Are airplane blankets clean? Know what flight attendants want you to know

For many air travelers, particularly on long-haul or overnight flights, a complimentary blanket is a welcome amenity. It promises warmth and comfort in a typically cold and cramped cabin environment. However, the safety and hygiene of these in-flight blankets have been a growing concern among passengers and flight crews alike. While they may appear clean, there have been alarming reports suggesting that these blankets may harbor bacteria, bodily fluids, food residue, and even mold.

With inconsistent cleaning schedules across airlines and anecdotal evidence from seasoned flight attendants, the question arises—are these blankets truly safe to use? This article explores the hygiene practices associated with airplane blankets , what experts say, and what travelers should consider before wrapping up on board.


Why airline blankets may not be safe: Flight Attendant reveals startling hygiene secrets

As per reports, veteran flight attendant Natalie Magee, with over two decades of experience, recently spoke to Travel + Leisure about the reality behind in-flight blanket hygiene. According to Magee, complimentary blankets—especially those used on domestic flights—are often subjected to questionable reuse practices. She noted that she and her colleagues have frequently witnessed behaviors by passengers that render these blankets unsanitary.

Unhygienic passenger behavior

Magee reported various instances where passengers misused airline blankets, including:

• Wiping noses or sneezes
• Cleaning spills or food messes
• Using them during diaper changes

One particularly disturbing case she recalled involved a passenger using a blanket as a makeshift diaper changing mat for their baby, an incident she described as one of the "grossest" moments in her career. Due to such experiences, many flight attendants reportedly avoid handling these blankets altogether.


Airline blanket hygiene: Clean on international flights, questionable on domestic

The cleaning frequency and procedures for in-flight blankets differ widely depending on the airline and the nature of the flight—international versus domestic.

International flights: Better sanitation standards

For long-haul international flights, airlines are generally more diligent. Magee explained that most major carriers have third-party cleaning contractors responsible for washing used blankets. These are typically laundered in industrial-grade machines using hot water. After cleaning, the blankets are sealed in plastic bags before being redistributed for reuse.


Domestic flights: Hygiene practices are often lax

On domestic routes, the story is quite different. Magee revealed that on several occasions, flight crews were instructed to simply refold used blankets and place them back in the storage bin without washing. This practice raises serious health concerns, as passengers have no way of knowing if the blanket they’re receiving was freshly laundered or just recycled from the previous flight.


Safety risks associated with in-flight blanket use

Using potentially dirty blankets on a flight poses several risks, particularly in a closed environment where airborne illness transmission is already a concern. Some key hygiene hazards include:

• Allergen exposure: Blankets may carry pet dander or pollen from previous users.
• Bacterial growth: Moisture, food crumbs, and body oils can promote bacteria or mold development.
• Skin infections: Contact with contaminated materials may cause rashes or irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Flight crew best practices and recommendations

Given the questionable hygiene of airline-provided blankets, Magee and other industry professionals suggest the following:


1. Bring your own blanket

• Passengers, especially frequent travelers, are strongly encouraged to bring their own compact, washable travel blanket. These are widely available online through platforms like Amazon and can easily fit into carry-on luggage.

2. Use only sealed blankets

• If relying on airline blankets, travelers should only use those that come in a factory-sealed plastic bag. Unsealed or loosely folded blankets may have been previously used and refolded without proper cleaning.

3. Disinfect your seating area

• In addition to avoiding questionable blankets, passengers should also wipe down tray tables, armrests, and seat belts using sanitizing wipes to reduce exposure to germs.

Airlines offering blankets on board

Most US carriers provide complimentary blankets, particularly on international and overnight routes. These include:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• JetBlue (on select long-haul flights)
• Alaska Airlines (in premium cabins or transcontinental routes)

Budget airlines may offer blankets as paid amenities or not at all.


Where to buy travel blankets

For travelers looking to purchase personal travel blankets, popular and reliable options are available through:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Travel specialty stores like REI or The Container Store

Look for products labeled as machine washable, lightweight, and compact for optimal convenience during travel.