Is Airplane Coffee Safe? 2026 Airline Water Study
Passengers may want to reconsider ordering coffee or tea on their next flight. The Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity’s 2026 Airline Water Study found that water used aboard many U.S. airlines may contain traces of coliform bacteria or E. coli. The study evaluated 10 major and 11 regional carriers using Environmental Protection Agency records submitted under the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2025.
Unlike municipal water systems with constant flow and oversight, aircraft water tanks can sit stagnant between flights. Temperature changes during ascent and descent, along with mechanical stress, may encourage biofilm formation and microbial growth. Water is loaded from airport sources that vary in infrastructure quality, and contamination during servicing—through hoses, tanks, or handling—can persist if cleaning protocols are not rigorously followed.
Among major airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Alaska Airlines received the highest scores for water quality. American Airlines and JetBlue ranked lowest. The study found that most regional airlines need improvement, with GoJet Airlines the only regional carrier scoring relatively well.
Major airline scores (0 to 5 scale):
Delta Air Lines: 5.00
Frontier Airlines: 4.80
Alaska Airlines: 3.85
Allegiant Air: 3.65
Southwest Airlines: 3.30
Hawaiian Airlines: 3.15
United Airlines: 2.70
Spirit Airlines: 2.05
JetBlue: 1.80
American Airlines: 1.75
Regional airline scores:
GoJet Airlines: 3.85
Piedmont Airlines: 3.05
Sun Country Airlines: 3.00
Endeavor Air: 2.95
SkyWest Airlines: 2.40
Envoy Air: 2.30
PSA Airlines: 2.25
Air Wisconsin Airlines: 2.15
Republic Airways: 2.05
CommuteAir: 1.60
Mesa Airlines: 1.35
Coliform bacteria are typically harmless but can indicate contamination. Most strains of E. coli are also harmless, though certain types can cause gastrointestinal illness. Health experts note that vulnerable travelers—including young children, older adults, pregnant passengers, and immunocompromised individuals—may face higher risks if exposed to contaminated water.
The report recommends drinking only sealed bottled water on board, avoiding coffee and tea made from aircraft tanks, and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Some infectious-disease specialists point out that boiling water for coffee or tea should kill most bacteria, but cautious travelers may still prefer bottled beverages.
The study calls for stricter monitoring, more frequent testing, improved disinfection procedures, and stronger oversight from regulators. Until then, passengers concerned about airplane water quality may choose to bring their own drinks and practice careful hand hygiene while flying.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationweek.com, cnbc.com