Here’s what you need to know about every airline’s cleanliness dilemma.

Frequent fliers are familiar with the many ways your body changes while in a pressurized tube at 40,000 feet: Your ears pop, your ability to taste shifts, and you may find it harder to put your shoes back on after flying. And while there are some tricks to help you combat that last problem — start with a good pair of compression socks, for one — the best advice may be just to keep your shoes on the whole time.

It turns out the real reasons you should do this have more to do with avoiding some seriously icky situations than keeping your feet cozy. Here’s the truth about every airline’s cleanliness dilemma, and how being barefoot could even keep you from flying in the first place.

Planes aren’t cleaned as often as you think.

Generally speaking, airplane cabins are not very clean — although, for what it’s worth, the air very much is.

“Cabins are cleaned prior to every flight, but that will be more perfunctory on a quick turn when there are only 15 or 20 minutes to get it done,” says pilot Patrick Smith, author of “Ask the Pilot: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel.”

That means what counts as cleaning the cabin could be as meager as tossing out the trash left behind in the seatback pockets and quickly wiping down high-touch surfaces like lavatory door handles. The reality is planes do go through deep cleaning, but not very often — the actual frequency varies by airline, but in general, this usually happens once every four to six weeks.

Otherwise, an airplane’s carpets are typically only vacuumed if time allows and spot-cleaned when necessary. In other words, whenever something — like food, a drink, or a type of bodily fluid — is spilled, the cleaning crew will eliminate the stain, but won’t necessarily disinfect the entire area, which could allow germs to spread.

“Those who decide to go barefoot might be picking up bacteria and viruses that could negatively impact their health,” says David Krause, the former owner of a business that manufactured cleaning products used on airplanes. “Likewise, the concern of picking up a fungal infection is always there as well.”

Oh, and while we’re discussing germs, the tray tables and armrests are absolutely filthy. Tray tables are one of the dirtiest parts of the plane — in addition to the bathroom handles, seat covers, overhead bins, and instruction cards — so put those alcohol wipes to good use and disinfect your space as soon as you board.

Flight attendants aren’t required to clean the restroom, just tidy it up.

Germaphobes everywhere, brace yourselves for this next part. You know those liquids on the floor in the lavatory? Flight attendants are not necessarily required to clean them up mid-flight, which means you could be stepping in urine.

Fortunately, airplane cleaning routines seem to have improved as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Krause says, adding that more disinfectants are being used to help prevent the spread of the virus. The real question is whether or not they’ve stayed that way.

According to an article by The Washington Post, staff shortages during and after the height of the pandemic have contributed to cleaning regimens becoming less thorough, as have changes in virus prevention protocol. Only time will tell if another outbreak results in cleanliness measures becoming more strict.

Being barefoot could get you kicked off the plane.

While airlines in general seem to have pretty standard dress code guidelines, being barefoot comes up in the contract of carriage when you agree to fly with a given carrier. The idea of “no shoes, no service” is actually quite prevalent in the terms and conditions of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines, and may keep you from flying at all.

Besides preventing a potentially smelly and unhygienic situation for everyone else on board, airlines need passengers to wear shoes for safety reasons, namely so they have their feet covered in the event of an emergency.

If anything, save your most comfortable footwear for your next flight or invest in some flight attendant-approved travel shoes. And whatever you do — out of courtesy for everyone else who sits there after you — don’t put your feet up on the tray tables or armrests. We’re all in this together. And come on, that’s just gross.

Taking a trip soon? Here are simple ways to protect your sleep from time zone changes.

It’s no secret that traveling can disrupt your sleep patterns. Sleep problems can multiply if you’re traveling long distances across multiple time zones, resulting in jet lag.

Jet lag isn’t just a made-up term frequent flyers use to describe being tired. It’s a real thing. The circadian rhythm is our internal clock, and it helps regulate when we should go to sleep and wake up. Changing your time zone affects the time you go to bed, and your body can become out of sync. According to the Mayo Clinic, common jet lag symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Trouble falling asleep
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of appetite
• Stomach problems
• Mood changes

Don’t let jet lag ruin your travel plans. I’ve pulled together a list of tips to help you adjust to the new time zone quicker and save your sleep quality.

7 tips for combating jet lag

1. Start prepping before your trip

Making slight adjustments before entering the new time zone can lessen jet lag symptoms. To do this, you can gradually change your circadian rhythm to the new time zone by shifting the time you go to sleep and wake up. Typically, you want the changes to be minor, around 30 minutes at a time. Doing this the week leading up to your trip can help you bounce back quicker.

2. Live like the locals

When you change time zones, you want to adapt your activities as quickly as possible. Forget your old time zone; it means nothing to you now. That means eating and sleeping when you would normally, according to the new time zone, even if you wouldn’t usually sleep for another three hours. If possible, it’s also good practice to time your meals with local mealtimes.

Before taking off, act like you are already there. Set your watch to the correct time and sleep when you can. If you’re flying when you would be sleeping at your destination, try sleeping on the plane to avoid jet lag. Small changes in advance will make the later ones less drastic.

3. Hang out in the sunshine

Light is one of the most important ways your circadian rhythm determines when you fall asleep and wake up. As it gets dark, our bodies release melatonin to prepare for sleep. Spending time in the sun will help your body adjust to the new time zone by halting the natural release of melatonin. If you arrive at your destination during the day, don’t immediately duck into your hotel room — hang outside for a few hours and soak up the sun.

4. Make sure the room is ready for sleep

Sleeping in a new space can be challenging. To combat this, make sure the room you’re sleeping in — whether a hotel room or the spare bedroom of your grandmother’s house — is conducive to sleep.

Ways to make sleeping when traveling easy:

• Set the thermostat to a cool temperature to keep things comfortable all night. The best temperature for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Pack items from home to make it more familiar — a blanket, a white noise machine or your favorite pajamas.
• Try using a sleep mask to block out any light in the room.
• Make sure you’re sleeping on a comfortable mattress that suits your sleeping position and body type.

5. Avoid drinking caffeine (and alcohol)

The instinct is to reach for a cup of coffee to keep you going through the fog of jet lag, but it can actually make the situation worse. It’s not that you can’t drink it; you just need to be strategic about timing. If you arrive at your destination in the evening, drinking coffee or soda will make sleeping harder if it’s too close to bedtime. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol a few hours before bed. Substitute those beverages with water to ensure you’re hydrated as dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of jet lag.

6. Try melatonin

Our bodies naturally produce melatonin to help regulate our circadian rhythm. As the sun goes down, our body is flooded with melatonin, which makes us sleepy. Melatonin supplements can help you fall asleep more easily by jump-starting that process. Regarding dosage, 0.5mg is typically considered a lower dose, while 5mg is on the higher side.

7. Take a warm shower or bath

After taking melatonin, jump in the shower or soak in the tub to relax. Research suggests that taking a shower or bath can help you fall asleep faster. As you cycle through the stages of sleep, your body temperature naturally fluctuates a couple of degrees. Bathing helps that process along by cooling your body temperature. But not just any shower will do; you should aim for warm water about an hour and a half before bed.

If you are someone who loves to travel but often gets stuck with the planning, we are here to help. Follow these steps:

It’s not possible to see and experience the world in one lifetime. But that doesn’t mean you should not try. Travel exposes you to different cultures, traditions and experiences. Not to miss, you make beautiful memories along the way. But if you are someone who loves to travel but often gets stuck with the planning, we are here to help. Follow these steps:

Make your to-do list

The possibilities are endless when you plan to travel to a destination. A list of activities to look forward to and the required accessories for that makes the journey easy and relaxed. With a list, you will also be able to dedicate your time to things that are important to you.

Know the locals

Connecting with the locals will always be a big help. It will allow you to explore new and genuinely good places – local events or festivals. This will be a great way to learn more about the local culture and make friends. It will add to your experience.

Don’t do the usual

We understand that you would want to visit the historical and famous places but what would add to the experience is to explore less-visited places. This stands true when we talk about food – always try lesser known restaurants. Talking to the locals will help in exploring the other side of the city.

Pack lightly and efficiently

Another important pointer is to pack lightly if you really want to enjoy the trip. You don’t want to waste time lugging around a heavy suitcase or backpack when traveling. You just need to pack carefully.

Depend on technology

Gadgets can be your best friend – You can explore new places, find locations, and research about sites, with just a click.

Whether you are traveling for a week or a month, these tips can help make your journey more memorable and enjoyable.

With these practical tips, layovers can be easy to navigate and can even be something you may start looking forward to as you travel!

Stuck in transit? No problem! Long layovers can be a drag — or they can be the unexpected highlight of your journey. But your transits don’t have to be a mere dull stretch between two points. Whether you’re eating your way through an airport, squeezing in a quick workout, or exploring a new city, you’re already halfway to your next great transit story. With the right mindset (and a few insider tips), you can make those hours between flights not just bearable but genuinely fun. Whether you’ve got four hours or fourteen, here’s how to transform your layover into an experience — full of fun, relaxation, and maybe even a little indulgence.

Here Are 8 Things To Do During A Long Layover:

1. Don’t Just Wait Around — Plan Ahead

The key to a killer layover is preparation. Before your trip, research the airport and its surroundings. Does it have a spa, a swimming pool, or fancy lounges? Are there express city tours or a nearby must-visit cafe? Jot down your options so you’re not frantically googling “things to do at Doha Airport” at the last minute. And don’t forget to check if you need a visa to leave the airport, especially for longer layovers.

2. Get Lounging Like A Pro

Airport lounges aren’t just for first-class flyers anymore. Many allow you to purchase a day pass, giving you access to comfy seating, free food, and, most importantly, showers. Trust us, a hot shower and a plate of fresh food feel like a five-star experience after hours in economy seating. Plus, lounges are perfect if you need to catch up on work, charge your devices, or just enjoy some quiet time.

3. Hit The Gym Or Spa

Been sitting for hours on a plane? Shake off the stiffness with a gym session if your airport has one. Major hubs like Singapore Changi and Munich Airport have fitness centres where you can break a sweat. Prefer something less intense? Many airports now offer spas where you can treat yourself to a massage, mani-pedi, or even acupuncture. A little self-care can do wonders for your mood before your next flight.

4. Take A Mini City Break

If your layover is six hours or longer, why not head out and explore the city? Many airports offer quick transit options, so you can tick off major attractions in a few hours. For example, if you’re in Istanbul, you can marvel at the Hagia Sophia and sip Turkish tea along the Bosphorus. Just be mindful of traffic and leave plenty of time to get back through security.

5. Go On A Foodie Adventure

Airport food doesn’t have to mean sad sandwiches and overpriced crisps. Many airports have upped their game with gourmet restaurants, craft beer bars, and even Michelin-starred dining. For example, Tokyo-Narita Airport offers incredible sushi, while Schiphol in Amsterdam boasts an impressive cheese selection. Treat yourself to a mini culinary tour — you’re on holiday, after all!

6. Shop Till You Drop

Duty-free shopping is the perfect excuse to splurge on luxury skincare, electronics, or that bottle of whisky you’ve been eyeing. But it’s not just about the big brands — some airports have unique shops selling locally made goods. Think handmade chocolates in Zurich or alpaca wool scarves in Lima. Even a quick window-shopping session can help kill time.

7. Take A Nap — Comfortably

If sleep is what you need, do it in style. Many airports now have dedicated nap zones with reclining chairs or even sleep pods for hire. Some, like Doha’s Hamad International Airport, offer free sleep spots with dim lighting and cosy chairs. Catching a few Zs in a peaceful setting beats nodding off on a plastic bench any day.

8. Spend Time With A Good Book Or Show

Whether you prefer reading, binge-watching, or gaming, a long layover is a prime time to dive into something entertaining. Carry a book or download your favourite series, audiobooks, or a new podcast before your flight. Pair that with a comfy corner and a good coffee, and suddenly, those hours won’t seem long at all.

So, next time you see a long layover on your itinerary, don’t groan. Think of it as a chance to add an extra layer to your travel experience. Who knows? You might just start looking forward to them!