Recent online rumors have been circulating, suggesting that passengers should avoid drinking coffee or tea while flying, as there have been claims by some self-media that the drinking water tanks on airplanes are never cleaned, and flight attendants do not have time to clean the coffee and tea pots. However, senior flight attendants from the Southern California Chinese Airlines Association have shaken their heads in disagreement with these exaggerated rumors, stating that they and their colleagues do drink the hot tea or coffee provided on the plane.
President of the Southern California Chinese Airlines Association, Autumn Ling, humorously remarked, “At least the drinks provided by Chinese Airlines can be consumed.” According to her, all airlines’ planes typically undergo A-check maintenance every 500 to 800 flight hours, following the standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). One of the maintenance tasks is to clean the cabin water tanks and replace filters using environmentally friendly cleaning agents. After cleaning, a self-check of water quality is conducted, ensuring the safety and hygiene of the drinking water on planes.
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published the “Aircraft Drinking Water Rule Guidance Manual,” which mandates regular cleaning of the aircraft water supply system to ensure water quality. A review of EPA’s periodic reports on aircraft drinking water reveals that in 2024, the kitchen and lavatory water supplies of all U.S. airlines meet quality standards and routine cleaning and disinfection procedures are being implemented.
Vice President of the Southern California Chinese Airlines Association, Chi-Wen Hsieh, also affirmed that the drinking water on airplanes meets drinking water quality standards. Flight attendants do clean the tea and coffee pots, and the rumors circulating online should not be entirely trusted. Taiwan’s regulations stipulate quality standards for tap water, packaged, and bottled drinking water, therefore airlines must adhere to domestic laws to ensure the safety of drinking water in the cabin. However, if passengers are still concerned, they can opt for juices or other beverages.