Flight Passengers Warned as Airline Water Systems Test Positive for Contamination
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Flight passengers may want to think twice before ordering drinks or washing their hands on the plane, a new analysis suggests.
The New York City-based Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity recently reviewed airline water systems over a three-year period, analyzing more than 35,000 samples collected between 2022 and 2025.
The study evaluated both major and regional haulers, ranking them based on contamination violations, E. coli findings, maintenance practices and how frequently water systems were cleaned, according to a news release.
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A score of 3.5 or higher was considered indicative of relatively safe water, while lower scores reflected potentially unhealthy water on board.
The analysis found 32 E. coli violations on 21 airlines during the study period.
The Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, based in New York City, recently reviewed airline water systems over a three-year period. (iStock)
Delta Air Lines received the highest scores for water safety, and Alaska Airlines also ranked well. Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines were at the bottom of the rankings.
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Charles Platkin, the researcher behind the study, told News Digital that airlines often cite compliance with federal guidelines, although much of the data is self-reported.
“Compliance should be the minimum, not the ceiling,” he said.
The results indicated that Delta Air Lines earned the highest marks for water safety, and Alaska Airlines also performed well. (iStock)
According to Platkin, the study examined whether airlines are doing enough beyond minimum requirements to protect passengers.
He noted that travelers should not have to worry about the safety of water on board when ordering drinks or washing their hands while flying. “These are not luxuries; they are basic expectations,” he said.
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Nicolette M. Pace, a registered dietitian and founder of NutriSource in New York, said the findings reinforce the importance of taking simple precautions when flying.
Passengers can reduce their risk by filling reusable water bottles after passing through security or purchasing bottled water, Pace recommended, adding that using hand sanitizer is preferable to washing your hands with airplane tap water.
“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling.”
Consumption of contaminated water, even at low levels, can disrupt digestion and weaken immune defenses, he warned.
It’s especially important for children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems to take extra precautions, Pace said.
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News Digital reached out to the airlines that ranked at the top and bottom of the study for comment.
Spirit Airlines said it maintains an extensive testing and maintenance program for inflight water systems that complies with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule.
Instead of drinking the water provided during the flight, passengers can reduce their risk by filling reusable bottles after passing through security or purchasing bottled water, experts advise. (iStock)
“The well-being and comfort of our guests is very important to us,” the airline said, adding that its data shows progress in recent years and that it continues to review and refine procedures as necessary.
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American Airlines told News Digital that its drinking water program is in full compliance with EPA requirements and that a recent EPA audit found no major problems.
The airline said it is reviewing the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity’s analysis, including its methodology, to determine if any changes could further improve passenger safety.
The analysis placed Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines near the bottom for water safety. (iStock)
Delta Air Lines said the highest water safety rating reflects its commitment to providing clean, safe drinking water for customers and employees.
“Safety and quality in all aspects of our global service and operation are paramount at Delta,” the airline said.
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JetBlue also commented, stating that safety is “their first responsibility” and that they serve purified bottled drinking water on all flights.
“For the preparation of coffee and tea, JetBlue follows the processes outlined by the EPA, FDA and FAA to ensure our water supply is safe,” the spokesperson told News Digital, adding that they perform routine water system cleaning and sampling procedures in accordance with regulatory guidelines to ensure the water used on airplanes is safe and reliable.
Kelly McGreal is a production assistant on the lifestyle team at News Digital.