Don't Get Ice In Your Drink On An Airplane. Here's Why
Nothing's more refreshing during a long airplane journey than an ice-cold beverage. But wait, because if there is one thing medical researchers and flight attendants agree on, it's to refrain from asking for ice when you're on a flight.
One flight attendant admits that her decision to stay away from ice has to do with sanitation. "Between ice scoops, I'll probably touch a seat, a Coke can, my tablet to charge someone for a drink, their credit card, a tray table and the car. So basically my hand snatches up all those lovely germs and then goes back into the ice drawer to pick the scoop back up and do it all again," the flight attendant says (via Market Watch).
But she and her colleagues don't just stay away from ice cubes — they don't drink tap water, coffee, or tea either, because they don't trust that the water supply systems are safe (via Business Insider).
Germy ice can be neutralized by certain types of drinks
Research shows that ice trays and water tanks on airplanes are breeding grounds for bacteria, and not just one kind — try dozens (via Eat This, Not That!).
Having said that, researchers who studied discovered 52 different strains of bacteria found in ice cube samples taken from both domestic and commercial ice makers, also say that the germs in your ice cubes are actually neutralized when they are added to beverages like vodka, whiskey, peach teas, tonic water, and coke. For once there's a benefit in not ordering a water.
But, to be safe, if you think there are fewer things more unappetizing than a lukewarm soda or cocktail, perhaps consider purchasing a bottle of water, or another non-alcoholic beverage of your choice, or many bottles of water depending on the length of your journey, and carrying on. Your guts will thank you later.