If you’ve been reading OMAAT for any amount of time, you probably know that I’m a coffee enthusiast. I love coffee for many reasons — I like the taste, I like that good coffee can be a work of art, I like that it helps me wake up, and more than anything, enjoying a cup of coffee is ritualistic for me.
That brings me to an interesting question that I get asked all the time — isn’t it kind of disgusting to drink airplane coffee? I figured I’d address that in this post, and then I’m curious to see what y’all think.
In this post:
Yes, airplane coffee is made with tank water
No matter where you are, coffee is brewed with water. When on the ground, most of us either use tap water (if it’s safe to drink) or filtered water. On airplanes, coffee is brewed with water from the plane’s water tanks… which are probably kind of gross.
I’m sure the water is generally pretty clean when it enters the tanks, though as you’d expect, the tanks aren’t cleaned very often, and may have bacteria. For that matter, the coffee machines used to brew the coffee probably aren’t cleaned very often either.
Every so often there will be a viral story about how you shouldn’t drink coffee or tea on a plane. That can come in the form of some study about how much bacteria is found in airplane tanks, or sometimes it’s a TikTok video from a flight attendant about how you should never drink coffee or tea due to bacteria, as if they’re a medical expert.
Why I still drink coffee on airplanes (reluctantly)
Before I share my take, let me acknowledge that I’m not a scientist, and for that matter, I’m not even good at science (it was my weakest subject in school). Let me also state that I consider myself to be a bit of a germaphobe, but I manage to apply that selectively, which is probably a good thing.
With that in mind, I admit that I do drink filtered coffee on airplanes, but only if it’s the only coffee option. It goes without saying that filtered airplane coffee rarely actually tastes great, but I consider it to be better than nothing. How do I rationalize drinking it?
First of all, I’m not too worried about the bacteria. Most studies I’ve seen about bacteria in airplane tanks suggests that it doesn’t pose any health risks and isn’t actually dangerous. I’d think that the temperature to which the water is heated during the brewing process reduces any risk even more. You’d think that if there were any real risk to drinking airplane coffee, you’d hear a lot more stories of people getting sick from it.
Second of all, what else am I going to drink? I drink a ton of water, and at times I just need a different flavor. Airplane juice is disgusting, in my opinion. Meanwhile I’m usually not looking to drink alcohol (especially as a substitute for coffee!), and soda isn’t exactly good for you, so that doesn’t leave many options.
That being said, let me acknowledge that I don’t love the idea of drinking filtered airplane coffee, simply because it usually doesn’t taste great, and it does also sorta kinda freak me out.
So, what are the alternatives? Well, many top airlines serve espresso-based drinks in first and business class, which I far prefer. Cappuccinos are made with milk rather than water, so you’re consuming a lot less water from the tank (just the small amount from the espresso shot).
I also appreciate when airlines offer a proper cold brew or iced coffee, since that comes out of a bottle, rather than from the coffee machine. For example, Delta serves cold brew on select routes, while Southwest is selling a new iced coffee drink (though it’s really sugary). I wish we’d see more airlines offer this.
I know some people say “well just bring coffee from the terminal.” I’ve never been a fan of that, personally. I find boarding with a cup of coffee to be a pain, and I feel like half the time a cup of coffee gets spilled during boarding. I’ll gladly have a cup of coffee on the ground (like in a lounge), but I’m not into carrying coffee onboard.
Bottom line
I’m kind of grossed out by airplane coffee, but I still drink it, and try to just not think about it too much.
Yes, airplane coffee is made with water from a plane’s tanks, which isn’t cleaned very often. On top of that, the coffee machines aren’t cleaned very often. Furthermore, many airlines don’t invest much in having good coffee, so when you add it all up, drinking coffee in the air often isn’t much of a pleasure.
Still, I like coffee, and I drink it on planes. I do what I can to drink espresso-based drinks or cold brew, when offered (which some airlines have in premium cabins), but worst case scenario I’m also happy to have coffee. I just try not to think about it too much.
Where do you stand on airplane coffee? Gross or no? And regardless, do you drink it?
Hiya Ben ,
Huge fan here also been in the industry 35 years. I don’t think cabin crew are trying to be medical experts (referencing your TikTok comment)…we just see and know information about aircraft systems (including water the general public may not know or be privvy to and how often stuff gets cleaned/tended to etc). As much as some of the general public claims to know it all about what goes on behind the...
Hiya Ben ,
Huge fan here also been in the industry 35 years. I don’t think cabin crew are trying to be medical experts (referencing your TikTok comment)…we just see and know information about aircraft systems (including water the general public may not know or be privvy to and how often stuff gets cleaned/tended to etc). As much as some of the general public claims to know it all about what goes on behind the scenes - they don’t. I think staff is just trying to be helpful. As an aside, many flight attendants today do have medical backgrounds (first responders, nursing, etc.). Not saying they are all on tic tok but maybe consider choosing your words more carefully next time. Snarkiness, especially towards those who happen to have additional experience other than just in the skies, is a little offensive. Thank you!
Airplane Coffee is disgusting for two reasons: (1) the tank water, and (2) how it tastes. Instead, drink seltzer water with a bacteria-laden wedge of lime if you need the flavor or intestinal flora. (Or a splash of one of their pasteurized juices.)
I would think to those who said that water at home comes from water that goes through pipes, that it is different. The water runs through the pipes. I think water in tanks can get stagnant. For years, I stopped drinking coffee on planes. I love coffee and it never tasted good on a plane. And, yes, I thought about the tanks too, even then.
I thought it's much less about the water and more about the coffee pots that creates an "industrial" taste, kind of like if you drink coffee brewed at a workplace machine that rarely ever gets cleaned out. As a few others have said, coffee machines are supposed to have "descaling" every six months or so to improve the performance and taste. This can be done with "descalers" or simply vinegar.
And for the coffee debate...
I thought it's much less about the water and more about the coffee pots that creates an "industrial" taste, kind of like if you drink coffee brewed at a workplace machine that rarely ever gets cleaned out. As a few others have said, coffee machines are supposed to have "descaling" every six months or so to improve the performance and taste. This can be done with "descalers" or simply vinegar.
And for the coffee debate -- I don't drink it a lot on the plane just because I have a sensitive bladder and it often makes me have to pee every 20 minutes or so for about 2-4 repetitions, AND they tend to serve it scalding and very full and often with powdered creamer or cheap single serve half & half that is just titanium dioxide so it's a delicate balancing act to not spill scalding coffee before it is cool enough to drink, which often isn't by the time they pass back through for trash pick up. BUT, airplane coffee is still better than most gas station coffee that gets brewed like every four hours and then gets that deluxe burnt taste from sitting on the warming plate forever.
I also work for a large U.S. airline and for the most part; potable water tanks are regularly cleaned. What’s more is that tests are conducted quarterly or more to test for bacteria and viruses that could cause harm. What’s also nice to point out is that unless the water was contaminated to the point where even boiling wouldn’t render it safe and a bunch of people got sick on a flight, it wouldn’t be...
I also work for a large U.S. airline and for the most part; potable water tanks are regularly cleaned. What’s more is that tests are conducted quarterly or more to test for bacteria and viruses that could cause harm. What’s also nice to point out is that unless the water was contaminated to the point where even boiling wouldn’t render it safe and a bunch of people got sick on a flight, it wouldn’t be hard to figure out why and that airline would be in deep shiitake. It’s cheaper to do things the right way, as many airlines have figured out.
As a retired aircraft mechanic, I'm here to tell you that whoever's assigned to clean those tanks does a half-assed job, if they do it at all.
Outside of Italy, cappuccino is a coffee drink that today is typically composed of a single espresso shot and hot milk, with the surface topped with foamed milk.
Do you have a point?
I think you owe us some research and a new article how that water is actually treated based on all rules for that
Ben, I read your blog avidly, but this is a pretty weak article. As others have stated, you have no actual basis for claiming the water in the tank is not clean. Maybe you feel it's "gross", you're entitled to whatever feelings you have, but that's not the same as facts.
I don't know the regulations either, but I'd be very surprised if, in something as highly regulated as aircraft, that potable water would be...
Ben, I read your blog avidly, but this is a pretty weak article. As others have stated, you have no actual basis for claiming the water in the tank is not clean. Maybe you feel it's "gross", you're entitled to whatever feelings you have, but that's not the same as facts.
I don't know the regulations either, but I'd be very surprised if, in something as highly regulated as aircraft, that potable water would be left as a do-as-you-wish option for airlines. It's ironic, because that bottled water you bring on flight is actually far less regulated than regular tap water, and -- I suspect -- that "gross" aircraft tank water. Numerous studies have shown that bottled water, especially those "natural glacier / natural spring" water is filthy and teeming with bacteria compared to tap water but people drink it anyway. People seem to have a weird resistance to science when it comes to water and rely on their gut feelings, usually to their detriment.
Also, I have to note, coffee does not hydrate you. It's a mild diuretic meaning it makes you pee. Drinking excess coffee will actually dehydrate you. The best thing to hydrate you during a flight (or anything else) is good old plain water! (Or if you really want to do it, fill your mug with Pedialyte)
@Lune
It's weak precisely because it's clickbait. More clicks means more bucks for Ben. There is no defending or rationalizing this 'article'.
If inflight coffee and tea were poisonous, we would, logically, be hearing of travelers becoming quite ill.
Whatever precautions airlines take + our immune systems = some sort of reassurance !
Travelers got ill all the time.
We even have a word for it, "Traveler's diarrhea".
Like the Camp LeJeune case, you couldn't tell until it was already too late. You could blame it on the food truck dinner you ate, or the coffee on the plane.
I'm not suggesting the water is good or not. I'm just pointing out that because you don't get sick right away doesn't mean it's clean.
I work for a large US airline and can assure you the potable water tanks are cleaned and sanitized regularly. I regularly drink the coffee onboard. The occasional Flight Attendant YouTube video talking about airplane water is BS. Flight attendants do not often know anything about maintenance.
I feel the same as you - I'm kind of grossed out by it, but will drink it if necessary! (and not worried about the health risks ... just the eww factor)
I much prefer stopping in the lounge and filling my coffee thermos with a cappuccino before boarding!
Was a flight attendant for 31 years…drank coffee and tea on plane without ever experiencing any problem…so go ahead and enjoy it if you wish ….
The water in our tanks RARELY is flushed out. Often, it fails an EPA test for wuality.
Capt G B737
Maybe EPA is using the wrong test to check the "Wuality" of the water tank.
Regardless, EPA has nothing to do with checking the water in your tank.
How comfortable are you stepping onto a plane with a 'wuality' captain?
Yeah, trust everything from the EPA, CDC, FBI, FAA.
I am not grossed out by airplane coffee. But coffee has an almost immediate impact on my colon and bowel movements. I simply do not drink coffee on a plane to keep my 'never do number 2 on a plane' streak alive. 20 years and counting!
I am more concerned with the effect coffee has on my personal water storage tank (waste variety) as I age. Few things worse than having an urgent need to pee 20 minutes after a coffee in-flight, or not!
Returning to the topic, it has long been my opinion that American-style coffee is, and always has been, gross irrespective of whether the water used is highly clorinated and disinfected, or not, has additional 'additives' (hello...
I am more concerned with the effect coffee has on my personal water storage tank (waste variety) as I age. Few things worse than having an urgent need to pee 20 minutes after a coffee in-flight, or not!
Returning to the topic, it has long been my opinion that American-style coffee is, and always has been, gross irrespective of whether the water used is highly clorinated and disinfected, or not, has additional 'additives' (hello Flint USA), or scooped up from a roadside mud puddle, it all tastes crap.
There are many coffee joints run by Australians in the more civilized cities (not lookin' at you Starbucks) who show what REAL coffee ia all about! NYC is teaming with 'em!
Actually, I’ve pretty good American coffee on planes for decades. The espresso and cappuccino types have not been very good generally. Never had an issue getting I’ll from plane water.
Slow news day, I suppose.
It's so sad when Americans think there's personal prestige in being "a coffee enthusiast". The garden gnome on the other blog is even worse.
The European way is not talking about it, but just drinking good coffee. You're welcome.
Trust that Europeans do sneer about it with some kind of coffee superiority complex, and when they don’t, people like you (someone who is clearly not European, ~Loretta~) do it for them. Very odd on your part!
As an American living in Europe for the last six years I can assure this is false on all counts. Europeans love to talk about their espressos as if they are superior to any other form of coffee. And run-of-the-mill coffee is quite bad here in France, and specialty roasters are only recently spreading around Paris. Luckily there's been a large uptick in the time I've lived here, but it was pretty bleak when I arrived.
Been drinking coffee on planes for 25 years and haven't died once.
George, you're killin' me!
I don’t mind it. I find that most of it is whether you get your filter coffee from a fresh pot or the end of a pot. When I last flew on WestJet, the flight attendant brought me a slightly sad tasting warm cup of coffee, then 2 minutes later proactively came back with a hot cup from a fresh pot to replace it and it was delicious.
I quite like the taste of aeroplane coffee anyway, I guess I associate the taste of it with going away on holiday, so it makes me happy.
Ben - American serving La Colombe in all of their lounges (which is the one area in which they VASTLY improve on Delta's lounge offering of Starbucks) should solve most of your issues domestically. Well worth bringing on the plane IMO.
"On airplanes, coffee is brewed with water from the plane’s water tanks… which are probably kind of gross."
You could also say the same on the ground, but we don't: "In your house, coffee is brewed with water from the tap, which is carried to your house underground through pipes...which are probably kind of gross".
I second another post - you can't write an article without mentioning the potable water regulations that aircraft are required...
"On airplanes, coffee is brewed with water from the plane’s water tanks… which are probably kind of gross."
You could also say the same on the ground, but we don't: "In your house, coffee is brewed with water from the tap, which is carried to your house underground through pipes...which are probably kind of gross".
I second another post - you can't write an article without mentioning the potable water regulations that aircraft are required to follow, especially in the US.
yes but the water in the pipe is all pressurized. Thats why when there's a water main burst and loss of pressure, a boil water advisory is given
Come on now, let's not have pesky facts get into the way of another opinion piece!
What I'm really curious about is how often these people clean their water heater and pipes at home?
I've never had a problem with coffee on planes.
you're not supposed to use the hot water tap (which comes from the water heater) for drinking and cooking!
Just to be sure in case the heat isn't enough, I always add some Woodford, Kahlua, Baileys, or Jameson.
Regardless, it took Camp LeJeune 30 years to officially declare water contamination.
Planes don't last that long in service. So just because no one got mass sickness yet doesn't mean the water is safe to consume.
But judging from comments here, most human memory span these days are short.
I used to fly for a major US carrier. For domestic planes you are probably fine because US and Canada have strong regulations for water. International planes go to places like India and Africa that have massive waterborne disease. The plane then comes to the US with that water in the tank. Even if they dump it, the microbes are still there. Cleaning involves a bottle of chlorox. That kills the microbes but leaves a chlorine taste.
If anyone ever was sickened from the water, I have never read about it. Domestically, BYOC from the terminal.
Coffee in the air doesn't taste anywhere near as good, and on many European and British airlines costs too much. Take a caffeine tablet, fill your water bottle at the terminal and look forward to the real thing as soon as you arrive
Urgh.
The water served on board an aircraft is potable water for human consumption.
As a gay flight attendant it always makes me laugh how so many of my fellow gay colleagues go ‘eeewww gross’ when I drink coffee made on the aircraft but will then continue to indulge me in the wonderful oral-anal ‘rimming’ session they had on the layover. The irony.
“…but will then continue to indulge me in the wonderful oral-anal ‘rimming’ session they had on the layover.”
Tell us more, please.
You must be popular at dinner parties.
Wow, you invented a story about yourself being gay and your fellow gay colleagues just to throw out some homophobic nonsense to let us all know how bad the gays are.
10 points for Slytherin.
hmm..... way too much information there, girlfriend!
Same as RODPCV.
Still serving cabin crew (27 years so far).
An avid coffee drinker onboard the aircraft and have never had a single issue with it. Nor given it much thought to be honest.
It's not really fair/informative to write an article like this, but fail to mention that there are both international and domestic (writing this from a US p.o.v.) regulations for potable water storage, disinfection, routine sampling, and onboarding that must be followed.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-141/subpart-X
I'd be far more concerned about the water of any given city's tap, than I would an airplane. At least there's models for consistency and repetitive testing, for the latter.
It's not really fair/informative to write an article like this, but fail to mention that there are both international and domestic (writing this from a US p.o.v.) regulations for potable water storage, disinfection, routine sampling, and onboarding that must be followed.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-141/subpart-X
I'd be far more concerned about the water of any given city's tap, than I would an airplane. At least there's models for consistency and repetitive testing, for the latter.
There is no problem drinking tea or coffee on the plane. The rate at which water is used up and refilled in the tanks make them safe from hazardous bacteria, not to mention the high temperature used to heat up the same water kills every bacteria or virus in the water. Your chances of getting bacteria from your tap water at home are much higher than airplane tank water.
As a mechanic those tanks are clean more often than than you think. Water samples are sent out to be tested by the environmental dept. Quite often. Coffee makers are changed out Quite often. Either by defect or overhaul. Which ever comes first. Those tanks are cleaner then the bottle water you drink at home.
Caffeine induces bowel movements. Tank water trash coffee lol. I think the coffee is just fine on American. It’s coffee. Coffee snobbery is so California.
More generally, few restaurants have truly good coffee. I don't even bother.
I’m a retired F/A after 42 years with a U.S. carrier and drank coffee, tea and hot water w/ lemon inflight, traveling around the world with NO issues with getting ill.
So, yes, I still do drink coffee, tea and hot water w/lemon while traveling.
Hah I'm kind of right there with you. I keep drinking it as well. When the cup arrives, I usually look at it and sigh thinking of probably how gross it is, and think "yolo".
I'd hate to see what the inside of my Keurig machine looks like after 7 years. IMO.. not much of a difference from drinking airplane coffee.
Nespresso sells a descaling kit, which you're supposed to run in those machines every six months. It definitely makes the machine run better (hotter) and makes the coffee taste better
From a science perspective, hot coffees having water at near boil temp already kills out most bacterias.
I always ask for a half cup coffee with a shot of Crown and shot of Bailys.
If we had complete knowledge on all the food and drinks we ingested, we’d probably avoid a lot of what we’re served or purchase … plane, restaurants, supermarket, lemonade stand, whatever. I enjoy my airplane coffee and don’t think about it - ignorance is bliss.
Jimmy, beyond the thoughtless food workers with poor hygiene practices are those food workers who intentionally do bad things to food. Just do a Google search on the subject. Caught on video: McDonald's sandwich assembler who intentionally drops a meat patty to the floor, squishes it with her foot, picks it up, and puts it into a sandwich. Caught on video: Burger King manager who, after closing, removes the top of an ice cream machine,...
Jimmy, beyond the thoughtless food workers with poor hygiene practices are those food workers who intentionally do bad things to food. Just do a Google search on the subject. Caught on video: McDonald's sandwich assembler who intentionally drops a meat patty to the floor, squishes it with her foot, picks it up, and puts it into a sandwich. Caught on video: Burger King manager who, after closing, removes the top of an ice cream machine, mounts it, and goes number two in it. I haven't had fast food in years.
I think the argument is the same as getting a draft beer from your local pub. When is the last time they cleansed the lines? Did the person setting the keg and attaching it to system use gloves, a mask and have proper hygiene? Yet every day a bunch of people order draft beer and I am sure a portion of those systems would fail an inspection and walk a way fine (maybe a bit...
I think the argument is the same as getting a draft beer from your local pub. When is the last time they cleansed the lines? Did the person setting the keg and attaching it to system use gloves, a mask and have proper hygiene? Yet every day a bunch of people order draft beer and I am sure a portion of those systems would fail an inspection and walk a way fine (maybe a bit buzzed). I just lower my expectations and get a coffee (or tea) and of all the things during travel that could lead to my getting sick, I just do not consider this to be one of them. That is my two cents.
I never thought about that before and wish you didn't bring it up haha!
Why would you need to wear a mask to clean beer lines? Gloves would only be used to prevent the person doing the cleaning from spilling the corrosive liquid on their hands.
I have been drinking coffee on planes for 20 years, and never have gotten sick. All of those TikTok videos, FB posts, or IG stories is just for likes and nothing more. 99% of anything aviation related on TikTok is completely false, or some times misleading. People try to go viral, so they make it sound like you are going to crap your pants if you drink coffee.
Let's look at it this way....
I have been drinking coffee on planes for 20 years, and never have gotten sick. All of those TikTok videos, FB posts, or IG stories is just for likes and nothing more. 99% of anything aviation related on TikTok is completely false, or some times misleading. People try to go viral, so they make it sound like you are going to crap your pants if you drink coffee.
Let's look at it this way. How often do people take apart, and clean their Brita (or other water filter container) with soap and water? Probably not that often, and that too will start to get bacteria in it. It is no different than an airplanes water tank.
I am a devout hot tea drinker, so if a flight is longer than two hours long, I’ll load up a spill proof insulated mug in the lounge and carry it on. That way you don’t have to worry about it spilling and it lasts a lot of the flight.
Wow, fascinating story.
“Gross” is a matter of opinion.
If airplane coffee/ tea was actually making people sick, I’m sure Ben would be posting many very click worthy articles about it.
Is airplane coffee really that much less disgusting than airline juice?
Also, reluctantly? You sometimes guzzle it down like it’s mother’s milk on flights (and then wonder why you can’t sleep).
Ah remember back in the day how Lucky’s biggest beverage issue was being served a slice of lemon instead of like with his soda…
Sorry, meant to say lemon instead of lime…
Where in earth is this "airplane juice is gross" meme coming from? There's no such thing as "airplane juice". It's just poured straight out of the same juice cartoons you buy at the grocery store.
Any port in a storm!
Isn’t the rule for most coffee drinkers, myself included?
Refreshing take, I agree. I have never gotten sick from airplane coffee.
The airplane coffee I have been served is usually scalding hot. Seems like that would kill anything that may cause trouble internally.
search for "FORTO Coffee Shots" on amazon. these are 2oz single shots so you can take them thru security. It comes in chocolate and vanilla. There used to be a plain black option with no added sugar but that seems to disappeared during the pandemic