Why You Shouldn’t Use the Travel Blankets on Planes

What do hair, food, mold, and bodily fluids have in common? They’re all things that travelers have found inside complimentary airplane blankets, according to Natalie Magee, a flight attendant of 20 years. That’s right: Even flight attendants don’t want to touch them after seeing passengers use them to clean up spills, wipe their noses, and catch toenail clippings. “Probably one of the grossest things I’ve seen is someone using blankets to change their baby’s diaper,” Magee admitted to Travel + Leisure. Yuck.   

As for how often these communal blankets get washed, Magee said that it depends on the airline and type of flight. “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.” 

So, how can you be sure that your blanket hasn’t been used as a tissue or a diaper changing table? Magee stressed that “if they aren’t in a [sealed] bag, they aren’t sanitary.” Her advice? Bring your own. Thankfully, Amazon is stocked with personal travel blankets, like the EverSnug Blanket, that pack into a compact pillow, ensuring you’ll never have to second-guess the sanitary state of your in-flight blanket again. 

Eversnug Travel Blanket

This dual-purpose, carry-on-friendly EverSnug blanket, which is actually flight attendant-approved, folds up into a zipper pouch, creating a square travel pillow that can be slipped over the handle of your suitcase or hooked onto your backpack à la the included carabiner. On the flight, rest your head against the pillow for extra head support, or unravel it and curl up for a nap. Reviewers said the plush, fuzzy microfleece is “heavenly to the touch” and is “way better” than the blankets that airlines typically provide.

In fact, one customer was so eager to rate it that they wrote their review while waiting in the immigration processing line, fresh off an 11.5-hour international flight. They said they “slept like a baby” thanks to the “silky and comfy” pillow cover.

Eversnug Travel Blanket

Those are just some of the standout reviews. More than 6,000 people have given this clever two-in-one travel blanket a five-star rating thus far for its comfort and convenience, including other flight attendants. “I’m a flight attendant and this blanket is perfect for cold cabins,” wrote one reviewer, while a former flight attendant of 30 years wrote that they “highly recommend” it, noting that it’s “comfortable” and “so easy” to pack in a carry-on bag. 

Take a cue from Magee and B.Y.O.B. (bring your own blanket): “I always bring my own if I want to use it for comfort.” Looking for more options at Amazon? Keep scrolling for more two-in-one travel blankets and pillows, starting at $18.

More Travel Blanket and Pillow Sets to Shop:

Pavilia Travel Blanket Pillow

Boacay Travel Blanket Pillow

Bluehills Travel Blanket Pillow

Venture 4th 2-in-1 Travel Blanket Pillow

Nenolix 3-in-1 Travel Blanket Pillow Set

At the time of publishing, the price started at $30.

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