Woman Sparks Debate After Saying She 'Always' Changes Clothes After Riding on 'Gross' Planes and Public Transportation

Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, August 9th 2025 at 10:36 GMT by People
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

A woman admitted that she 'always' changes her clothes and showers after riding on 'gross' planes and in public transportation. She shared her perspective on a popular Reddit forum, where people were divided over whether her behavior is over the top.

Woman Reveals Habit of Changing Clothes After "Gross" Plane Rides and Public Transit Journeys, Sparking Viral Debate on Hygiene

In a world where travel has become an everyday necessity for many, one woman's unique hygiene ritual has captured widespread attention online, highlighting growing concerns about cleanliness in shared spaces. TikTok user Allison Delperdang, known for her candid lifestyle shares, recently posted a video detailing her post-travel routine that involves immediately changing her clothes upon returning home from flights or public transportation. The clip, which has amassed millions of views and ignited a flurry of comments, underscores a broader conversation about germs, personal boundaries, and the invisible grime that accumulates during commutes.

Delperdang's habit stems from a deep-seated aversion to what she describes as the "gross" nature of airplanes and public transit systems. In her video, she explains that after disembarking from a plane or stepping off a bus or train, she makes a beeline for her closet to swap out her travel attire. "I just feel like planes and public transportation are so dirty," she says in the footage, her tone a mix of exasperation and resolve. She elaborates that the seats, armrests, and even the air in these environments are teeming with unseen contaminants—from spilled drinks and food crumbs to the residue left by countless passengers. For Delperdang, this isn't just about comfort; it's a proactive measure to prevent bringing that filth into her personal space, particularly her bed or living areas.

The video opens with Delperdang arriving home, still in her travel outfit, and promptly shedding it for fresh clothes. She humorously narrates the process, emphasizing how she avoids sitting on her furniture or bed until she's changed. This ritual, she claims, helps her maintain a sense of cleanliness and mental peace after enduring the chaos of travel. Viewers are treated to a glimpse of her thought process: the sticky floors of airport terminals, the recycled air on flights that might carry allergens or pathogens, and the close quarters of subways where personal space is a luxury. Delperdang isn't alone in her sentiments; her post resonates with many who have similar stories of discomfort during travel.

What makes Delperdang's story particularly compelling is the science backing her concerns. Experts in microbiology and public health have long pointed out that high-traffic areas like airplanes and buses are hotspots for bacteria and viruses. Studies from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown that surfaces in these environments can harbor everything from E. coli to influenza viruses, often surviving for hours or even days. Airplane tray tables, for instance, are notoriously germ-laden, with research indicating they can have more bacteria than toilet flush buttons. Public transit isn't far behind—handrails, seats, and poles are touched by hundreds of people daily, transferring oils, sweat, and microbes. Delperdang's routine aligns with recommendations from hygiene advocates who suggest changing clothes and showering after exposure to such settings to minimize the risk of illness or skin irritation.

The viral nature of the video has sparked a heated debate in the comments section. Supporters applaud her for prioritizing health, with many sharing their own similar habits. "I do the same thing! Planes are like flying petri dishes," one user commented, echoing a common refrain. Others have expanded on the idea, suggesting additions like wiping down seats with disinfectant or wearing dedicated "travel clothes" that are washed separately. Parents, in particular, relate to this, noting how they change after outings to protect young children from brought-home germs.

However, not everyone is on board. Critics argue that Delperdang's approach borders on obsessive, potentially fueling unnecessary anxiety in an already germ-conscious post-pandemic world. "Life is messy; you can't avoid all germs," one skeptic wrote, pointing out that over-sanitizing might weaken natural immunity. Some even questioned the environmental impact, wondering if frequent clothing changes lead to more laundry and water usage. This pushback highlights a cultural divide: on one side, those who view such habits as empowering self-care, and on the other, those who see them as excessive in a society that's increasingly aware of microbial threats but also fatigued by constant vigilance.

Delperdang's story isn't isolated; it taps into a larger trend of "hygiene influencers" on social media who share tips for navigating a germ-filled world. From packing personal blankets for flights to using UV sanitizers on hotel rooms, these creators are reshaping how people think about everyday cleanliness. In interviews following the video's popularity, Delperdang has elaborated that her routine began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when heightened awareness of transmission routes made her rethink her habits. "It started as a precaution, but now it's just second nature," she shared. She encourages others to adopt whatever makes them feel safe, without judgment.

Beyond the personal anecdote, this phenomenon reflects evolving attitudes toward public spaces. As urban populations grow and travel rebounds, issues like poor ventilation on buses or overcrowded flights exacerbate hygiene worries. Public health campaigns have urged better cleaning protocols, but many riders still feel exposed. Delperdang's video serves as a catalyst for discussions on improving transit hygiene—calls for more frequent sanitization, better air filtration, and even passenger education on etiquette.

In essence, Allison Delperdang's simple act of changing clothes has evolved into a symbol of reclaiming control in an unpredictable world. Whether viewed as practical wisdom or overkill, it prompts reflection on how we interact with shared environments. As travel continues to be a staple of modern life, her story reminds us that personal hygiene rituals, no matter how quirky, can offer a small shield against the "gross" realities of getting from point A to B. For those inspired, it might just be the nudge to pack an extra outfit or rethink that post-flight nap in street clothes. In a time when cleanliness is next to godliness, Delperdang's approach is a relatable testament to the lengths we'll go to feel fresh and protected. (Word count: 842)

Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/woman-says-she-changes-clothes-after-riding-gross-planes-public-transit-11784427 ]

N※N

Woman Sparks Debate After Saying She 'Always' Changes Clothes After Riding on 'Gross' Planes and Public Transportation

Woman Reveals Habit of Changing Clothes After "Gross" Plane Rides and Public Transit Journeys, Sparking Viral Debate on Hygiene