January 12, 2026 | 09:13 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – A recent study has shown that the quality of water provided to passengers on airplanes is estimated to be far below acceptable health standards, raising new concerns regarding flight safety and public health.
According to the New York Post, the study known as the 2026 Airline Water Study, released on December 29, 2025, by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity. The study aimed to assess the water quality of each airline, the team collected 35,674 water samples over a three-year study period from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2025.
The water was evaluated using a 'Water Safety Score,' with 0 being the lowest score and 5 being the highest. A score of 3.5 or higher indicates relatively safe and clean water. The study was based on five weighted criteria, including per aircraft violations, Maximum Contaminant Level violations for E. coli, indicator-positive levels, public notification, and disinfectant and flushing frequency.
The results showed significant differences among airlines. Delta Air Lines obtained the highest score of 5.00, followed by Frontier Airlines with a score of 4.80, making them both eligible for an A rating based on the study's standards. Alaska Airlines also achieved a B rating with a score of 3.85.
On the other hand, several major airlines ranked at the bottom of the assessment. For instance, American Airlines and JetBlue only scored 1.75 and 1.80, equivalent to a D rating, indicating that the water quality is far from safe. Most regional airlines also performed poorly, except for GoJet Airlines which managed to achieve a score of 3.85 (Grade B).
Dr. Charles Platkin, director of the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, stated that nearly all regional airlines need to improve the safety of their onboard water. "Except GoJet Airlines," he added, as reported by Food & Wine.
The study highlights that the water storage system on aircraft can be affected by various conditions such as temperature changes, different water sources at each airport, and mechanical stress during flight, all of which contribute to the formation of contaminants.
In addition, the weak enforcement of the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule, a federal rule that requires airlines to conduct periodic testing of drinking water on aircraft, means that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rarely imposes sanctions for violations.
Anticipating potential health risks, researchers recommend that passengers avoid drinking water directly from the aircraft tap, including beverages such as coffee or tea made with water from the aircraft tap, unless it is from a sealed bottle. They also advise the use of hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol content as an alternative to washing hands with water on the aircraft.
Water Safety Score - Major Airlines
1. Delta Air Lines: 5.00 (Grade A)
2. Frontier Airlines: 4.80 (Grade A)
3. Alaska Airlines: 3.85 (Grade B)
4. Allegiant Air: 3.65 (Grade B)
5. Southwest Airlines: 3.30 (Grade C)
6. Hawaiian Airlines: 3.15 (Grade C)
7. United Airlines: 2.70 (Grade C)
8. Spirit Airlines: 2.05 (Grade D)
9. JetBlue: 1.80 (Grade D)
10. American Airlines: 1.75 (Grade D)
Water Safety Score - Regional Airlines
1. GoJet Airlines: 3.85 (Grade B)
2. Piedmont Airlines: 3.05 (Grade C)
3. Sun Country Airlines: 3.00 (Grade C)
4. Endeavor Air: 2.95 (Grade C)
5. SkyWest Airlines: 2.40 (Grade D)
6. Mesa Airlines: 1.35 (Grade F)
Putri Az Zahra Suherman
Read: Simple Trick to Get Extra Legroom on Flights Without Paying More
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