Airplane bathrooms might look clean, but the water coming out of those tiny faucets is anything but trustworthy. Flight attendants, scientists, and health professionals all warn: skip washing your hands with the tap water on planes. Here’s what you should do instead to stay healthy in the air—and why this advice matters for your next trip.
The Real Reason Airplane Bathroom Water Isn’t Safe
The water tanks on airplanes aren’t cleaned nearly as often as most travelers expect. Studies have found that water from plane taps—including the same supply used for making ice, coffee, and tea—can carry bacteria and other contaminants. In a major study published in the Annals of Microbiology, researchers discovered more than 50 types of bacteria in ice cubes served on aircrafts. Some of these are known to cause human illness, and their presence points to widespread environmental contamination.
“I don’t wash my hands [in airplane bathrooms] either. I have wipes that I use,” says Dr. Charles Platkin, a food policy expert and researcher, echoing the advice of many in the field. The risk, experts say, isn’t limited to the water—it’s also about the surfaces you touch, from bathroom door latches to seatback trays and overhead bins, which are often overlooked during cleaning.
What to Do Instead: Hand Hygiene That Works at 30,000 Feet
Skipping the sink doesn’t mean skipping hygiene altogether. Instead, keep yourself safe with these practical alternatives recommended by flight attendants and health researchers:
- Use hand sanitizer after touching luggage, tray tables, seat pocket items, or using the restroom.
- Carry disinfectant wipes to clean hands and surfaces like tray tables and armrests.
- Avoid drinking any water, coffee, or tea made with onboard tap water.
- Wait to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean running water when you land.
- Be mindful of what you touch, especially bathroom latches and handles, and use a paper towel or tissue as a barrier if needed.
Why Not Just Wash Anyway?
The risk is real: “Onboard water tanks aren’t cleaned as frequently as you might think,” notes Dr. Shanina Knighton, a nursing researcher specializing in infection prevention. Bacteria from these tanks can trigger stomach bugs, putting a damper on your vacation before it begins. On longer flights, it’s almost impossible to avoid using the restroom, but a small bottle of hand sanitizer is much safer than exposing yourself to contaminated water.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- Never drink water or ice from an airplane tap, and avoid washing your hands with it.
- Rely on alcohol-based hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes until you reach your destination.
- Clean your hands thoroughly once you have access to safe, running water after landing.
Flying can be full of little discomforts, but a stomach bug from contaminated water doesn’t have to be one of them. Pack a travel-sized sanitizer, skip the airplane sink, and land with your health—and your trip—intact.
