Can planes have bugs?

Scientists have modeled the way bugs are spread on flights and found that it's not just your fellow passengers who could make you ill but the cabin crew. The study shows that an infected air steward presents a greater risk to anyone sitting in aisle or middle seats than those squeezed next to the window.



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There is an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 when travelling in enclosed shared spaces, such as on trains, buses and aircraft, due to the close proximity of people.

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But given the kind of business that's generally going down in there, it's not a space where you'll want to linger—unless you're a cabin cleaner. The bathrooms get a lot of attention during a turnaround clean. “All lavatories are cleaned with disinfectant; the trash is emptied and supplies replenished,” says Kennedy.

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Other places you are likely to come across bed bugs include your luggage. Since bed bugs spread quickly, suitcases could play a significant role in spreading an infestation.

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It's hardly a secret that the plane toilet isn't very clean, though it may come as a surprise to learn that some flight attendants rarely use them. I only use the lavatories on the airplane if I need to wash my hands or if I absolutely have to go to the bathroom, an anonymous cabin-crew member said.

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Why is it bad for you? Airplane tap water is stored in on-board tanks that house the liquid for tea, coffee, and to service the restrooms. These tanks are often stored without cleaning for long periods at a time, leading to the potential build-up of bacteria in the stagnating water.

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