A California woman raises concerns after exposing common unsanitary habits at the airport. Viewers are shocked by how common these habits are, sparking concern over airport hygiene.
On July 24, Lindsay Albanese (@bylindsayalbanese) shared her list of unacceptable airport habits in a viral TikTok, which has amassed over 35,000 views as of this writing.
“There are three things I wouldn’t be caught dead doing when traveling,” she said.
What Is Her Advice on Airport Hygiene?
In the video, she listed several airport hygiene tips that concern her most.
The first tip she had was to avoid wearing pants that drag on the floor.
“You’re going to all the bathrooms, you’re walking around, and you’re snuggling up in your clothes in your airline seat with pubic hair and pee,” she cautioned.
The second habit she warned viewers to avoid is wearing shorts or a short dress.
“I would never wear shorts or a short dress,” she said. “Your thighs are just rubbing up on everyone else’s thigh sweat, … food crumbs, and drool.”
Lastly, she warned viewers against eating after touching the airport security bins.
“If you’re with me, I’m gonna be the police on that,” she said.
As a last bonus warning, she cautioned viewers against wearing open-toed shoes.
“Your toes just hanging out, getting cozy on the airplane floor,” she said.
Are Airports a Hygiene Risk?
Overwhelmingly, commenters agreed with Albanese’s warnings about cleanliness at airports, raising questions about how safe airports really are.
“As a flight attendant, I couldn’t agree more,” said one user.
“SAME, I’m a certified airport germaphobe,” added another. “Carry hand sanitizer & wipes at the airport.”
Public health experts generally agree that airports are high-touch environments where good hygiene habits can reduce your risk of picking up germs. However, airports themselves are not considered uniquely dangerous places from a public health standpoint.
That being said, they bring together thousands of travelers from around the world who frequently touch shared surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces because they can contribute to the spread of germs. They emphasize that hand hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to prevent illness.
Some of Albanese’s specific tips are better supported by evidence than others. Her warning about touching TSA security bins before eating is perhaps the strongest.
Multiple studies have found that security bins are among the most frequently handled objects in airports because virtually every passenger touches them throughout the day.
While finding bacteria or viruses on a surface does not necessarily mean it will make someone sick, experts recommend washing or sanitizing your hands after passing through security and before eating.
Overall, infectious disease experts say travelers should focus on practical precautions rather than fearing every surface. Washing hands with soap and water after using the restroom, using hand sanitizer after security screening, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and staying home when sick are among the most effective measures.
Subplot News has reached out to Albanese via TikTok direct message and comment. We will update this story if she responds.
@bylindsayalbanese I’m could go on! Do I need to do a part two?? #traveltiktok #traveltok #traveltips ♬ original sound – Lindsay Albanese
