onboard

Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have recently joined other carriers in banning the use of power banks onboard

Two additional airlines have joined a growing list of carriers prohibiting the use of one popular gadget that countless travellers rely on during flights.

Both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have now implemented measures to prevent passengers from using power banks to charge their electronic devices whilst in the cabin. This follows comparable actions by numerous other airlines throughout the year, many of which operate in and out of the UK.

The new regulations arise from mounting worries regarding the safety of lithium batteries on aircraft. Just last week, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) released an updated alert following 50 incidents involving power banks on board.

They declared: “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers. Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety.”

Under these fresh regulations, travellers will no longer be permitted to charge their gadgets using power banks during flights, nor can the battery packs be recharged via in-flight ports, reports the Express. Passengers are still allowed to bring power banks into the cabin, but they must remain unused and visible at all times.

The first airline to introduce such a prohibition was Air Busan, after a power bank fire in January forced one of its aircraft out of service. Fortunately, no passengers were harmed, but the incident caused considerable damage.

The biggest name on the list of airlines banning the use of power banks is Emirates, the Middle East-based travel giant. Bosses announced that a ban on power banks will be enforced from October 1, 2025.

A spokesperson for the airline stated that “Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions” but clarified that “the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source.”

The spokesperson added: “After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry.

“All power banks are subject to the new rules onboard Emirates. Emirates new regulations will significantly reduce risks associated with power banks by prohibiting their use while onboard the aircraft.

“Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire. Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations and practices.”

UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), alongside other aviation regulators, advises that lithium batteries and power banks should be carried in hand luggage and switched off completely to minimise fire risks.

Their guidelines specify that the heat-generating element of a lithium battery-powered gadget should be “separated” from the battery – meaning the battery or heat-generating part should be taken out. The guidelines state: “Any battery that has been removed must be protected against short circuit (by placing in its original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate bag or protective pouch).”

Portable electronic devices containing lithium ion batteries that exceed a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh and under 160 Wh should also be stored in carry-on baggage. The CAA further advises: “If devices are carried in checked baggage measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation and to protect from damage and the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).

“Large portable electronic devices such as laptops and tablets should not be packed near aerosols or perfumes.” The new regulations introduced by airlines affects passengers flying from London aiports including Heathrow, as well as other major transport hubs like Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Full list of all 14 airlines banning power bank use aboard a plane

Operating in the UK:

• Asiana Airlines: London Heathrow
• Cathay Pacific: Heathrow, Manchester
• China Airlines: Heathrow
• Emirates: Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh
• EVA Air: Heathrow
• Korean Air: Heathrow
• Singapore Airlines: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester.
• Starlux Airlines: Gatwick
• Vietnam Airlines: Heathrow

Not serving UK airports:

• Air Busan
• Hong Kong Airlines
• Thai AirAsia
• Tigerair
• Vietjet Air

Cruise ships have plenty of entertainment for passengers but there’s one clever ‘blue mind effect’ that can be key to whether they feel calm while they’re on the ship

Cruise holidays offer up plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation whether that’s sitting poolside on the top deck, unwinding in the spa or tucking into some delicious food. Then of course there are all of the thrilling destinations to be explored whether you’re sailing along the Mediterranean coast or going in search of winter sun in the Caribbean.

Most people tend to feel happier or more relaxed on a holiday, but according to industry insiders, cruise ships use a clever tactic to try and maximise that feeling of joy for passengers.

It all comes down to the ‘blue mind effect’. This theory suggests that if you’re close to water or immersed in water, it can encourage a meditative and relaxed state of mind, and therefore play a key role in your wellbeing. Of course cruise ships are surrounded by water, and according to experts, cruise lines use this to their advantage.

READ MORE: Disney’s new ship sailing in 2025 will have epic themed bars and new water rideREAD MORE: World’s ‘most beautiful cruise port’ is tucked away in city that’s UNESCO site

The insiders at Iglu Cruise explained: “Taking this into consideration, cruise ships are designed with as many positions to view the sea as possible. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in public areas offering uninterrupted views of the ocean, open decks to view the horizon and private balconies allowing passengers to have their own private “blue mind” sanctuary, and there’s nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of the sea.”

Are you obsessed with everything cruise? Sign up to our Anchors Away newsletter for a weekly dose of cruise news, first looks at new ships and more.

The ‘blue mind effect’ isn’t the only way a cruise can offer up useful ways to boost your mental wellbeing. Another perk of being at sea is that in the middle of the ocean, you’re unlikely to get good signal. While most lines do offer up Wi-Fi packages for those who want to stay connected, if you’re after a digital detox then a cruise can be the ideal opportunity to take one.

READ MORE: ‘I watched Disney’s new ship float out and it was more nail-biting than expected’

In fact, according to Iglu Cruise, “it’s been found that a “digital detox” can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, improve sleep, decrease FOMO (fear of missing out) and deepen relationship”. Their experts added: “This newfound freedom whilst onboard, encourages disconnection from devices and instead, engaging with the surroundings, embracing the present moment and enjoying precious time with loved ones. It’s also the perfect justification for not feeling obliged to respond to people right away.”

Of course while it’s lovely to have some R&R, some holidaymakers also like a bit of adventure on their holidays, so the fact that you can visit multiple destinations on one holiday can appeal. Then there’s the upping of the ante when it comes to onboard entertainment from rollercoasters at sea to West End-worthy shows, and epic waterparks. With an increasing demand for entertainment at sea, new ships are bigger than ever before – and experts predict that they could soon be the size of small cities.

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected]

An experienced flight attendant has revealed the one thing to avoid doing on airplanes if you don’t want to risk sharing other people’s bodily fluids and germs

A flight attendant who shares her adventures in the sky on social media has provided some insider advice on what passengers should definitely avoid while onboard.

Natalie Magee has been flying for 20 years so certainly knows what she’s talking about. She’s seen the good, the bad and the very ugly during her time looking after airline travellers.

However, there’s one particular freebie that Natalie recommends refusing, especially on shorter flights because the risk of getting up close and far too personal with other people’s germs is horribly high.

Zooming through the clouds can often mean that it gets a bit nippy at times in the cabin, particularly if flying at night when the sun has gone down. So passengers may need a blanket to keep warm and cosy.

Complimentary blankets used to be provided by airlines on most flights for chilly customers but these days because of cost-cutting and environmental concerns it’s usually only international, long-haul and first-class passengers that they are available too.

You may not think that’s such a bad thing though when you discover what could be found on them either. According to Natalie, hair, food, bodily fluids and mould could all be lurking in the folds of the material.

She says travellers use them to wipe their nose, clean up spills and even to catch their toenail clippings but that’s not all. “Probably one of the grossest things I’ve seen is someone using blankets to change their baby’s diaper,” Natalie, who is from Colorado, US, told Travel + Leisure.

That wouldn’t be such a problem if they were laundered after every use but that doesn’t always happen, according to the expert. “Most airlines have contract cleaners that take the blankets off after international flights and wash them in hot water, then seal them in plastic bags to be reused,” she explained. “However, on domestic flights, I’ve had blankets on my flights that we are instructed to just refold and put back in the bin.”

As a general rule she says if they aren’t in a sealed bag, they aren’t sanitary. So if you are someone who feels the cold when flying or needs to be covered to have a snooze, she recommends taking your own blanket. This way you know it’s clean and you won’t be snuggling up with someone else’s germs or illnesses.

Natalie has previously shared some of her many in-flight “peeves” and the most annoying things that passengers do. Along with parents changing babies on tray tables, people walking to the toilet barefoot and clipping their toenails while on board, she reveals one of her biggest pet hates is also hygiene related.

In a TikTok video she said she hates it, “when people don’t shut the bathroom door or leave the bathroom a mess. Also when you can hear it flush but not the sink so you know they didn’t wash their hands.”

Despite the niggles of life in the air with total strangers in a confined space, she reckons most flight attendants think of the aircraft as their own domain, which is why they want people to treat it well. “We would love it if people treated the space as their home and were tidy and respectful,” she said.

Natalie also believes it makes such a difference when passengers are polite and kind. “Honestly, when people say ‘thank you’ when they are getting off the plane (it is really great),” she reveals. “Or when they take the time to look at us when we are doing the beverage service and say please and thank you, we really appreciate it. I also like people who help others with their bags, especially mums and the elderly as we can’t always help everyone when boarding.”

A British woman who is obsessed with travelling has now revealed what it is like working on a cruise ship – from no days off to cheeky guests ‘cheating’ on board

Many of us adore cruise holidays, but could you imagine making a ship your permanent home? While we catch glimpses of maritime life through TV programmes like Below Deck or Disney Channel‘s Suite Life on Deck, you might wonder what the reality is actually like. Fortunately, a young British woman has satisfied this curiosity.

Travel enthusiast Anaya revealed what life is genuinely like residing on a cruise ship – from all the benefits she receives, as well as the exhausting shift patterns. She has been able to journey to destinations including Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bali, Amsterdam, Singapore, Laos, Dominican Republic, Australia, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Antigua – to mention just a few.

Anaya is employed by Marella Cruises, owned by TUI, in destination services – assisting people in crafting their ideal trip when they disembark the ship, as well as helping them navigate their way around new locations and arranging excursions and activities.

Although she gets to undertake extensive travelling, enjoys exciting experiences and the facilities aboard the vessel, Anaya acknowledges she also grafts tremendously hard. And apparently, securing any time off is virtually impossible, she claims.

READ MORE: Woman takes video of Magaluf party strip in 2025 and reality is devastating

Speaking on TikTok, Anaya revealed: “Basically, it’s like an unwritten rule that when you work on a cruise ship, you just don’t get a day off for the entirety of your contract. Because the cruise is running nearly every day of the year, we can’t have any days off.”

Anaya typically works several hours, enjoys some leisure time, then returns to her duties later in the day. During breaks from her responsibilities aboard the vessel, she’s able to experience ship life and discover the destinations she visits.

The cruise ship employee explained that while each shift differs, she never exceeds 10 hours of work daily.

The travel enthusiast revealed: “Sometimes we have breaks off in the middle of the day and I work in the excursions department so I spend a lot of time on the trips and seeing the places that way.”

She added she “wouldn’t trade it for the world“.

In the comments section of her video, someone enquired what occurs if a crew member becomes unwell.

Anaya responded: “You would see the medical centre if you were ill. If they thought you were too sick to work then you’d get ‘signed off’. If you’ve not been signed off by medical then you’d still have to work.”

The cruise ship worker clarified that employment contracts for staff can span from three months to eight months.

She continued: “In my department you wouldn’t really do more than seven [months], but in my experience I haven’t really done more than five and a half.”

Anaya says people frequently assume you must speak several languages to work aboard a cruise ship, though this isn’t necessarily true. The vessel she works on chiefly accommodates English and Canadian passengers, so she doesn’t need to be multilingual. Nevertheless, other companies might require this on job applications. On top of this, she doesn’t have to fork out rent for her cabin.

She also receives complimentary meals daily and can enjoy onboard entertainment without any extra cost.

Another bonus is that she’s exempt from paying tax while aboard the vessel. What’s more, social gatherings are frequently arranged for crew members each month.

These evenings off can become quite raucous – as Anaya disclosed it’s “very common” for passengers to be unfaithful to their partners while on board.

So could you cope with life on the ocean? If you’re not scared of grafting hard, it sounds like it could be an absolutely brilliant way to explore the globe.

Flying with your food could see you fall foul of the law – and those munching on a picnic could face fines

As the school holidays approach and annual leave is scheduled, thousands are preparing for their summer getaways abroad. With package holiday prices reportedly seeing a 4.2 per cent increase compared to last year, families will be keen to save pennies wherever possible.

One such expense that can be trimmed is the cost of food at airports or on planes. It’s well-known that airport food tends to be pricier than its counterparts outside the terminal, and the same applies to in-flight meals.

This price hike can be attributed to several factors including high airport rents, operational costs, and the fact that passengers represent a captive market, leading to inflated prices.

That’s why it might be more economical to bring your own food onboard to tide you over until you reach your destination.

However, airlines have their own regulations regarding what can and cannot be brought into the cabin. Recent reports suggest that even purchasing a meal deal at the airport to take with you could potentially result in a fine, according to the Daily Record.

Travellers flying from Britain to an EU country could inadvertently breach laws surrounding the importation of meat or dairy products. This means any sandwiches must be eaten or discarded before disembarking the plane to avoid penalties.

It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with your airline’s policy on bringing food onboard. Certain foods may be prohibited as they are categorised as liquids, which are still subject to the 100ml restriction.

This rule does not apply to baby food and milk.

The government has also cautioned that some food items can cause issues for x-ray machines at security checkpoints.

They advise: ‘Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on X-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.”

So, what are the regulations for carrying food and beverages on some of our favourite airlines?

Ryanair

Ryanair permits passengers to bring any type of food or non-alcoholic drinks into the cabin. However, if these items are in your carry-on luggage, they must comply with the airline’s stipulated weight and size allowances.

The budget carrier does have a couple of restrictions though. Passengers are not allowed to board with a hot beverage due to safety concerns. Additionally, boarding with an alcoholic drink is also prohibited.

They stated: “In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight.”

EasyJet

This airline is quite accommodating when it comes to passengers bringing their own food, but they do remind customers to be mindful of the rules regarding the importation of certain food types into the country they’re flying to.

Their website states: “You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board. There’s a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard.

“Different countries have different regulations about importing food and drink, so make sure you check the rules for your destination.”

EasyJet has a policy in place that lets passengers take a hot drink onto the plane, but it needs to have been purchased at the airport and come with a secure lid for safety reasons.

TUI

TUI offers a different experience as travellers on flights exceeding seven hours are treated to complimentary meals and beverages. On shorter journeys, however, customers are permitted to bring their own provisions. TUI recommends opting for “low-risk food such as pre-made sandwiches and snacks that can be eaten cold.

They also say that they’re unable to heat up any meals onboard, save for warming baby bottles

Jet2

.Jet2 takes a firmer stance by categorically stating that no hot foods are permitted on their flights. When it comes to cold food, they say: “You can bring cold snacks and treats, but they must be packaged appropriately and meet any applicable security regulations. “

The airline also emphasises that anything deemed unsuitable due to weight, size, nature or because it’s fragile or perishable – or potentially affecting the comfort, health or safety of others – including hot or smelly foods and drinks, won’t be accepted on board.

Brit holidaymakers are being warned to make one urgent check before bringing their medication to the airport – or face potential action when they reach their destination

One of the major parts of packing up a suitcase for holiday is making sure you have the correct amount of medication.

Some people take pain-killers with them as a precaution, while others generally need to take a whole host of tablets on their journey due to pre-existing medical conditions. Whatever your scenario, there are some medicines which need extra attention before you set off on your travels.

Some relatively popular pain-killers are actually restricted in some places, according to experts at Which? who say it’s important to check if your pills are complying with the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. If you’re leaving the country with medicine that contains a controlled drug, you’ll have to prove its intended use with a letter from your doctor.

Codeine or medication containing codeine can get you arrested in countries like Thailand and the UAE (United Arab Emirates). These can be found in certain medications, including Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine. Other strong painkillers, like morphine and tramadol, are prohibited, as these are known to be highly addictive.

READ MORE: Airport worker’s suitcase hack that means it comes off the plane first

Other countries with strict rules on medication are: Greece, Japan, and Mexico. Countries have different restrictions on how much a passenger can bring into the country. Still, a medical letter from a professional will be needed as proof.

If the person travelling intends to be outside of the country for a long period of time, they will need to apply for a personal license from the Home Office at least 15 days before the intended departure date. Which? also recommended keeping the medicine in its original packaging and bringing a copy of the prescription as back-up.

Full list of medications

While restrictions differ for every country, the experts said: “You should be especially cautious if you are planning on travelling anywhere with any of these, or with medical equipment such as syringes or an EpiPen, as you’re likely to need some form of written permission.”

• Codeine or medication containing codeine – typically found in Nurofen Plus and Solpadeine.
• Morphine and tramadol
• Opiate painkillers
• Antidepressants
• Sleeping pills
• Anti-anxiety medication (including diazepam)
• ADHD medication
• Cannabidiol

The government’s foreign travel advice medication advisory for Greece says: “Pharmacies across Greece stock a good supply of medicines, but there are strict rules around dispensing certain medicines, including antibiotics. Bring prescription medicines with you and carry a letter from your doctor stating the quantity required during your stay.

“Keep the medication in the original container with the prescription label. The name on the prescription must match the name on your passport.”

While air passengers are allowed to carry alcoholic drinks into the cabins of most UK airlines, there are strict rules surrounding quantity, type and consumption

Travellers are widely banned from consuming their own alcohol on-board a flight, but they are allowed to bring sealed bottles into the cabin.

There’s a whole host of restrictions travellers need to be aware of, and flicking open a can of beer or popping open a bottle of wine, unless you’ve bought it from a flight attendant, is strictly prohibited on all airlines.

It’s more than likely you’ve bought a discounted bottle of your favourite tipple at the duty-free shop in the departures lounge, but you will need to wait until you land to enjoy it responsibly.

We’ve rounded up the rules you need to be aware of on some of the UK’s most popular carriers.

READ MORE: Pretty coastal town with UK’s best hidden beach named cheapest seaside day out

Ryanair

Ryanair allows passengers to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages on board, so long as they fit within the airline’s cabin bag size and weight restrictions. However, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages are not permitted onboard.

Additionally, alcohol with an ABV of more than 70% (140% proof) is not permitted onto the aircraft either through carry-on luggage or in your checked-in baggage.

If you wish to drink onboard, duty-free purchases of tobacco and alcohol may also be available on all flights to the EU from non-EU member states.

READ MORE: What is methanol poisoning? Inside the deadly trend targeting young backpackers

Jet2

Jet2 explicitly states that passengers may not bring alcohol on board their carriers for the purposes of consumption whilst on the aircraft, with the brand reminding passengers that it is an offence to be drunk on any aircraft.

Only alcoholic drinks purchases on board can be consumed during the flight, but the airline reserves the right to serve alcoholic drinks to passengers at their absolute discretion.

Jet2 also states that passengers are not permitted to carry: “Items which in our reasonable opinion are unsuitable for carriage by reason of their weight, size or character or which are fragile or perishable or which may affect the safety, health or comfort of other passengers or crew, this may include hot or strong smelling foods and drinks”.

British Airways

When it comes to the carry of alcohol into the cabin, British Airways says there is no limit on the number of alcoholic beverages you can travel with as long as their alcohol volume is below 24%. Though consumption of your own alcoholic beverages onboard is prohibited.

Still, you can carry up to five litres of alcohol with an ABV between 24% and 70%. This can travel in your cabin bag if you purchased it in the airport duty-free shop. Drinks above 70% alcohol volume are not permitted on board any British Airways aircraft in either checked baggage or hand baggage.

TUI

TUI passengers are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the cabin with some stipulations. Alcoholic beverages containing more than 24% but no more than 70% ABV are permitted in checked baggage and carry-on baggage.

The beverages need to be in retail packaging and be no more than five litres per individual receptacle, with no more than five litres total net quantity per person for such beverages.

easyJet

easyJet passengers are permitted to bring alcohol bought in the airside departure lounge into the cabin, as long as it’s unopened. Alcohol must be lower than 70% abv, and packed either in an airport shopping bag or in your cabin bag.

It’s strictly forbidden to drink any alcohol that has not been purchased on board the aircraft and those found consuming their own alcohol may face prosecution.

Being drunk on a flight: The rules

Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary has more recently spoken out about drunk passengers causing mayhem on-board, after binge-drinking in the airport before getting onto the plane. In some heated incidents, brawls have erupted and cabin crew members have been assaulted.

He has called for a two-drink maximum restriction at airport bars to clamp down on this issue, which is not just confined to the budget airline. In the UK, it’s a criminal offence to board an aircraft while drunk, or to be drunk while on-board.

Fines of up to £5,000 can be slapped on offending passengers with up to two years in prison. Drunk customers who cause chaos mid-flight could face a huge £80,000 bill to cover the airline’s costs if it is forced to divert.

Travel Supermarket says: “The law also gives cabin crew significant authority. They have the right to refuse to serve alcohol to any passenger and if they believe someone is drunk, they can take measures to restrain them if necessary.”

Two British cruise guests have been arrested in Ibiza for fleeing without paying their onboard expenses.

They cut and ran, leaving an unpaid bill of £2,685, police said.

They were caught about three hours after leaving the ship at the airport and promptly arrested.

“The couple tried to leave the cruise liner in a hurry with their luggage, declining to pay the cost of expenditure linked to their holiday,” a National Police spokesperson said.

They now face charges of defrauding the cruise line.

Neither the cruise line or the passengers have been named.

They were described as a 23-year old male and a 18-year old female.

Police said the outstanding bill relates to ‘several consumptions’ and ‘various items linked to their room.’

Related News Stories:  Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak     Virgin Voyages back in Portsmouth     Jetline cruise bookings cancelled by Carnival brands     Regent Seven Seas Cruises – TravelMole     Windstar Cruises Names Helen Beck As Managing Director, Global …     Man jailed for cruise ship bomb threat     Carnival Cruise Line UK office to close     Partner News – TravelMole     British Airways suspends more US flights     Princess Cruises to air Hannah Waddingham ‘Love Boat’ ad    

Two British cruise guests have been arrested in Ibiza for fleeing without paying their onboard expenses.

They cut and ran, leaving an unpaid bill of £2,685, police said.

They were caught about three hours after leaving the ship at the airport and promptly arrested.

“The couple tried to leave the cruise liner in a hurry with their luggage, declining to pay the cost of expenditure linked to their holiday,” a National Police spokesperson said.

They now face charges of defrauding the cruise line.

Neither the cruise line or the passengers have been named.

They were described as a 23-year old male and a 18-year old female.

Police said the outstanding bill relates to ‘several consumptions’ and ‘various items linked to their room.’

Related News Stories:  Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak     Virgin Voyages back in Portsmouth     Jetline cruise bookings cancelled by Carnival brands     Regent Seven Seas Cruises – TravelMole     Windstar Cruises Names Helen Beck As Managing Director, Global …     Man jailed for cruise ship bomb threat     Carnival Cruise Line UK office to close     Partner News – TravelMole     British Airways suspends more US flights     Princess Cruises to air Hannah Waddingham ‘Love Boat’ ad    

A former British Airways cabin crew member has lifted the lid on the most germ-ridden parts of a plane – and passengers may be alarmed to realise it’s hard to avoid

A former British Airways flight attendant has revealed the dirtiest parts of a plane – and four of them are seat components in the cabin.

Jane Hawkes, a former flight attendant for British Airways, shared the best tips and tricks on how to make your journey as comfortable as possible – and has urged passengers to carry either a bottle of hand sanitiser or a packet of anti-bacterial wipes before sitting comfortably.

She added: “When travelling on a plane, where possible, avoid touching any areas unless you’ve sanitised them.” A small pocket-size bottle of hand sanitiser retails from around £1.22 – and can be bought in advance of from the departures lounge at an airport.

READ MORE: I was a check-in agent and this is how you can get a flight upgrade – but there’s a catch

It’s common to see airline staff racing around the cabin between passengers disembarking and boarding. During this quick turnaround, rubbish is picked up and a clean up is undertaken. This is along with all the routine checks they have to do.

It is a common belief that not every seat is scrutinised for its cleanliness, therefore, Jane has recommended anyone planning to fly this summer to carry hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes in the hand luggage. This is so you can make sure your immediate area is germ-free.

The ‘worst offending areas’

And, according to Jane, she said: “Aircraft are only ever deep-cleaned if they’re taken in for maintenance.” Listing what she claims are the “worst offending areas”, she added: “The worst offending areas are tray tables, armrests, seas and headrests, so always give them a wipe down before using,” she added.

British Airways’ website states the airline ensures that all key surfaces are clean after every flight and all aircrafts are deeply cleaned every day. They explained: “The air on all British Airways flights is fully recycled once every two to three minutes through HEPA filters, which remove microscopic bacteria and virus clusters with over 99% efficiency, equivalent to hospital operating theatre standards.”

Another benefit of carrying anti-bacterial gel and wipes is that it could help prevent the spread of any illnesses – something that is relatively common on a flight due to the close proximity of people.

In Jane’s description of unhygienic practices on-board a flight, she also touched upon travellers who opt to take off their socks and shoes. She said: “Another ‘complete no-no’? Travellers who ‘take off their shoes and socks’ are breaking every etiquette rule in the book. ‘I’ve seen passengers walk barefoot around the cabin, yuck.”

READ MORE: Flight hack hated by airlines can save you £228 but there’s a catch