger on the flight before him. On your next flight, you may want to pack sanitizer, snacks, and your own blanket. The following insider info will make you laugh, squirm, or take notes in hopes of keeping yourself safe and comfortable on your next flight.

1- The Air You Breathe

The air you breathe on planes is actually a mix of compressed outside air from the engine and cabin air. There’s no way to detect if it’s contaminated with germs or jet fumes, but airlines assure us that your row neighbors germs are probably worse.

2- Tray Tables Are Everything

Trays aren’t just for laptops and eating. Did you know they also serve as changing tables for baby diapers? Yes, that means there could be baby doo on your lap tray because they don’t get cleaned regularly either. Eating your accidentally spilled snack off its bare surface probably isn’t a good idea. Your best bet? Bring your own disinfectant wipes for everything.

3- Don’t Drink the Water

Among the secrets shared online by flight attendants is that the potable water used for drinking is usually refilled by the same guy that changes the bathroom water. This is often done at the same time, within a few feet of each other. Another reason to avoid non-bottled drinks – the water used to make coffee and tea is suspect. The tank under the plane that holds the water has years’ worth of sediment buildup that “resembles pond scum.”