Why You Should Stay Away from the Water on an Airplane

During this holiday season with many people traveling to visit friends and family, we all worry about the air quality on an airplane, but have you ever thought about the water?

Recent studies have shown that water on airplanes might make you sick.

You might be thinking since you don’t drink water on an airplane, you’re safe. But have you ever thought about the quality of the water in your coffee or tea? What about the water you use to wash your hands after visiting the lavatory?

Now do I have your attention?

According to a newly released 2019 Airline Water Study, many U.S. airlines were found to be contaminated with E. coli and coliform, both of which are disease-causing bacteria. The main symptoms of being infected with E. Coli are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Nasty stuff, right?

Even though these airlines are getting their water from the same water supply of the municipal systems where they are parked, it must still be delivered to the plane in some way. It’s believed these delivery systems are where the bacteria are introduced to the water. These systems are usually a hose, tank, water cabinet, truck, or cart.

In addition to that, the Aircraft Drinking Water rule in 2011 only mandates that airlines disinfect and flush their water tanks four times per year. That’s not a lot of cleaning taking place over the course of a year. Not only that, but they can also choose to disinfect once and then conduct monthly water testing.

Flight attendants have also stated that it’s rare for the coffee makers and teapots to be cleaned and they are usually stored near the lavatories. Ew! So gross!

Which Airlines rated the best for clean drinking water?

Out of the 23 airlines that were tested, Alaska Airlines and Allegiant both tied for first with a score of 3.3 out of 5 on the cleanliness scale. I don’t know about you, but I want my water at a 5! The official word is a score of 3 or higher makes it safe enough to drink.

There was one regional airline - Piedmont Airlines -  with even higher scores at 4.33. 

Hawaiian Airlines was a close second with a score of 3.1. That means only 3 of the airlines tested had water safe enough to drink.

Which Airlines rated the worst for clean drinking water?

JetBlue and Spirit tied for last with a score of 1 out of 5. Regional airlines like ExpressJet and Republic Airways had even lower scores, both close to 0.5! Republic Airways operates United Express, Delta Connection, and American Eagle flights.

What are the takeaways from this study?

In order to fully protect yourself from possible harmful pathogens, the best thing you can do is bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it up after you go through security.

My favorite reusable water bottles are from Klean Kanteen, Hydroflask and Mobot Nation. Be sure to avoid coffee or tea prepared on the plane.

Also, bring a hand sanitizer to clean your hands after visiting the lavatory to avoid using the water to wash your hands.