Airline crew members disclose secret reasons about dodging pasta and drinking bottled water on flights - Airlines staff advise against consuming pasta and tap water on flights
In a recent article published by Denise Snieguolė Wachter in July 2023, it was revealed that airplane tap water may pose a potential health risk due to bacterial contamination. The article, which was also featured on The Huffington Post, was based on interviews with flight attendants from major American airlines.
The water tanks on planes are rarely cleaned, leading to the buildup of debris, minerals, and bacteria. This includes harmful bacteria such as E. coli. As a result, flight attendants advise passengers to avoid drinking tap water, coffee, tea, or any drinks with ice from the plane since the ice trays and water tanks may be contaminated.
Tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other studies have found bacterial contamination in some aircraft water systems, with about one in eight planes sometimes failing water safety standards. Bacteria have also been found not only in water but on commonly touched surfaces aboard the plane, including tables, seat belts, and lavatory buttons.
Airport tap water and water fountains prior to boarding may also be contaminated due to aging infrastructure and stagnant water in pipes or tanks, especially at some airports.
Flight attendants recommend drinking only from sealed bottled drinks brought on board or purchased bottled beverages, and avoiding using airplane water for brushing teeth or making hot drinks. If passengers wish to bring water on board without paying for it, they can fill a bottle after security rather than relying on plane water or ice.
It is important to note that the lower air pressure in the cabin can make a person seem drunker after drinking the same amount of alcohol as on the ground. Alcohol consumption is therefore discouraged at high altitudes due to its negative effects on the body.
Soups and pasta dishes served on airplanes are salted more heavily for in-flight consumption and should be avoided due to potential dehydration. The article does not provide specific information about the types of bacteria that could be present in the tap water.
The food served on airplanes is usually prepared by catering companies and transported to different airports. Flight attendants, as reported by The Huffington Post, often bring their own food to work due to dissatisfaction with the food served on airplanes. The article does not mention any specific catering companies that provide food for airplanes, nor does it provide information about the safety measures taken by airlines to ensure the cleanliness of their water systems.
Considering the potential bacterial contamination found in aircraft water systems, it's advisable to avoid consuming tap water, coffee, tea, or drinks with ice from planes. Moreover, given the contamination discovered in some airport tap water and water fountains, it might be beneficial to bring a sealed bottled drink on board or purchase one after security clearance. In light of this, one could also prioritize health-and-wellness by focusing on fitness-and-exercise and proper nutrition, especially during travels, to strengthen one's immune system. Meanwhile, studies in science could be conducted to identify specific types of bacteria that may be present in airline water systems, which could aid in devising more effective sanitization methods.
