Recent research has revealed that several airlines may be supplying “potentially unhealthy water” to their passengers, prompting experts to advise travelers to opt for bottled water and refrain from consuming coffee or tea on flights.
The study, conducted by the nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity, analyzed over 35,000 water samples from ten major and eleven regional airlines over a three-year period. The organization also cautioned passengers against using aircraft bathrooms for handwashing and recommended the use of hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content instead.
Among major U.S. airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit received a “D” rating, while Delta and Frontier emerged as the top performers, both earning “A” grades for their water quality.
Although water quality may not typically be a primary concern for air travelers, the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity emphasized its significance as a public health issue. Consuming contaminated water onboard can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and exposure to harmful pathogens.
Key Findings from the Study
The analysis indicated that 2.7% of the tested samples contained total coliform bacteria, which are associated with the digestive systems of humans and animals, as well as found in plants and soil. The presence of coliform bacteria is a critical indicator, as it suggests the potential presence of disease-causing pathogens in the water supply.
Furthermore, E. coli was detected in 32 instances across the 21 airlines surveyed.
In 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR), which mandates that U.S. carriers with onboard drinking water systems test for coliform and E. coli, as well as carry out disinfection and flushing of water tanks four times annually. However, the study noted that the EPA seldom imposes penalties on airlines that fail to comply with these regulations.
In response to the findings, American Airlines stated that it is “closely reviewing” the report, asserting that its potable water program fully adheres to the EPA’s ADWR requirements. The airline added that a recent EPA audit found no significant issues with its water program.
JetBlue confirmed its compliance with EPA, Food and Drug Administration, and Federal Aviation Administration guidelines to ensure the safety of its water supply, also mentioning that it provides bottled drinking water on its flights. Spirit Airlines did not respond immediately to inquiries for comment.
Airlines for America, a trade association representing U.S. airlines, emphasized that its members prioritize passenger and crew safety, following federal guidelines for drinking water safety.
The Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity aims to foster a more equitable food system to enhance health outcomes.
Airline Ratings: Best to Worst
The study evaluated each airline on a scale of 1 to 5, with points deducted for any water sample violations:
- Delta Air Lines Incorporated (5.00, Grade A)
- Frontier Airlines Incorporated (4.80, Grade A)
- Alaska Airlines Incorporated (3.85, Grade B)
- Allegiant Air Limited Liability Company (3.65, Grade B)
- Southwest Airlines Company (3.30, Grade C)
- Hawaiian Airlines Incorporated (3.15, Grade C)
- United Airlines Incorporated (2.70, Grade C)
- Spirit Airlines Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)
- JetBlue Airways Corporation (1.80, Grade D)
- American Airlines Incorporated (1.75, Grade D)
Regional Airlines Ratings
- GoJet Airlines Limited Liability Company (3.85, Grade B)
- Piedmont Airlines Incorporated (3.05, Grade C)
- Sun Country Airlines (3.00, Grade C)
- Endeavor Air Incorporated (2.95, Grade C)
- SkyWest Airlines Incorporated (2.40, Grade D)
- Envoy Air Incorporated (2.30, Grade D)
- PSA Airlines Incorporated (2.25, Grade D)
- Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (2.15, Grade D)
- Republic Airways Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)
- CommuteAir Limited Liability Company (1.60, Grade D)
- Mesa Airlines Incorporated (1.35, Grade F)
