Why You Should Avoid Airplane Water: Germs Lurk in Sinks and Drinks

Air travel can be a germy affair, and the water on planes might just be the sneakiest culprit. From tray tables to door handles, airplane surfaces are crawling with bacteria, but it’s the water—yes, even in the bathroom sinks—that raises eyebrows. Studies, like one from Hunter College in 2019, reveal that many airlines’ onboard water systems score dismally low for cleanliness, potentially harboring contaminants that could taint your coffee, tea, or ice.

Why the worry? The federal Aircraft Drinking Water Rule mandates safe water, but enforcement seems as lax as a red-eye flight’s cleaning crew. Airlines are supposed to test for bacteria like E. coli and disinfect tanks regularly, yet some barely scrape by with minimal oversight. The EPA, FDA, and FAA share responsibility, but the system relies heavily on airlines policing themselves—about as reassuring as a turbulence warning mid-flight.

Flight attendants, like Portugal-based travel blogger Josephine Remo, advise using hand sanitizer after touching anything from seat pockets to bathroom locks, which often miss the cleaning rag. Travel expert Gary Leff notes that tight flight schedules mean planes get a quick once-over, if that, leaving bathrooms particularly grimy. Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical expert, calls airplane bathrooms 'filthy,' warning that tray tables and water systems are germ hotspots.

So, what’s a traveler to do? Skip the onboard tap water, stick to bottled drinks, and pack sanitizer wipes or gel. Washing hands with soap is ideal, but on planes, sanitizers are your best bet. Stay hydrated to keep your defenses up, and maybe don’t stroll to the lavatory barefoot—unless you fancy a microbial souvenir.