3. Airport gate bench armrests
Another surprising one, explainable perhaps by the sheer number of passengers using them each day. These clocked in at an average 21,630 CFUs.
4. Water fountain button
These averaged 19,181 CFUs, which would seem horrible if it weren’t for the comparison to the self check-in screens. One possible explanation is simply that almost every passenger uses the check-in screens now, but many fewer use the water fountain. We’re a plastic bottle nation, now.
5. Tray tables
I admit, I was pretty sure these would be on here. They came in at 11,595 CFUs. How often do airlines wash them, anyway? (Answer below.)
6. Seat belt buckle
Given where the rest of these are coming in, the seat belt buckle’s rating of 1,116 CFUs seems rather tame, like you could almost perform surgery.
Compare these six surfaces to the average home toilet seat (172 CFUs), bathroom doorknob (203 CFUs), or kitchen sink (21,000 CFUs).
“Cleanliness standards are up to the individual airline, as the FAA doesn’t regulate how often or how thoroughly airlines are required to sanitize aircraft,” reported The Points Guy. “Cleaning crews typically just remove trash and wipe down lavatories … while deep cleaning only takes place every month or so at best.”
Bottom line: We can’t stop traveling. So start carrying hand sanitizer.
Article Appeared @https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/this-is-dirtiest-place-in-any-airport-according-to-a-new-study-and-its-definitely-not-one-youre-thinking-of.html