Why not drink a cup of hot tea or coffee during the flight, especially if you need to cheer up or just want to relax. However, many passengers have no idea what awaits them along with the coveted drink.
In 2004, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a study of water from which hot drinks are prepared during the flight. Samples of water were taken from 158 plane food tanks of various airlines. It turned out that in 13% of the liners the water contained coliform organisms – the bacteria of the Escherichia coli group, and in two cases found a dangerous E.coli virus. An additional study revealed that the water quality of every eight aircraft does not meet the sanitary and hygienic standards.
The thing is that the water taken for hot drinks is not filtered, but for the most cases it is common tap water. And, if the quality of the tap water at home can be quite tolerable, while transporting the liquid onto the aircraft, various bacteria, which live in transportation tanks, enter it. Probably, regularly cleaning such tanks is quite problematic and rather expensive.
To get rid of the bacteria and fungus that inhabit transportation tanks, special chemicals are also added to the water for its disinfection. Most likely, these additives make the taste of hot drinks on board a bit peculiar.
"Special" water can not only be in your cup with hot coffee or tea, but also end up in your glass as ice cubes – they are also made with raw water.
Experts on infectious diseases advise people with a weakened immune system not to drink hot beverages on board, and even more so, not to ask for such water for preparing baby food. Remember that for young children you can always carry extra liquids to the plane with you – in particular, in a thermos.
As you can see, even a seemingly elaborate catering system on board has its shorcomings. Go for pure bottled water, which is opened right in front of the passengers. You can also ask the flight attendant to bring you water in a small bottle – if they are available, you will not be refused. We hope that these simple recommendations will make your flight more comfortable, a holiday more enjoyable, and your rest more rewarding.