A former flight attendant has taken to social media to warn passengers about the hidden dangers of using the tray table on airplanes. Cher Killough, who spent seven years working as a flight attendant and now creates content under the handle @cherdallas, shared a series of hygiene tips that might make you think twice before settling into your seat.
Why you should avoid the tray table
According to Killough, the tray table is one of the dirtiest surfaces on a plane. She explained that passengers often misuse it in ways that are both unsanitary and surprising. “Do y’all know how many people rub their toes on there? Do you know how many dirty diapers get changed and they set it on the tray table while they wait to hand it to us?” she said. Although such behavior is not allowed, it happens every day. Killough added that she barely touches the tray table herself and certainly never eats food off it.
Other hygiene warnings
Killough also advised against walking barefoot on the plane, calling the carpet “disgusting.” She noted that at least once a week, a passenger vomits on the carpet, and it is not cleaned thoroughly. “If you want a foot fungus, feel free to rub your toes on that,” she warned. She emphasized that the same applies to the bathroom floor, which she said is even worse.
Another tip from the former flight attendant is to avoid using the toilet during meal service. She explained that passengers who get up while cabin crew are serving can become trapped between carts, making the crew’s job harder and causing discomfort for others. “You have no idea the order of service that they’re doing,” she pointed out.
Reactions from viewers
Killough’s advice sparked a flurry of comments. Some viewers said they never use the airplane toilet, while others recommended bringing antibacterial wipes. One commenter noted, “Crazy how people don’t use the bathroom before they board an airplane then trip out because they can’t get up while service is happening.” Another shared a nightmare scenario: “I had a dream the other night that I was missing my shoes in the airport and had to get on the plane without them.”
Other flight attendant secrets
Killough is not the only flight attendant sharing insider knowledge online. Barbara Baccilleri, known as Barbie Bac, recently revealed why water is often served discreetly. She explained that if passengers see a flight attendant with a cup, others immediately ask for the same, so staff try to hide it. “Water is contagious,” she said in a video.
These tips highlight the importance of being mindful of hygiene and etiquette while flying. Whether it’s avoiding the tray table, keeping shoes on, or timing bathroom breaks, a little awareness can make the journey safer and more comfortable for everyone.
