Airlines are always looking for ways to cut costs (aren’t we all). But you may wonder if that leads to risks for you as a passenger. You may have heard that the airplane blankets on flights have some possible issues. Let’s dive deeper and talk about some other options in case you decide they aren’t for you.
Are Airplane Blankets Sanitary?
That depends on who you ask and the airline in question. According to Travel + Leisure writer Olivia Young, a flight attendant shared that passengers often use complimentary blankets for some very questionable things. For example, the airplane blankets could be used to clean up spilled drinks or food, wipe someone’s runny nose, or even while changing the diaper of a baby!
She went on to say that the blankets might be taken off at the end of the flight to be laundered and sealed in plastic. That is, if it were an international flight. For domestic flights, the flight attendants are sometimes instructed to just fold those blankets up to be used again. Yuck!
More information can be found in a How Stuff Works article written by Patrick J. Kiger. They mention that some airlines have eliminated complimentary blankets and pillows completely. Instead, the airplane blankets are sometimes offered to select passengers, such as in first class or just for very long international flights. They go on to say that JetBlue charges for a blanket or pillow, which the passenger then owns as a reusable and more sustainable option.
What’s Better Than Complimentary Airplane Blankets?
The better option is always going to be your own travel blankets. This allows you to have something comfortable, reusable, and sanitary. You know where your own blanket has been. There are a lot of options available, so we’ll list some of the options to make it easier. (Amazon links are affiliate links, so your purchase may yield a small commission to the writer.)
BlueHills Travel Blanket Pillow: It’s a compact, comfy option that you can use as a pillow or a blanket. On Amazon, it has 4.6 stars currently with 827 reviews. It has a little strap and clip so you can hang it off your bag. Reviews have said that it’s “soft and cuddly,” and they like how compact it is. It keeps you warm and handles machine washing well. It also comes in several colors and is currently under $30.
PAVILIA Travel Blanket Pillow: Another nice option for a blanket/pillow. This one has a luggage strap so you can fasten it around the handle of your suitcase. It has 4.6 stars with over 2,500 reviews. This one has a couple of cute checker patterns available as well as a bunch of solid colors. At $23.99, it’s priced really well, too. Reviewers have said that it’s comfortable and keeps its softness even after washing. They liked the size of the blanket and that the strap could be used as a shoulder strap as well.
Nenolix 3 in 1 Travel Blanket Pillow Set: We really like the look of this one. It has 4.7 stars with 247 reviews. The blanket folds up into the travel case, which has a pocket where you can stick things like your phone or earbuds. It also comes with an inflatable pillow. It comes in eight colors. It also has a clip for hanging it on your bag. Reviewers liked the softness and that it was compact. They said the inflatable pillow was easy to use. And it’s the best-priced option so far at $21.99 currently.
Commollis 2-in-1 Travel Blanket: If you’re on a really tight budget, check out this one at $11.99. It has 4.4 stars and comes with a pouch to make carrying it easy.
EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow Value Bundle: If you’re looking for a bundle to cover two people, we recommend checking out this highly rated option!
Wrapping it Up
Airplane blankets might be just fine, sanitation-wise. But maybe it’s not a good idea to chance it. And, if you’re not flying first class, they might not be available at all. So it’s probably best to have your own. The options we found are quite nice, and there are many more to choose from. Happy travels!
*Product links may be affiliate links, and the writer could receive a small commission if you make a purchase.
