Traveling can be exciting, but consuming the wrong in-flight beverages might compromise your health. Here’s what you need to know about airplane drink safety.
Whether heading for a vacation or a business trip, the drinks served on airplanes can greatly impact your comfort and health during flight. Many travelers look forward to the complimentary refreshments offered during their journey. However, experts advise caution when it comes to choosing your in-flight beverages, especially if you know what to consider for cleanliness and hygiene.
Airline Water Hygiene Concerns
A flight attendant known for her travel insights, Kat Kamalani, has sparked a conversation about which beverages are safe to consume during flights. Her alarming claims shed light on the potential hazards posed by the cleanliness of airline water tanks. According to Kamalani, one major rule to follow is: avoid any liquid that is not packaged in a can or bottle.
Why is this the case? The water tanks on many commercial aircraft frequently go uncleaned, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Inspecting the maintenance record of the airline’s water service may not be possible for the average traveler, making it even more crucial to heed these warnings.
Contaminated Beverages: Tea and Coffee
In addition to bottled beverages, the safety of in-flight beverages such as coffee and tea also comes into question. Kamalani claims that these popular hot drinks originate from the same unclean water tanks, increasing the risk of consuming contaminated water. In her video, she reveals, "Those water tanks are never cleaned and they are disgusting." This insight raises significant hygiene concerns for travelers looking for comfort in their hot drinks while cruising at 30,000 feet.
A second opinion comes from former flight attendant Alex Quigley, who supports Kamalani's statements. Quigley points out potential contamination sources: "There's no telling how often or when the tank has been cleaned last. This is a beast for bacteria." The close arrangement of coffee service machinery and airplane lavatories further exacerbates the issue of cleanliness.
Safe Alternatives for Travelers
Despite being offered free of charge, drinks served on flights pose risks that can be easily avoided. Here are some recommendations for maintaining your well-being while traveling
- Stick to bottled drinks. Look for products packaged in cans or bottles to minimize exposure to unhygienic conditions.
- Request bottled water. When traveling with babies, parents should never ask for just hot water to mix baby formula. Instead, they should request bottled water separately along with hot water in another cup. This ensures that the baby formula is prepared safely without any contaminants.
- Always inquire about the source of beverages. Consider asking flight attendants about the water used for drinks, especially when ordering anything other than packaged options.
Hygiene Precautions for Parents Traveling with Babies
Parents should take extra precautions when traveling with infants. The safety of water on jets depends on cleanliness and airline maintenance practices. As Kamalani recommends, those preparing baby formula should follow these baby formula travel tips
1. Request bottled water to safely mix with the formula.
2. Ask for a hot water cup separately when preparing the formula.
3. Always check that the bottled water is sealed to eliminate concerns about tampering or contamination.
By following these guidelines, parents can help ensure that their infants remain healthy during flights.
Final Thoughts on Best Travel Hacks
The joy of flying shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. Understanding the cleanliness of airline water not only aids in your decision-making process but also enhances your in-flight experience. Whether you are a frequent flyer or planning your first trip, implementing these best travel hacks around airplane drink safety will elevate your travel preparation.
Choose wisely the next time you're offered a beverage in the sky. Stay hydrated, safe, and healthy!