7 Reasons You Shouldn't Sleep on the Floor of an Airplane
Traveling can definitely be strenuous, and believe us when we say we understand — especially when you don't have lounge access before your flight. But in the world of all things aviation, there are certain rules that everyone should follow (unless, of course, you want to end up featured on Passenger Shaming).
The Passenger Shaming Instagram account recently shared a photo of two travelers sleeping on a plane. One passenger was laying horizontally across three seats. The other is lying down on — wait for it — the floor of the airplane. There are plenty of unspoken rules that should almost never be broken during a flight. Among them? Taking off your shoes and socks; clipping your nails; and getting too frisky.
But we have to admit, even we've never seen this before:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gTDNJl7iq/
First of all, there are simply so many things wrong with this photo. Our first question is just, why? And where are her shoes? How did they decide who slept on the seats and who slept on the ground?
Either way, nothing can really justify the willingness of someone to sleep on a floor that has not been cleaned in, well, who knows how long. After seeing this, we may not blame Naomi Campbell for her insane pre-flight cleaning ritual.
Here at TPG, we always want to teach you the best ways to travel, so we are officially advising against this method of sleeping for quite a few reasons.
1. The turn time of a plane determines how much it gets cleaned.
For all our AvGeeks out there, this isn't really breaking news. A turn time is how long a crew has to turn over the plane from when it lands to when it takes off again. So, while business travelers love those shuttles to and from major cities, we have some bad news: These fast-turnaround flights are most likely the least clean.
2. Flight attendants focus on seats, armchairs and folding trays.
These areas are normally the parts of an aircraft travelers touch directly with their hands. So, you can probably bet the floors are too dirty for your face. Other areas of an airplane to watch out for? Headrests and seatback pockets.
3. Overnight cleans often only include vacuuming.
Taylor Garland, spokesperson for the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, told TPG that plane carpets are occasionally vacuumed between flights. If that makes you feel comfortable enough to lay your head on the floor, props to you. Personally, I'd need a thorough, deep clean before I even consider resting my face on the floor of a public airplane.
4. Airlines perform 'deep-cleans' about once a month.
United reported deep-cleaning every 35 to 55 days, and American every 30 days, according to the Wall Street Journal. When an airline deep-cleans a plane, they sanitize the ceiling, walls, overhead bins and shampoo the floor. I don't know about you, but I'm really hoping these two individuals knew the airline's deep-cleaning schedule before boarding.
5. There are no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cleaning guidelines.
Yes, you read that correctly. The FAA doesn't regulate or inspect the cleaning of planes, according to the same WSJ story and USA Today.
6. Sleeping on the floor is also extremely unsafe.
Garland also told TPG that, in the photo, it appears the woman sleeping on the floor may be in an exit row. This means the passenger is, "Blocking egress in an emergency," Garland said.
Adding to the safety issues, Garland pointed out that, "Neither of them appear to be wearing seat belts which could lead to severe injury, especially laying like that, in the event of turbulence."
7. There are specific products designed to help you sleep in an airplane seat.
Everyone has different sleep patterns, but bringing along products like earplugs, neck pillows and noise-canceling headphones can help you fall asleep no matter where in the world you are. We also enjoy roll-on lavender oil to feel calm and relaxed. We've reviewed eight, yes eight, different eye masks and you should always change into comfortable clothes before trying to doze off.
Bottom Line
Sleeping on the floor of an airplane is not only disgusting, but it's also unsafe. There are plenty of ways to upgrade or book a lie-flat seat for your long-haul flight as well. Come prepared with everything you need to sleep on a plane, and at least attempt to sleep in your seat.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.