Close Menu
  • News
  • Health
  • Lifetsyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • World
  • contact
What's Hot

Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback

July 6, 2025

Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death

July 6, 2025

American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

July 6, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Trending
  • Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback
  • Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death
  • American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico
  • Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance
  • Celebrities, corporations open wallets after deadly flood in Texas Hill Country
  • Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing
  • North Korean avoids land mines to cross DMZ into South Korea as Seoul softens stance on Pyongyang
  • Antisemitic attackers violently target synagogue, Israeli restaurant in Australia
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
NEW YORK TIMES POST
Demo
  • News
  • Health
  • Lifetsyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • World
  • contact
NEW YORK TIMES POST
Home»Health»The gross reason airplane passengers might want to avoid using the water on flights
Health

The gross reason airplane passengers might want to avoid using the water on flights

nytimespostBy nytimespostJuly 2, 2025No Comments2 Views
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Flying with hundreds of other people at one time can be a gateway to illness.

Various airplane surfaces — such as overhead bins, tray tables, instruction cards and seat covers — are some of the biggest sources of germs, according to flight attendants. 

Even the water in the bathroom can pose a risk — leading some people to question whether it’s even sanitary to wash one’s hands on a flight.

4 BIGGEST HANDWASHING MISTAKES THAT COULD INCREASE GERMS AND VIRUSES

“It’s a good idea for passengers to use hand sanitizer after stowing away their luggage, touching anything in the seat pocket in front of them, and going to the bathroom,” flight attendant and travel blogger Josephine Remo, who is based in Portugal, previously told Travel & Leisure.

Bathrooms can be especially dirty, as the toilets are regularly cleaned, but the locks and door handles may not be, according to Remo.

airplane passengers are seated next to the bathroom

“Very little cleaning” happens between most domestic flights, a travel expert reported. (iStock)

The water in the bathroom can contain a plethora of contaminants, research suggests, which could be found in bathroom sink water and drinking water, as well as the coffee, tea and ice served onboard.

A 2019 study by the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center confirmed that select airlines have potentially provided passengers with unhealthy drinking water.

Of the 11 major and 12 regional airlines studied, 15 airlines received an Onboard Water Health Score of 2 or lower out of 5.

HEPATITIS A OUTBREAK INFECTS THOUSANDS OF TRAVELERS AT POPULAR DESTINATIONS

The federal government’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) requires airlines to provide passengers and crew with safe drinking water, according to the researchers.

Airlines are also required to test the water for bacteria and E. coli, and to disinfect and flush the aircraft’s water tank four times per year.

Drinking water on plane

Various airplane surfaces — such as overhead bins, tray tables, instruction cards and seat covers — are some of the biggest sources of germs, according to flight attendants.  (iStock)

“Alternatively, an airline may choose to disinfect and flush once a year, but then it must test monthly,” the researchers noted.

“The 2019 Airline Water Study also finds that the Environmental Protection Agency – one of the federal agencies responsible for ensuring safe aircraft drinking water – rarely levies civil penalties to airlines in violation of the ADWR.”

FLIGHT PASSENGER CALLS OUT FELLOW TRAVELER FOR ‘SPRAYING’ DISINFECTANT, CAUSING ‘COUGHING’

In an interview with Fox News Digital, travel expert and author of ViewFromTheWing.com Gary Leff confirmed that “very little cleaning” happens between most domestic flights.

“Planes aren’t on the ground very long — an airline only makes money when their planes are in the air,” said the expert, who is based in Austin, Texas. “And cleaning crews often have to come onboard and tidy while passengers are deplaning.”

“Different airlines take different approaches, and cleaning will vary across different cabins and classes of service.”

“When an inbound aircraft is late, the airline wants to make up time, and cleaning is often sacrificed,” he pointed out. “When airlines face financial struggles, deep cleans are one of the first things cut.”

Bathrooms can be particularly dirty due to passenger hygiene, according to Leff, and can get “pretty gross” over the course of a flight.

person grabs door handle to bathroom on plane

“When an inbound aircraft is late, the airline wants to make up time, and cleaning is often sacrificed,” a travel expert noted. (iStock)

Different airlines take different approaches, and cleaning will vary across cabins and classes of service, he noted.

“I’m not going to suggest it’s unsafe, per se — just disgusting,” Leff said. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Don’t go into the [lavatory] with bare feet. Bring your own sanitizer. And consider wiping down surfaces you’ll be touching if you’re so inclined, just knowing that this hasn’t been done for you.”

Fox News’ senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel also confirmed to Fox News Digital how “filthy” airplane bathrooms tend to be, including the water, as various studies have shown.

man knocks on bathroom door on an airplane with toothbrush in hand

Bathrooms can be particularly dirty due to passenger hygiene, according to one expert, and can get “pretty gross” over the course of a flight. (iStock)

“The tray tables are common surfaces that can be covered with bacteria and viruses,” he cautioned. 

“And though the HEPA filters overhead are effective, they don’t really work until the plane is in the air and the filtration system is fully engaged. And [they] don’t prevent the person next to you from coughing on you.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Before and during a flight, the doctor suggested keeping well-hydrated, which can help fight off infection by keeping nasal membranes moist.

He also encourages the use of sanitizers, wipes or gels to disinfect surfaces and hands.

“I prefer washing hands thoroughly with soap, but on planes, I prefer sanitizers and wipes,” Siegel said.

bathroom sink in an airplane

Dr. Siegel prefers the use of hand sanitizers on planes instead of handwashing. (iStock)

In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, the EPA explained that the primary purpose of the ADWR is to “ensure that safe and reliable drinking water is provided to aircraft passengers and crew through requiring development and implementation of aircraft water system operations and maintenance plans that include strategies for monitoring, disinfection, and reporting.”

The EPA revealed that drinking water safety is “jointly regulated” by the EPA, FDA and FAA.

“The regulatory structure for all public water systems, including aircraft, relies upon self-monitoring and reporting of results to the primacy agency,” the agency said. “The EPA is responsible for oversight of the aircraft public water systems and provides guidance to help air carriers comply with ADWR.”

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

An FAA spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement that the FAA is an “aviation safety agency” and water quality is “not within our regulatory authority.”

Fox News Digital reached out to OSHA for comment.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

airplane avoid flights gross Passengers reason water
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email

Related Posts

Amateur baseball player makes ingenious play to avoid potential double play

July 5, 2025

'Old people smell' is real, experts say — here's how to avoid it as you age

July 5, 2025

The heat has a surprising effect on the brain — here's what doctors want you to know

July 5, 2025
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

The Latest News
  • Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback July 6, 2025
  • Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death July 6, 2025
  • American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico July 6, 2025
  • Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance July 6, 2025
  • Celebrities, corporations open wallets after deadly flood in Texas Hill Country July 6, 2025
  • Texas flood survivors share harrowing stories, search continues for those still missing July 6, 2025
Economy News
Entertainment

Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback

By nytimespostJuly 6, 20251

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Candace Cameron Bure is opening up about…

Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death

July 6, 2025

American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

July 6, 2025
Top Trending
Entertainment

Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback

By nytimespostJuly 6, 20251

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Candace Cameron Bure is…

News

Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death

By nytimespostJuly 6, 20251

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! CAVE CREEK, Ariz. –…

News

American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

By nytimespostJuly 6, 20255

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! An American national with…

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Advertisement
Demo
Demo
Top Posts

Massachusetts police officer shot by colleague during service of restraining order

July 1, 2025240

Trans athlete wins USA Cycling women's event as female opponents protest and speak out

July 2, 2025138

Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu

June 30, 202597

Why are B-2 stealth bombers being deployed to Guam, and what could come next?

June 21, 202563
Don't Miss
Entertainment

Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback

By nytimespostJuly 6, 20251

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Candace Cameron Bure is opening up about…

Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death

July 6, 2025

American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

July 6, 2025

Texas police officer shot near ICE detention center as Trump officials promise zero tolerance

July 6, 2025
Stay In Touch
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Vimeo

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from SmartMag about art & design.

Demo

NEW YORK TIMES POST

 

Categories
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Fashion
  • Food
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • Nature
NEW YORK TIMES POST
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

About Us
About Us

Your source for the lifestyle news. This demo is crafted specifically to exhibit the use of the theme as a lifestyle site. Visit our main page for more demos.

We're accepting new partnerships right now.

Email Us: info@example.com
Contact: +1-320-0123-451

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest YouTube WhatsApp
Our Picks

Candace Cameron Bure warns about 'scary' Hollywood weight-loss trend making a comeback

July 6, 2025

Inside Barry Morphew's secretive life 600 miles away from epicenter of murder investigation into wife's death

July 6, 2025

American with 'CIA' credentials and variety of weapons arrested in Mexico

July 6, 2025
Most Popular

Massachusetts police officer shot by colleague during service of restraining order

July 1, 2025240

Trans athlete wins USA Cycling women's event as female opponents protest and speak out

July 2, 2025138

Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu

June 30, 202597
© 2025 NEW YORK TIMES POST. Designed by EREN.
  • News
  • Health
  • Lifetsyle
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • World
  • contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.