Upon boarding a plane, most people are faced with the unavoidable reality of being thousands of feet above the ground—the physical aspect of the journey that tends to induce fear in even the most seasoned travelers. But according to a study conducted by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, there may be an even scarier element lurking on board: the drinking water.
Over a span of three years, researchers analyzed over 35,000 samples of water from 10 major airlines and 11 regional airlines to determine the quality and safety of the onboard water supply. Each sample underwent a rigorous “Water Safety Score” test, focusing on factors such as violations per aircraft, E. coli levels, disinfecting frequencies, and public notices. Airlines scoring 3.5 or higher were deemed to have safe, clean water, earning them a Grade A or B rating.
Among the major airlines, Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines emerged as the frontrunners, with Alaska Airlines following closely behind. On the regional front, GoJet Airlines claimed the top spot for their water quality standards. However, the majority of regional airlines were advised to improve their onboard water safety practices, according to Center director Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH.
The findings of the study have prompted recommendations from the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity for passengers to exercise caution when consuming onboard beverages. They suggest avoiding tap water and instead opting for sealed bottled water, as well as refraining from coffee or tea. In addition, passengers are advised to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead of washing their hands in the in-flight restroom.
The rankings of airline water quality shed light on an often overlooked aspect of air travel, highlighting the importance of vigilance when it comes to food and beverage consumption during flights. As travelers, we are reminded of the need to prioritize our health and safety even in the most unexpected of places.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.