%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-airplane-bathroom-sinks-PLANEWATER0723-f86f7e798b6e457d9a734f1a41712096.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The Gross Reason You Shouldn't Wash Your Hands in Airplane Bathrooms
Flying is, without question, a modern marvel. The science, the engineering, and the service that goes into making your flight safe and special deserve all the praise in the world. However, two things can be true at once: flying can be fantastic and it can also be gross. That said, it may surprise you to learn that one of the grossest things you can do on a plane is wash your hands.
It's well-documented that planes can be pretty dirty. As several flight attendants previously told Travel + Leisure , places like tray tables, overhead bins, and instruction cards can be rather dirty. But the airplane bathroom is the place where you should be the most cautious of all.
"The toilets are regularly cleaned, but the locks and door handles are not," Josephine Remo, a flight attendant and travel blogger, shared.
However, some experts say you should take things one step further and avoid the water in the bathrooms altogether—including never, ever drinking it, and maybe even skipping washing your hands with it, too.
In a 2017 peer-reviewed study published in the Annals of Microbiology, researchers sampled 60 ice cubes from both domestic and industrial facilities that made ice for aircraft, finding they contained more than 50 different strains of bacteria. "A consistent percentage of the microorganisms identified from ice are known agents of human infections, and their presence indicates an environmental contamination,' the researchers added.
'My takeaway from doing the research was to not drink the coffee and the tea. At all,' Charles Platkin, the author of the study and the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, previously told T+L. And, just as his team wrote in the findings, Platkin stated, 'I don't wash my hands either. I have wipes that I use."
Platkin isn't alone. Shanina Knighton, a research associate professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, added, when using the bathroom, she's "mindful of surfaces, especially the latch on the bathroom door, which everyone uses to open the door—even if they haven't washed their hands." She added: "I try to avoid the restroom if possible, but on longer flights, it's sometimes unavoidable, and those little hygiene habits help me stay protected."
Knighton said there are plenty of studies showing that water from airplane taps can carry bacteria, as "onboard water tanks aren't cleaned as frequently as you might think." These contaminants, Knighton noted, can wreck your vacation before you even arrive. "I wouldn't want to start a vacation with a stomach bug because of unsafe water exposure."
So, what can you do instead? Remo said, "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." Then, give your hands a good scrub when you land.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gizmodo
9 minutes ago
- Gizmodo
ISS Conference Scrapped as NASA Budget Cuts Threaten Crew and Cargo
The International Space Station (ISS) still has a few years left in orbit before it's due for retirement, but the future of the orbital lab is looking a little shaky as NASA is forced to tighten its purse strings. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), which operates the ISS National Lab, is canceling an upcoming space station research conference, SpaceNews reported. The ISS Research and Development Conference was due to be held at the end of July in Seattle, but CASIS announced this week that, after consulting with NASA, 'the current regulatory and budgetary environment does not support holding' the annual conference this year. The announcement comes a little over a month after the release of the current administration's so-called skinny budget, which included funding for NASA in 2026. The budget proposes a $6 billion cut to the agency, 24% less than NASA's current $24.8 billion budget for 2025. The budget also proposes reducing the size of the ISS crew ahead of its planned retirement in 2030, when it's expected to be replaced by multiple commercial space stations. Funding for the ISS could be reduced by a quarter, from $1.24 billion to $920 million, according to the proposed budget for 2026. 'Crew and cargo flights to the station would be significantly reduced,' the budget proposal read. 'The station's reduced research capacity would be focused on efforts critical to the Moon and Mars exploration programs.' During a briefing held in late May, Dana Weigel, NASA's ISS program manager, revealed that the space agency had already been facing resource issues regarding the space station before the 2026 budget proposal. 'The station has been faced with a cumulative multi-year budget reduction,' Weigel is quoted in SpaceNews as saying. 'That's the challenge that I've had that we've been managing through today. That has left us with some budget and resource challenges that result in less cargo.' The cargo includes supplies for onboard crew members. For more than two decades, the space agency has maintained a crew of at least four NASA astronauts on board the ISS, along with international crew members from Russia, Japan, Canada, and other countries. NASA has previously flown four or five cargo missions a year, but the agency has only planned for three drop-offs in 2025. 'We're evaluating the potential for moving to three crew,' Weigel said during the briefing. 'That's something that we're working through and trying to assess today.' NASA is also considering extending the duration of missions on the ISS from six to eight months, Ars Technica previously reported. Meanwhile, five commercial space stations, including Orbital Reef, Axiom Station, and Starlab, are currently in the works but nowhere near being ready to host astronauts in low Earth orbit. The ISS maintains a steady presence of orbital science above Earth's surface, which would leave behind a major gap to fill.
Fox News
14 minutes ago
- Fox News
8 hiking water bottles to stay hydrated on the trails
Unlike regular water bottles, hiking water bottles are designed with durability, portability, and functionality in mind, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of the trail while keeping your water fresh and easily accessible. You'll want a lightweight bottle that straps to your hiking bag or is easy to carry. Each of these eight water bottles offers distinct advantages to help you stay hydrated and energized on your adventures. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, make sure you're prepared for the trails. The Raymylo water bottle comes with everything you need to stay hydrated on your next hike. The copper-plated triple-wall vacuum insulation keeps your drinks cold for days. Attached is a paracord handle that easily attaches to your backpack and comes with a compass and carabiner for your keys or other necessities. The straw lid is easy to drink from, and the leakproof lid ensures you don't lose any water, no matter how rugged the trails get. Also included with the Raymylo bottler is a water bottle carrier and cleaning supplies like a bottle brush. Owala FreeSip water bottles come in a large variety of fun colors, and are designed to keep your drinks nice and cold for hours. The bottle has a leakproof spout that opens with an easy push button, plus a carrying loop you can hold or attach to a hiking backpack. Made from BPA-, lead-, and phthalate-free materials, you can be sure you're consuming water and other drinks safely. It's also designed with a FreeSip spout that allows you to sip upright through the straw or tilt it back to swig from the spout opening. Is your classic Yeti a little too heavy to carry on long hikes? Then Yeti's 34 ounce lightweight water bottle is an ideal compromise. You get the same durability that all Yeti cups come with, plus a 100% leakproof tether cap that saves your water during long, bumpy hikes. The water bottle is made from BPA-free materials and 50% recycled plastic, making it a sustainable option. A Yeti water bottle is 50% lighter than Yeti's Rambler bottles, so it won't weigh you down on the trails. You can also find this water bottle, and other Yeti options, on Amazon. Nalgene water bottles are a classic for a reason. They're affordable, colorful and lightweight. The Nalgene ultralite bottle is even more lightweight, designed for hikers and backpackers. Made from Lightweight High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the lightweight bottle doesn't sacrifice durability. Find this Nalgene on the Nalgene site or on Amazon. There are dozens of designs you can choose from. L.L. Bean has a National Parks-themed Nalgene bottle with logos from all the National Parks. You can also get a limited-edition camo Nalgene, or a psychedelic botanicals bottle. Stanley makes every kind of water bottle you can think of, including one designed for athletes and hikers. The Stanley Cross Bottle has a unique flatter design that makes it comfortable to carry. Also attached is a durable shoulder strap that clips and unclips from the bottle easily. The Cross Bottle comes in a variety of unique colors, just like all of Stanley's bottles. You can find a handful of color options on Amazon. The recycled stainless-steel the bottle is made of keeps your water or other drinks ice-cold while you're out on the trails. Plus, the leakproof lid and removable straw make this a one-of-a-kind bottle all Stanley fans will love. If you aren't ready to part with your Stanley Quencher, you can get a Quencher Carry All case that fits snuggly over your bottle and comes with a shoulder strap. There's also an additional side pocket for smaller items. The Hydro Flask lightweight trail series is 25% lighter than Hydro Flask's wide-mouth bottles, but they still have the same stainless-steel design that keeps your drinks colder for longer. Cold drinks stay cold for up to 24 hours, while hot drinks stay hot for up to 12 hours. The flexible carrying strap pivots easily when clipped to your backpack, so it won't weigh you down. A Hydro Flask bottle is completely BPA-free and leakproof when closed. Find a Hydro Flash trail series water bottle on the Hydro Flask site or on Amazon. A collapsible water bottle gives you the space you need in your backpack and is an ultra-lightweight option. You can choose from dozens of fun colors, including tie-dye options and bright, solid colors, perfectly customizing your water bottle to your hiking look. You won't have to worry about leaks with this bottle. The silicone sealing ring prevents all leaks. Plus, if you don't want to put the bottle in your bag, the carabiner clip allows you to clip it to the outside of your bag. For more deals, visit Already have a water bottle you love? Make it easier to carry with the Mountain Hydro Sling. You can store a water bottle that's up to 32 ounces, plus your keys and other essentials in the included pockets. The versatile bag straps to your bike with the included Velcro strap, or comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying. There's a paracord cinch and lock at the top that keeps your bottle in place, no matter how bumpy the road. The pockets also have cinches that lock in all your belongings. Grab a Moutain Hydro Sling on Amazon.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-truck-rv-BOUGHTRVNP0625-56f6010158e34194b25f6a729527e8c9.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
16 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
How Winning a $15k Price From T+L Led Me to Buy an RV and Visit 20 National Parks Around the U.S.
The white was blindingly bright against the blue, cloudless sky. But it wasn't fresh snowfall; we were in the desert of New Mexico. It was gypsum—undulating dunes of gypsum sand, one after the other, stretching across the horizon. We were in White Sands National Park. The sun appeared gold on a distant spire. It could have been a golden temple in Thailand, but it was a distant mountain glowing at dusk. We were in Death Valley National Park. The trees dripped. The ocean below heaved. But it was quiet under the redwoods, their girth dwarfing our truck and trailer. We'd driven to Redwood National Park in northern California on the road trip of a lifetime. White Sands, Death Valley, Redwood—we visited 20 U.S. national parks and monuments on an 11,000-mile, two-month journey through southern and western America. And we have Travel + Leisure to thank for it. I entered T+L's World's Best Awards survey by rating hotels we'd stayed at in Singapore and Thailand. Then, I forgot about it. Months later, I received an email saying I might have won a prize. I thought it was a scam. But it wasn't: I had won $15,000. I thought, what could I do with $15,000? I could take a trip. In 48 years of marriage, we'd traveled to Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Thailand, and China. We'd been to resorts and on cruises. But other than the Grand Canyon, I'd never been to the national parks. It had to be a road trip, and it required a traveling "home,' a recreational vehicle. The prize money from T+L helped us buy Rosie, a small camping trailer named for her likeness to the robot maid in The Jetsons . She had everything we needed: a queen-sized bed, a diminutive kitchen with a dinette, and a bathroom just big enough for Superman to change in. Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Jane Siegel/Travel + Leisure We left our home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Nov. 25, 2024. Our first national park was the smallest one: Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. We took the ratcheting little elevator up to the top of the world's tallest arch at 630 feet. The view from above St. Louis was pretty, but I found the one from below, at the base of the stainless-steel monument designed by Eero Saarinen, to be even better. We spent Thanksgiving near Oklahoma City, and had steak, eating local, instead of turkey. After a long drive following Route 66 through Texas and New Mexico, we visited Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Entire trees, some 200 feet tall, left where they fell in the Painted Desert more than 200 million years ago, are now crystalline. The Route 66 wall mural in Winslow, Arizona. Jane Siegel/Travel + Leisure Entering Death Valley National Park, we stopped at the first overlook, Zabriskie Point. The view was shocking: miles and miles of rock—mudstone badlands—filling the horizon. People were scrabbling over these enormous piles far off in the distance. It was just before Christmas, and The Inn at Death Valley, a restored adobe compound set in a desert-oasis garden, was decorated with pinyon pine. Frank Sinatra's voice, singing Christmas songs, wafted in the air. From our first view of El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite felt big—big sky, big climbs, big views. The valley is ringed by monumental granite walls, made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. On our second night, we visited The Ahwahnee hotel for dinner. Walking into the dining room, we were overwhelmed by the height of the windows at one end and the timbered ceiling beams above us. When we left Yosemite, snow was just starting to fall. Our last national park before the holidays was the Redwood. It was wet with rain, but silent under the protection of the big trees. We hiked quietly through the park, the only sounds the squishing of our shoes and the dripping of water onto our heads. The iconic Joshua trees in Californias Joshua Tree National Park. Jane Siegel/Travel + Leisure In January, we visited Sequoia National Park, California wine country, and Palm Springs, followed by Joshua Tree and Saguaro national parks. In Carlsbad Caverns, we walked 750 feet down into the earth, met at every turn with calcite formations. Big Bend National Park is in the southwest corner of Texas, along the Rio Grande. It's one of the biggest and most remote national parks, with 1,250 square miles that includes the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and spectacular river canyons. We hiked Santa Elena Canyon, its sheer walls rising in Mexico barely a stone's throw away. Traveling through Big Bend National Park in Texas. Jane Siegel/Travel + Leisure Our last park was a national parkway, the Natchez Trace, which follows an ancient trail used by Native Americans and explorers such as Daniel Boone, from Natchez, Mississippi, to Memphis, Tennessee. We hiked parts of the Sunken Trace, a portion so deeply worn down that its walls can reach up to 15 feet above the trail. We arrived back in Michigan on Feb. 1, 2025. Rosie is now in storage, waiting for the next adventure. And I am itching to get back out again. The national parks restored in me a childlike sense of wonder. Every day brought something new to see. You should go. And when you see the next T+L contest, enter it. You might be surprised by what happens next.
