Travel expert shares grim truth about plane blankets - and people have no idea

A travel expert has shared the disgusting truth about the blankets you get on planes, sharing that she only learned recently about it - and people will be horrified by it

Planes are a little claustrophobic, and if you're sat in the middle seat, it's safe to say you've drawn the short straw - but a travel expert has shared a stomach-churning fact about blankets on planes.

Megan, who posts on YouTube as Portable Professional, shared many trade secrets in one of her videos, including why she'd probably avoid using blankets on the plane. She promised that she had "surprising and unpleasant airline secrets" to share with viewers. Megan first highlighted that it's important for you to listen when cabin crew are telling you about safety features, no matter how well you think you know the rules.

If you're travelling on a long-haul flight and you're given a blanket to snuggle, Megan warned that you should be wary before using them. "I only found out recently that the pillows, and blankets, are actually reused, and may only be clean for the first part of the day." Yuck.

The travel expert also shared that cabin crew are "well aware" that there's a "high risk" of passengers getting sick on the plane due to "close contact" and "less than ideal air circulation in the cabin."

"Flight attendants are the first to admit that planes aren't as clean as you might think, since the turnaround time between flights is often short and there's limited time for cleaning", she said. Megan then shared that there are things you can do to "protect yourself", including keeping your hands out of seat pockets, "off the in-flight menus and magazines."

She also shared that seat buckles and tray tables are "notorious for being particularly dirty", and she said that you should always wipe them down before using them. Megan also said to consider keeping the air vents open as it can "help disperse any germs."

Megan said that if you leave your seat, it's so important that you wear your shoes. "It goes without saying that using the bathroom in your socks on a plane is pretty gross. Those little droplets on the ground aren't always water", she shared. She warned that there are many "germs" present, so by keeping your shoes on, you're preventing a "variety of foot conditions you do not want."

Do you have a story to share? Email: danielle.wroe@mirror.co.uk