Airplane bathroom and water habits could spread germs—avoid these three risky mistakes before your next flight

Your “clean hands” may get recontaminated fast

Experts warn that common in-flight hygiene habits may increase your exposure to bacteria. Passengers often wash hands but then touch unsanitized bathroom door handles and latches, potentially recontaminating themselves. There are also concerns about using onboard water for drinking or cleaning, with research finding multiple bacterial strains in aircraft water systems and ice.