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 Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, based in New York City, recently reviewedairline water systemsover a three-year period, analyzing over 35,000 samples collected between 2022 and 2025.

The study evaluated both major and regional carriers, grading them based on contamination violations, E.coli findings, maintenance practices and how frequently water systems were cleaned, according to a press release.

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A score of 3.5 or higher was considered indicative of relatively safe water, while lower scores reflected potentially unhealthyonboard water.

The analysis found 32 E.coli violations across 21 airlines during the study window.

Passenger using a smartphone next to a glass of water on an airplane tray table by the window.

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, with Alaska Airlines also ranking well.Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines placed at the bottom of the rankings.

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com/category/us/economy/regulation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">federal guidelines, though much of the data is self-reported.

“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling,” he said.

A man is sitting on the plane, drinking coffee and looking at his phone and laptop.

Results indicated that Delta Air Lines earned the strongest marks for water safety, with Alaska Airlines also performing well.(iStock)

The study examined whether airlines are doing enough beyondminimum requirementsto protect passengers, according to Platkin.

He noted that travelers should not have to worry about the safety of onboard water when ordering drinks or washing their hands while flying.“These aren’t luxuries;they’re 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 risk by filling reusable water bottles after clearing security or purchasing bottled water, Pace recommended, adding that hand sanitizer is preferable to washing hands with airplane tap water.

“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling.”

Consumingcontaminated water, even at low levels, can disrupt digestion and weaken immune defenses, she warned.

It’s especially important for children, older adults and people with weakenedimmune systemsto take extra precautions, Pace cautioned.

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