Airline passengers may want to think twice before ordering drinks or washing their hands on board, new analysis suggests.
Recently reviewed by the New York City-based Food Center for Medicine and Longevity Airline water system Over three years, we analyzed more than 35,000 samples collected between 2022 and 2025.
The study evaluated both large and regional carriers and ranked them based on contamination violations, E. coli findings, maintenance practices and frequency of water system cleaning, according to a press release.
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A score of 3.5 or above is considered to indicate relatively safe water, while a lower score reflects potentially unhealthy water. water on board.
The analysis found 32 E. coli violations at 21 airlines during the study period.
Delta Air Lines received the highest score for water safety, and Alaska Airlines also received high marks. Spirit Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines were at the bottom of the rankings.
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Charles Platkin, the researcher behind the study, told Fox News Digital that airlines often cite compliance with the following rules: federal guidelinesHowever, much of the data is self-reported.
“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling,” he said.
This study investigated whether airlines are doing enough to go above and beyond. minimum requirements Platkin said this was to protect passengers.
He pointed out that travelers do not need to worry about the safety of onboard water when ordering drinks or washing their hands during flights. “These are not luxuries; these are basic expectations,” he says.
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Nicolette M. Pace, registered dietitian and founder of NutriSource in New York, said the findings support the importance of taking simple precautions when flying.
Passengers can reduce risk by filling reusable water bottles after passing through security or purchasing bottled water, Pace recommended, adding that hand sanitizer is preferable to washing hands with the plane’s tap water.
consume contaminated waterEven low levels can interfere with digestion and weaken immune defenses, she warned.
This is especially important for children, the elderly and the infirm. immune system Pace warned people to take extra precautions.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the top and bottom ranked airlines in the survey for comment.
Spirit Airlines said it maintains an extensive testing and maintenance program for its inflight water systems in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Aircraft Drinking Water Regulations.
“The health and comfort of our customers is extremely important to us,” the airline said, adding that data shows progress in recent years and it continues to review and improve procedures as needed.
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American Airlines told Fox News Digital that its drinking water program is fully compliant with EPA requirements and that a recent EPA audit found no significant issues.
The airline said it is reviewing the Center for Medicine and Longevity’s analysis, including its methodology, to determine whether any changes could make it even more effective. passenger safety.
Delta Air Lines said its highest ranking in water safety reflects its commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water to customers and employees.
“At Delta Air Lines, safety and quality are our top priorities in all aspects of our global service and operations,” the airline said.
JetBlue also commented, saying safety is its “first responsibility” and that it provides bottled purified water on all flights.
“JetBlue follows processes outlined by the EPA, FDA and FAA for coffee and tea preparation to ensure its water supply is safe,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital, adding that JetBlue conducts regular water system sampling and cleaning procedures in accordance with regulatory guidelines to ensure the water used on board its aircraft is safe and reliable.
