When packing for a flight, you may think, “Shorts are comfortable, so why not?” Well, according to flight attendant and TikTok sensation Tommy Cimato, shorts are a big no-no. From questionable seat cleanliness to germs lurking on the windows, this is why you should reconsider your wardrobe choices before you board a plane.

Here’s the deal: Airplane seats may look immaculate, but they’ve been through a lot. Since planes make multiple trips every day, deep cleaning of every nook and cranny is not always on the agenda. This exposes surfaces like seats, windows and tray tables to the germs of countless passengers. Cimato puts it clearly: “If you wear pants, you reduce the risk of germs coming in contact with your skin.”

For families traveling with children, these precautions are especially important, as children are more likely to touch surfaces and spread germs.

Windows are germ magnets

Do you like the window seat? You might want to think twice before going against that approach. “It’s the same thing as leaning in front of a window. You don’t know how many people or children have touched the window or wiped their hands on it,” warns Cimato. Kids love to get their hands (and sometimes faces) on airplane windows, and germs love to stick to them during rides.

The same applies for toilets. Airplane bathrooms, although cleaned regularly, are shared by hundreds of passengers per flight. Cimato has a golden rule: never touch the toilet flush button with your bare hands. “It’s honestly extremely unhygienic,” he says, and trust us, he’s not exaggerating. Use a napkin, tissue, or even your elbow to keep things clean. And while we’re at it, remember to wash your hands – airplane sinks may be small, but they still get the job done.

Also read: Why are there ashtrays on planes when you can’t smoke in flight?

The attendant also has another important piece of advice for jet-setters — stay hydrated. He recommends drinking about 16 ounces of water per flight to combat dehydration, which is common due to dry cabin air.

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