Before boarding their flights, most travellers flock to airport seating areas for a moment of rest — or even a nap. But a recent TikTok video is making many rethink that habit after revealing just how dirty those seats can be.
TikToker @howdirtyis posted a video showing the results of a swab test conducted on chairs at New York’s LaGuardia Airport — and the findings are stomach-churning.
In the clip, the creator is seen swabbing a black-and-red synthetic seat at the airport gate, including the armrests and backrest. The samples are then placed in a petri dish and stored in a fridge to allow bacterial growth to appear.
When the dish is later removed, visible streaks of bacteria have formed, revealing the extent of the contamination.
The TikToker explains that the bacteria found is primarily skin-related, likely left behind by dozens of travelers who use the seats daily.
A warning flashes across the screen: “Just something to bear in mind if you’re taking a quick nap.”
The video, which has already garnered over 56,000 likes, left viewers stunned. One horrified commenter wrote, “The airport never fails to make me feel gross.”
Another said, “This is why I always change clothes as soon as I get home.”
The findings come in the wake of a recent measles outbreak at U.S. airports.
Dr. Darin Detwiler, a former FDA public health advisor, spoke to MailOnline about minimising germ exposure during travel.
“Your exposure starts before you even enter the airport,” he warned, highlighting that rideshares and airport shuttles often lack proper sanitation. He recommends disinfecting high-touch surfaces such as seatbelt buckles and handles with wipes or sanitiser.
And even upgrading your travel experience doesn’t necessarily shield you from germs. Dr. Detwiler noted that while airport lounges may be more comfortable, they’re not any cleaner, particularly around buffet stations and frequently touched surfaces. He suggests opting for individually packaged meals and using napkins or paper towels to touch faucets and bathroom doors.
So next time you settle in at your gate, it might be worth giving that chair a quick wipe down — or at least thinking twice before napping on it.
