Why planes are extremely gross right now

Recent incidents show planes can be quite gross, including vomit spraying and feces spreading, though this is not necessarily new.
The uptick in gross plane incidents may be due to more people flying and sick people more willing to fly post-pandemic.
Airlines are not required to reseat you for unsanitary conditions, but may offer compensation if you ask.
Exposure risks are low, but norovirus is a concern. Disinfect surfaces and wash hands to protect yourself.
Book morning flights, bring sanitizer, and avoid risky foods pre-flight to avoid an incident yourself.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/4/2023

Delta flight forced into emergency landing by passenger's diarrhea:...

A Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Barcelona had to make an emergency landing after a passenger had diarrhea throughout the plane, causing a biohazard situation.

9/4/2023

Air Canada passengers kicked off flight for refusing to sit on vomit-covered seats

Air Canada passengers were forced off a plane after refusing to sit on vomit-covered seats for a five-hour flight, despite the airline's attempts to mask the smell and unwillingness to provide blankets to cover the seats, leading to the pilot giving the passengers an ultimatum to leave the plane voluntarily or be escorted off by security.