Flying off on the trip of a lifetime is a thrilling experience. There’s nothing more exciting than buckling yourself into the plane, knowing you’re heading off to your dream destination.

However  planes can be extremely dirty places, and if you want to enjoy your holiday without getting sick, there is one specific part of the plane you should steer well clear of. New research from Medical Travel Insurance specialists AllClear, found that nearly a third of all travellers) store items like food or phones in the seatback pocket – despite an ex-flight attendant warning this is one of the more unhygienic parts of a plane with all kinds of things being stored in there.

One ex-attendant said: “Sometimes dirty nappies and used sick bags would be left in seat pockets”.

Where possible, travellers should try to store snacks in resealable containers and sanitise their hands immediately if they use the pockets.

It’s not just the seat pockets that are gross, though - the tray tables you eat from can also be grimy places. One former flight attendant said: “Tray tables are probably among the most unsanitary parts [of the plane] - cleaners would often use the same cloth for every table.”

On top of this, one in 16 passengers says they've changed a nappy on their seat or tray table, which you then lean your head on, or eat from. 

Instead of resting your face on the tray table, seat or any other surface, bring a neck pillow to lean on and get some rest whilst travelling.

The experts do recommend keeping the neck pillow clean and giving it a wash after every trip so no germs and dirt can build up.

If you are eating on your flight, bring antibacterial wipes with you and give the tray table a quick wipe down before setting your food on it.