Ever wonder why some flight attendants sip from their own bottles instead of grabbing a quick cup from the galley? Turns out, there are a couple of popular in-flight drinks that many crew members straight-up avoid and for pretty gross reasons. I checked out some recent articles, talked to both current and former flight attendants, and browsed through forums like Reddit and Quora where people really open up (no pun intended). The big consensus? Skip these two if you’re worried about what might be lurking in that cup. Here’s the lowdown on why these everyday orders get a hard pass from the pros.
Coffee – The Galley Brew Is a No-Go
Cabin crew mostly do not drink airplane coffee. It’s made using hot water from the aircraft’s tank, which is used for various purposes, and not cleaned as frequently as one would expect. Former crew members share stories of tanks with buildup, weird smells, and even tests showing bacteria like coliform. One attendant admitted sneaking bottled water to brew her own in the oven just to avoid it.
Tea – Same Water, Same Worries
Hot tea faces the same issue as coffee: it’s brewed from that questionable tank water. Attendants say the canisters and pipes rarely get a deep clean, and some have seen the inside (not pretty). Many crew members stick to sealed bottled drinks or skip hot stuff altogether during shifts. If you’re craving tea, grab a bottle or wait till you’re on the ground for something fresher.
Why the Tanks Are the Real Culprit
Airplane water tanks supply the hot water system, and while they’re refilled and disinfected periodically, full scrubs aren’t routine after every turnaround. Stories from attendants across major airlines mention chlorine tastes, residue, and occasional bacterial findings. It’s not always a disaster, but enough pros say “no thanks” that it’s worth listening.
Ice Gets Side-Eyed Too
Anything with ice often comes from the same tanks or machines that aren’t spotless between flights. Scoop tools might not get washed often, so crew tend to avoid iced drinks unless they’re from a sealed source. Opt for canned or bottled straight up with no ice needed.
What They Actually Drink Instead
Flight attendants usually grab bottled water, canned sodas, or juices like anything sealed and brought onboard by catering. Some brew personal stuff with bottled water if they really want hot drinks. It’s all about playing it safe when you’re stuck in the air for hours.
Not Everyone Agrees – Some Crew Do Drink It
To be fair, a few attendants and pilots say they’ve downed coffee or tea for years with no issues, and boiling probably kills most bugs. But the majority who avoid it point to the “better safe than sorry” vibe, especially after seeing maintenance realities up close.
Bottom Line for Passengers
In case cleanliness is your major concern, just go for sealed cans, bottles, or drinks poured directly from them. Avoid hot drinks made on board, and perhaps give ice a miss unless you are feeling daring. Your stomach (and peace of mind) will be grateful to you for this.
