Tray Tables Are the Dirtiest Surface on a Plane
Embed This Widget
Add the script tag and a data attribute to embed this widget.
Embed via iframe for maximum compatibility.
<iframe src="https://airportfyi.com/iframe/entity//" width="420" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0;border-radius:10px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy"></iframe>Paste this URL in WordPress, Medium, or any oEmbed-compatible platform.
https://airportfyi.com/entity//Add a dynamic SVG badge to your README or docs.
[](https://airportfyi.com/entity//)Use the native HTML custom element.
2,155
CFU per square inch
Studies have found that airplane tray tables harbor an average of 2,155 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch, more than lavatory flush buttons.
Explanation
Tray tables are used for eating, sleeping, and as changing tables for infants, yet they are not always thoroughly cleaned between flights during quick turnarounds. The lavatory flush button averages only 265 CFU per square inch by comparison. Overhead air vents and seat belt buckles also rank high for bacterial counts. Travelers can reduce exposure by wiping tray tables with disinfectant wipes before use.