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Smart people don’t order tea, coffee on airplanes; know why you’ll never do it differently

When flying, especially on long flights, many people tend to order drinks and food. However, there are two common beverages, tea and coffee, that should be avoided.

Administrator

27 February, 2024

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Choosing a beverage when flying is a simple task. While tea and coffee are two familiar drinks to Vietnamese people, flight attendants advise against ordering these two types of drinks on planes.

The reason for not ordering tea and coffee is because these drinks are not safe on airplanes. A 2019 study found that many international airlines, including those in the United States, use low-quality or unhealthy tap water, and in reality, the tea or coffee brewed on flights is taken from the tap instead of bottled water. The 2012 testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also showed that 12% of the samples tested positive for E.coli bacteria.

The use of water to brew coffee and tea on airplanes can lead to a high risk of bacterial contamination, which can cause digestive disorders for passengers right on the plane. Moreover, the water on planes only boils at around 90 degrees, not enough to reach the 100-degree threshold on the ground, so brewing tea or coffee on a plane may not taste as good as on the ground. These pre-made teas and coffees are usually not produced for use with relatively low-temperature water.

In addition, drinking tea and coffee on planes can make passengers more easily stimulated and therefore more prone to airplane sickness. This can make you feel more tired.

Furthermore, flight attendants also advise against using paper in the airplane lavatories, as during the process of water movement in the tank, water can splash onto the paper, rendering them unhygienic.

What should you drink when flying?

Bottled water

Bottled water is the safest and healthiest drink as it is sterilized and does not cause any unexpected stimulation. At an altitude of thousands of meters, the body will lose a significant amount of water due to the humidity being only 10% to 20%. According to estimates, on a 10-hour flight, you can lose from 1.6 to 2 liters of water – about 4% of the water in your body. Therefore, you should order bottled water to ensure that your body does not lose water on long flights and avoid fatigue.

You should also avoid ordering carbonated or alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.

Frequently asked questions

Smart people avoid ordering tea or coffee on airplanes due to the potential health risks associated with the water quality. The water tanks on airplanes are rarely cleaned, leading to a buildup of bacteria and germs, which can cause health issues for passengers. In addition, the water is often stored in the plane for days or weeks, further degrading its quality.

The health risks include the possibility of contracting bacteria-related illnesses, such as E. coli or Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms. In addition, the water used to make tea and coffee on airplanes may contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, which is used to treat the water and can have negative health effects.

Yes, it is recommended to opt for bottled or canned beverages, as these are regulated and must meet certain safety standards. Juice, soda, or simply asking for hot water and using tea bags or instant coffee you’ve brought yourself are also safer options. Another alternative is to bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after passing through airport security, ensuring you stay hydrated without risking your health.

If you really prefer a hot drink, it is advisable to ask the flight attendant to see if they can provide hot water in the pot that has been boiled, as this will kill most bacteria. Adding milk to your tea or coffee can also help, as the bacteria are less likely to survive in milk. However, the best option is to bring your own tea bags or instant coffee and ask for hot water, which reduces the risk significantly.

The water quality on airplanes is often poor due to a lack of regular cleaning and maintenance of the water tanks and pipes. Additionally, the water is typically stored for extended periods, which allows for the growth of bacteria and other contaminants. It’s worth noting that the FAA does have regulations in place, but they are not always strictly enforced, and testing is infrequent.