How Flight Attendants Avoid Germs on Planes

Hydrating hand sanitizer: Paume Moisturizing Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer , $14

Avoid digging in seatback pockets: HRX Nylon Mesh Zipper Pouches 6-set , $8 (originally $9)

Won’t drag on plane bathroom floors: Iuga High-waist Yoga Pants , $25 (originally $33)

Silky barrier for airline pillows: Siyuan Mulberry Silk Pillowcase , $15

Comfy slip-ons: Allbirds Laceless Slip-on Sneakers , $67 (originally $130)

It’s no secret that planes are dirty . No matter how much airlines tout their disinfectant policies, aircraft welcome thousands of passengers daily, with only quick refreshes in between each voyage. That means that all of the surface areas—from the tray tables to the travel pillows —are filthier than you could ever imagine.

“Germs are everywhere,” a Virgin Atlantic flight attendant shares with me. She explains that people often forget that plane cabins are very public areas.…