Jet2, Ryanair, TUI, Easyjet passengers warned they 'must' take bottle of water onto plane

A veteran flight attendant advises that never drinking the tap water on a plane is crucial for your health. Flight water tanks are often inadequately cleaned, potentially harbouring harmful bacteria like E. coli, posing significant health risks.

One crucial piece of advice from a flight attendant is to never drink the tap water on a plane. Speaking out ahead of the bumper Ryanair, Jet2, Easyjet and TUI season, leading travel expert Ski Vertigo and a veteran flight attendant emphasise that drinking tap water on a plane is one of the most important things to avoid during a flight due to the potential risks to your health and overall travel experience.

Plane water tanks are often not adequately cleaned, leading to potential contamination. Research and reports indicate that the water in these tanks can harbour harmful bacteria and pathogens. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that a significant percentage of aircraft tested positive for coliform bacteria, and even E. coli in some cases. These bacteria can cause serious gastrointestinal issues and other infections.

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The coffee and tea served on flights are often made using the plane's tap water, which means that any contamination in the water tanks is also present in these beverages. Flight attendants have reported that the equipment used to brew coffee and tea, such as coffee makers and kettles, are not always cleaned properly. This can result in the presence of additional bacteria and mould.

Drinking contaminated water can lead to a range of health issues, from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe infections. The risk is higher for vulnerable passengers, including those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children.

Passengers can take proactive steps to ensure they have access to safe drinking water during their flight. Bringing your own bottled water or purchasing bottled beverages from airport vendors before boarding are effective ways to avoid the risks associated with airplane tap water.

A flight attendant, who spoke to Ski Vertigo, commented on the findings. They said: “To save money and stay healthy on your flight, pack an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on luggage. Once you've passed through security, fill it up at a water fountain or bottle refill station in the airport. This ensures you have clean water without the cost of purchasing bottled water from airport vendors or on the plane, where prices can be high.

"For a comfortable and hygienic flight, consider bringing your own snacks and beverages. Many airports have shops offering a variety of food and drink options, often at a lower cost than what you'll find in-flight. On top of that, by selecting your own items, you can cater to your dietary preferences and avoid any potential health risks from plane-provided beverages and meals.”