A flight attendant warns against ordering hot drinks on planes, as they’re made with water from “uncleaned tanks”, advising passengers to stick to bottled drinks for safety
A flight attendant has shared a crucial piece of advice with her followers, warning passengers to avoid one particular drink when flying. Kat Kamalani, a popular TikTok creator with over a million followers, recently revealed why you should never order hot drinks like tea or coffee on a plane. The reason? It all comes down to the airplane’s water tank.
In a viral TikTok video, Kamalani explained that the water used to prepare coffee, tea, and other hot beverages is often taken from the plane’s water tank, which is rarely cleaned. “Rule number one: never consume any liquid that’s not in a can or a bottle,” she said. The flight attendant went on to share that many flight attendants, herself included, avoid these drinks because the water is “absolutely disgusting.” The tanks are hardly ever cleaned between flights, meaning the water is often contaminated with bacteria.
Even more concerning, Kamalani pointed out that the coffee machines are rarely cleaned unless they break down. “The kettle might get cleaned between flights, but the coffee machines themselves? Not really,” she said. These machines are also typically located near the plane’s lavatories, which are not the cleanest part of the aircraft. The combination of poor cleaning practices and their location makes the water used in these machines far from ideal for drinking.
Kamalani also had a tip for parents travelling with babies. Many parents ask for hot water to prepare baby bottles, but Kamalani strongly recommended against this. “Instead, ask for bottled water on the side and heat it up yourself,” she advised. This ensures the water you’re using to prepare a bottle for your baby is safe and doesn’t come from the questionable water tank.
Her video has garnered millions of views, with passengers and parents appreciating the honest insight into the hygiene of inflight drinks. While airlines are required to follow safety protocols, Kamalani’s advice serves as a helpful reminder of the hidden risks involved in drinking from the airplane’s water supply.
This issue isn’t just speculation. A 2019 study by the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center and DietDetective.com analysed the quality of drinking water on major airlines. It found that water quality varies significantly, with some airlines providing unhealthy water. Of the 10 major airlines tested, seven received a score of under three (out of five), suggesting that their water quality could pose a health risk.
So next time you’re flying, it’s a good idea to skip the coffee and tea and stick to bottled drinks instead. It’s a small change that could help you avoid any unwanted stomach issues on your journey.