A flight attendant has shared one beverage onboard which they say can risk “infections” and other illnesses. The cabin crew member, who chose to remain anonymous, shared their top tips with travel experts from Ski Vertigo, and revealed a common drink should be avoided onboard.
They claim that passengers should avoid drinking tap water onboard a flight. The crew member explained: “Aeroplane water tanks are often not adequately cleaned, leading to potential contamination.
“Research and reports indicate that the water in these tanks can harbour harmful bacteria and pathogens. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that a significant percentage of aircraft tested positive for coliform bacteria and even E. coli in some cases.
These bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal issues and other infections.”
They continued: “The cleaning schedules for aeroplane water tanks are irregular and not as rigorous as those for municipal water supplies. This infrequent maintenance increases the likelihood of contamination.
“Over time, biofilms—a layer of bacteria and microorganisms—can form inside the tanks, making it extremely difficult to eradicate all harmful agents even during cleaning.”
While avoiding tap water errs on the side of caution, realistically most airlines have to follow strict cleaning protocols which means that falling ill is a rare occurrence – though it can not be ruled out entirely.
Posting to Quora in January 2024, one travel insider said: “Drinking tap water on planes is generally safe, as airlines follow strict regulations for water quality. However, there is a minimal risk of bacteria contamination due to factors like storage and delivery systems. “To reduce this risk, consider opting for bottled water and avoiding coffee or tea made from tap water.”
Most airlines do not give passengers cups of water from the aircraft’s water tank and instead offer bottled water. Typically this is given to passengers free of charge on both long- and short-haul routes.
However, if you want to make sure you are fully prepared, the crew member advised packing a reusable water bottle in your bag. Not only does this mean you will have your own supply of water, but it could even save you money at the airport and on your travels.
The flight attendant said: “To save money and stay healthy on your flight, pack an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on luggage. Once you’ve passed through security, fill it up at a water fountain or bottle refill station in the airport. This ensures you have clean water without the cost of purchasing bottled water from airport vendors or on the plane, where prices can be high.
“For a comfortable and hygienic flight, consider bringing your own snacks and beverages. Many airports have shops offering a variety of food and drink options, often at a lower cost than what you’ll find in-flight. “