8 of TikTok's best aeroplane hacks — from the grossest areas onboard to scoring free drinks

Travel is finally opening up, and the jet setters among us can't wait to go explore the world once more.

But whether you're heading for a city break or to the beach, there's so much to learn from TikTok. Users of the platform include everyone from flight attendants to travel experts, and they have a plethora of handy hacks. I mean, did you know that you should avoid airplane water? Me neither.

Read on for eight of their most useful tips...

(Credit: Alamy)

1. Don't use airplane toilet paper

TikTok user and flight attendant, Kat Kamalani, has a slew of tips that you would be wise to bear in mind the next time you're onboard a place.

The first is to avoid opt for your own toilet paper. "I hate airplane toilet paper. They use the cheapest kind and it disintegrates in two seconds, so I always use the tissues because the tissues are always softer and way better quality," she says.

2. Never, ever touch these areas of your plane

And Kamalani has a slew of other places to avoid — for hygiene reasons.

She says never to touch the backseat pocket, for rather obvious reasons. "They clean them out between flights but they don’t sanitize them," the flight attendant explained to Forbes. "Think of all the dirty tissues, barf bags, and garbage that has been in there."

And if you're going to use the tray table, bring along some sanitizing wipes. "I have seen so many parents use this as a changing table for their child’s diaper—and then they put it in the backseat pocket."

Similarly, wipe down the overhead air vents before you touch them, as understandably, "they've seen thousands of hands."

And finally, when it comes to the safety guide cards, Kamalani says that they're often not sanitized, so yep, another wipe is in order.

(Credit: Unsplash)

3. If something's not right, you could get a complimentary beverage

Our last tip of Kamalani's should be used with caution! If you notice that something is broken — for example, your television monitor, the remote, or the air conditioning — flight attendants have the ability to offer you a free beverage to make up for the inconvenience.

As we all know, some airplanes don't offer complimentary drinks — so if you genuinely notice that something is out of order, then just let your flight attendant know, and keep your fingers crossed for a tipple of your fancy.

4. Use incognito mode when searching for flights

This is an oldie but a goodie. Several TikTok users have pointed out that you should use incognito mode if you're looking for a bargain flight.

"Airlines increase the price when they see you've searched for a flight repeatedly," says TikTok user @theprofessionaltraveller. She adds that you will also find the cheapest flights six weeks before you're due to set off — so don't book too early or last minute.

5. Avoid airplane water

If you're not bringing your own water bottle, then steer clear of any liquid that's not in a can or a bottle, Kamalani tells her followers in another TikTok video.

"Those water tanks are never cleaned," she says, before adding that she also doesn't recommend that people drink the tea or coffee because they come from the same water tank.

6. And paying extra for your bags

If you've ever been stung by airlines' strict checked bags weight limit, you'll know how much it can add to an already expensive holiday.

Thankfully, TikTok user, @melanatedadventures shared a helpful hack. She reveals that she puts her clothes in a pillowcase because "pillows are free" on aeroplanes. This means that you can bring more clothes and stay comfy on the plane to boot!

7. Use this handy trick to upgrade your seats

TikTok users, Devon and Betsy Fata — @lux-list — advise to just ask if you want to upgrade your hotel — but it also applies to upgrading your seats on a plane.

"This is obvious, but it works way more often than you’d think," they say. And they also recommend phrasing your request graciously, so, something like: "Would it be too much trouble to see if we could upgrade our stay?"

8. Figure out the cheapest days to fly

Flight attendant and TikTok user, @weariwanderd, recommends flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, as she says that's when you can get the best deals on flights.

Oh, and if you're a student, take advantage of the offers! Some airlines offer up to 50% off.

Feature image credit: Alamy