A flight attendant has warned passengers to avoid drinking coffee and tea on planes due to concerns over the cleanliness of aircraft water tanks. Kat Kamalani, a social media influencer known for sharing travel tips, advised in a TikTok video that passengers should never consume any liquid that is not in a can or a bottle.
Kamalani explained that water tanks on planes are rarely cleaned, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. She said that coffee and tea are made using water from these tanks, and that the coffee machines themselves are seldom sanitised unless they break down. She also noted that the machines are often located near lavatories, raising further hygiene concerns.
For parents travelling with babies, Kamalani recommended against using hot water from the plane for formula. Instead, she suggested asking for a bottle of water and hot water in a separate cup, then warming the bottled water in the cup. This avoids using water from the aircraft's tank.
The TikTok video garnered over half a million likes and sparked debate among viewers. Some commented on the poor quality of in-flight hot drinks, with one user noting that their hot chocolate tasted unpleasant. The safety of aircraft tap water has been questioned in studies, with concerns about microbiological quality depending on tank cleanliness and airline maintenance.
Passengers who wish to bring their own hot drinks onboard should check airline policies. For example, easyJet allows hot drinks purchased at the airport with lids. Baby milk and formula are generally exempt from liquid restrictions, but passengers may be asked to taste them for security reasons.
