Flight attendant shares ‘grim’ part of the plane to avoid

Flight attendant says avoid ‘grim’ part of the plane – ‘doesn’t get emptied’ (Image: Getty)Speaking to bathroom specialists Sanctuary Bathrooms, the flight attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, explained the aeroplane bathrooms are cleaned after every flight, long or short, but only if “turnover” time allows.The turnover or turnaround is the available time a plane has from landing at the destination airport until take off for a new flight.During this time, which is usually between 25 minutes to three hours, the aircraft has to park, the crew need to disembark passengers, clean the aircraft, change the catering, refuel the plane and board the new passengers.”It is an important part of the industry,” said the crew member, and crucial for the company as turnarounds typically cost significant sums of money per minute.The flight attendant explained: ‘This sometimes means that a full, deep clean of the aeroplane loo isn’t always possible due to lack of time and higher priorities. Generally, the cubicles get a quick wipe-down straight before a flight.READ MORE: Travel chaos on Ryanair flight as woman refuses to give up seat “A full, deep clean of the aeroplane loo isn’t always possible due to lack of time.” (Image: Getty)”Then during the flight, they tend to be checked every half an hour or so but again, if there are more urgent things going on, checking on the cleanliness of the loos can fall down the priority list.”She also revealed some passengers “might not be aware that the sewage tank, that collects all the waste from the loos, is onboard and there can sometimes be several, depending on the size of the plane”.The flight attendant continued: “This tank is supposed to get emptied once the plane has landed but with 2022 being one of the busiest years for flights, it can often be a couple of days before it gets fully emptied.”If the sewage tank was to overflow, there is a risk that pipes could burst and their contents could get into the aircraft – which has happened before!’DON’T MISSFlight attendant: Why they ‘awkwardly stand at the entrance of the plane’ [EXPLAINED] The destinations in Spain with most British residents [EXPATS]Flight attendant on private jet asked to lie about girlfriend [TRAVEL SECRET] “The tank is supposed to get emptied once the plane has landed but it can be a couple of days.” (Image: Getty)”This insight, and the useful tips provided, can encourage travellers to be more hygienic on their flight.”This not only can help reduce or slow down the risk of germs and spread of them, but also provide a better experience for other passengers too.”He recommended the best practice for good hygiene in any bathroom which is “sanitise, ventilate where possible and make sure surfaces are clean before and after use”.”Finally, if you’re returning from holiday, make sure you’re first in line for the shower!’