Study Raises Concerns About Airline Water Safety
Travelers might want to be cautious about drinking water or washing their hands while flying, a recent analysis has revealed. The Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, located in New York City, conducted a detailed review of airline water systems over the past three years, examining over 35,000 water samples collected from airlines between 2022 and 2025.
The study evaluated several major and regional airlines, assessing their water quality based on contamination violations, E. coli presence, maintenance practices, and how often water systems were cleaned.
A score of 3.5 or higher indicated relatively safe water, while lower scores pointed to potential health risks. Alarmingly, the analysis uncovered 32 E. coli violations across 21 different airlines during the study period.
Delta Air Lines topped the list for water safety, followed closely by Alaska Airlines. On the contrary, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines received low rankings for their water quality.
Charles Platkin, the researcher behind the study, emphasized that while airlines often claim they follow federal guidelines, much of the information is self-reported. He stated, “Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling,” urging airlines to go beyond basic requirements to ensure passenger safety.
The study also examined whether airlines are taking adequate steps to protect passengers beyond what is legally required. Travelers shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of the water when ordering drinks or washing hands onboard. “These aren’t luxuries; they’re basic expectations,” Platkin noted.
Dietitian Nicolette M. Pace highlighted the need for simple precautions when flying. She suggested that passengers use reusable water bottles filled after passing through security or buy bottled water. Additionally, she recommended hand sanitizer as a safer alternative to washing hands with airplane tap water, especially since even small amounts of contaminated water can pose risks, especially for children and those with weakened immune systems.
In response to the findings, Spirit Airlines stated that it has a comprehensive testing and maintenance program for its water systems, in line with EPA regulations. Delta Air Lines remarked that its high ranking reflects its commitment to providing clean, safe drinking water.
JetBlue also reassured that safety is their top priority, offering bottled purified water on every flight. They follow strict procedures to ensure the safety of water used for beverages, conducting routine checks and cleaning of their systems.
Both American Airlines and JetBlue expressed their commitment to reviewing the analysis to identify opportunities for further enhancing passenger safety.
As travelers navigate their flying experiences, it’s crucial to consider these findings and take extra precautions for their health and well-being while flying.
