A new analysis suggests that passengers should think twice before ordering drinks on airplanes or washing their hands in the restroom.
According to a report by Fox News on January 20, the “Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity” in New York City recently conducted a three-year review of water supply systems in multiple airlines, analyzing over 35,000 samples collected between 2022 and 2025.
Based on the press release from the organization, the study evaluated major airlines and regional carriers, scoring the onboard water supply based on criteria such as contamination violations, E. coli test results, maintenance measures, and the frequency of water system cleaning.
Scores of 3.5 or higher were considered to indicate relatively safe water quality, while lower scores suggested potential health risks associated with onboard water supply.
The analysis revealed that during the research period, 21 airlines had 32 incidents of E. coli contamination.
Delta Air Lines received the highest score in terms of drinking water safety, followed closely by Alaska Airlines. On the other hand, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines ranked at the bottom.
Charles Platkin, the lead researcher of the study, told Fox News Digital that airlines often claim to comply with U.S. federal guidelines, but much of the data is self-reported by the airlines.
Platkin stated that the aim of the study was to investigate whether airlines were taking adequate measures beyond the minimum requirements to protect passengers. He emphasized that passengers should not have to worry about the safety of onboard drinking water when ordering drinks or washing their hands on flights. “These are not luxuries, but basic requirements,” he said.
Nicolette M. Pace, a registered dietitian in New York and founder of NutriSource, emphasized the importance of taking simple preventive measures while flying, as highlighted in the research results.
Pace recommended that passengers fill reusable water bottles after passing security checks or purchase bottled water to reduce the risk. She also suggested using hand sanitizer instead of washing hands with tap water on airplanes. Pace emphasized that children, the elderly, and those with weaker immune systems should take extra precautions.
Fox News Digital reached out to the top and bottom-ranking airlines in the study for comments.
Spirit Airlines stated that the company had implemented comprehensive testing and maintenance programs for onboard water supply systems and complied with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Aircraft Drinking Water Rule.” The airline said, “We place great importance on the health and comfort of our passengers.”
Spirit Airlines added that data showed progress in recent years, and the company would continue to review and improve procedures as needed.
American Airlines informed Fox News Digital that its drinking water program fully complied with the requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a recent EPA audit did not find any major issues.
The airline mentioned that it is reviewing the analysis report, including its methods, to identify any improvement measures that can further enhance passenger safety.
Delta Air Lines stated that it ranked highest in drinking water safety, demonstrating the company’s commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water for passengers and employees. The airline emphasized, “Safety and quality are top priorities in all aspects of our global service and operations.”
JetBlue Airways also provided a comment, stating that safety is their “top priority” and that they offer bottled pure drinking water on all flights.
A spokesperson for JetBlue Airways told Fox News Digital, “In the brewing of coffee and tea, JetBlue Airways follows processes established by the EPA, FDA, and FAA to ensure the safety of our water supply.” He further added that they conduct routine water system sampling and cleaning procedures in accordance with regulatory guidelines to ensure the water used on the aircraft is safe and reliable.