TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Blankets are commonly offered to passengers in business class or first class during flights. Some airlines also provide blankets in economy class. However, a seasoned flight attendant advises that passengers should refrain from using airplane blankets. What is the reason?
Natalie Magee, a flight attendant with 20 years of experience, stated that the complimentary blankets on planes are rife with unsanitary substances such as hair, food particles, mold, and bodily fluids. According to her, flight attendants are reluctant to handle them, having witnessed passengers use these blankets to clean spills and dirt, wipe their noses, and even collect toenail clippings.
"Probably one of the grossest things I’ve seen is someone using blankets to change their baby’s diaper," Magee said, as quoted by Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
How Often Are Airplane Blankets Washed?
Airplane blankets are indeed washed. Major airlines generally contract with laundry vendors who collect the blankets after each flight. These vendors wash the blankets with hot water and then seal them in plastic bags for reuse. However, the frequency of washing can vary depending on the flight type and the airline.
"On domestic flights, I’ve had blankets on my flights that we are instructed to just refold and put back in the bin," she said.
An anonymous flight attendant corroborated this to Surrey Lives, stating that such shortcuts are common, even in first-class cabins. "On short-haul flights, pillowcases don't get changed, they're probably just turned around," she said.
A key indicator that shared blankets may not be hygienic is the absence of a sealed plastic bag. Therefore, the flight attendant advises against using them. For those desiring a blanket for comfort in the often-cold airplane cabin, bringing their own is strongly recommended.
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