Jakarta, ThedailyID — Airplane seatback pockets offer a convenient place to store personal belongings during a flight. However, travelers should think twice before putting everything inside them.
Passengers often use the pockets for phones, books, drinks and other small items. Yet the space can increase the risk of lost belongings, spills and exposure to germs.
Travel experts also warn that some items can fall out during turbulence or become difficult to retrieve.
Here are eight items that are better kept out of an airplane seat pocket.
1. Valuable and Essential Items
Keep passports, phones, wallets, house keys and medication in a secure bag. These items can easily be forgotten when leaving the aircraft.
Retrieving a forgotten item can also become difficult after passengers leave the plane.
2. Small Items
Small belongings such as earbuds and sunglasses can slip behind safety cards or fall deep into the pocket.
Passengers may not notice the missing items until they have already left the aircraft.
3. Large Items
Seatback pockets are not designed to hold large devices securely. Travelers should avoid placing laptops and tablets inside them.
Items that do not fit properly may fall out during turbulence. They can also become damaged or obstruct movement around the seat.
4. Electronic Devices and Batteries
Electronic devices need proper ventilation. Avoid leaving laptops, tablets or power banks in a cramped pocket where other items may cover them.
If a device overheats, starts swelling or produces smoke, passengers should stop using it and alert the cabin crew immediately.
5. Fragile Belongings
Seat pockets offer little protection for delicate items. Passengers or food carts can easily bump into the area.
Large headphones, glasses and other fragile belongings are safer inside a protective bag.
6. Food and Drinks
Food and drinks can create a mess if containers leak or open during the flight.
Hygiene is another concern. Seatback pockets may not receive thorough cleaning between every flight.
Passengers should keep food and drinks in secure containers instead.
7. Personal Items That Touch Your Face
Many passengers use the same seatback pocket throughout the day. The surface may carry germs from previous users.
Avoid placing items that will touch your face or mouth inside the pocket. This includes cosmetics, glasses, masks and food.
8. Trash
Seatback pockets are not trash bins. Used tissues, food wrappers and other waste should go into the proper disposal containers.
Keeping personal belongings in a secure carry-on bag remains the safest option. It can also help travelers avoid leaving important items behind after landing.
