New York City – Airline passengers may want to reconsider ordering drinks made with onboard water or washing their hands using airplane sinks, according to a new analysis that reviewed thousands of airline water samples and identified multiple contamination violations. The findings were first reported by Fox News Digital.
Study Reviewed 35,000 Airline Water Samples
The analysis was conducted by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, a New York City–based research group, which examined airline water system data collected over a three-year period between 2022 and 2025. More than 35,000 water samples from both major and regional airlines were reviewed.
Airlines were graded based on contamination violations, E. coli findings, water system maintenance practices, and how often onboard systems were cleaned. Scores of 3.5 or higher were considered relatively safe, while lower scores suggested potentially unhealthy conditions.
E. coli Violations Found Across Multiple Airlines
Researchers identified 32 E. coli violations across 21 airlines during the study window, raising concerns about whether airlines are doing enough beyond minimum regulatory standards to protect passengers.
According to the analysis, Delta Air Lines received the highest water safety scores, with Alaska Airlines also ranking well. At the bottom of the rankings were Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines.
Researcher Says Federal Compliance Isn’t Enough
Charles Platkin, the researcher behind the analysis, said airlines often point to compliance with federal rules, though much of the reporting relies on airline-submitted data.
“Compliance should be the floor, not the ceiling,” Platkin said.
He explained that the study aimed to assess whether airlines go beyond minimum requirements to ensure onboard water safety, adding that passengers should not have to worry about the safety of water used for drinks or basic hygiene.
“These aren’t luxuries; they’re basic expectations,” he said.
Health Experts Recommend Simple Precautions
Nicolette M. Pace, a registered dietitian and founder of NutriSource in New York, said the findings reinforce the importance of taking simple preventive steps while flying.
She recommends that passengers fill reusable water bottles after passing security or purchase bottled water at the airport. Pace also advised using hand sanitizer instead of airplane sink water whenever possible.
Consuming contaminated water, even at low levels, can disrupt digestion and weaken immune defenses, she warned. Children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems should take extra precautions.
Airlines Respond to the Findings
Airlines that ranked both high and low in the analysis provided responses to Fox News Digital.
Spirit Airlines said it maintains an extensive testing and maintenance program that complies with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule and noted improvements in recent years.
American Airlines said its potable water program meets EPA requirements and that a recent audit found no significant issues. The airline added it is reviewing the study’s methodology to determine whether further safety enhancements are needed.
Delta Air Lines said its top ranking reflects a commitment to providing clean, safe potable water for customers and employees, emphasizing that safety and quality are core priorities.
JetBlue said safety is its first responsibility and noted that it serves bottled purified drinking water on all flights. The airline added that water used for coffee and tea follows EPA, FDA, and FAA guidelines, with routine sampling and cleaning performed to ensure reliability.
Ongoing Questions About Onboard Water Safety
The analysis has renewed debate over airline water safety and whether current federal oversight is sufficient. While airlines say they meet regulatory standards, researchers and health experts say passengers should remain cautious until stronger safeguards and transparency are in place.
