3-7-2023 With the summer vacation season in full swing and international travel resuming, in-flight meals have become a major selling point. However, a United States flight attendant has revealed that most crew members refrain from consuming water, coffee, or tea on board due to concerns about the cleanliness of water supply pipes and the possibility that ice cubes are made from the same water source. Additionally, another Delta Air Lines flight attendant advises against ordering steak, fish fillets, or cheese platters.
According to the Daily Mail a flight attendant working for a major US airline, shared her insights during an interview with the Haverfordwest Journal. She stated that most crew members avoid drinking water on airplanes, including tea and coffee made with water, “depending on the frequency of water supply line cleaning.” While this issue is not common in the United States, there may be insufficient cleanliness regulations in other countries. Moreover, ice cubes added to beverages are likely made from the same water source.
The report cites a 2019 survey that ranked the water quality provided by major US airlines and regional carriers. Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines were found to offer the highest quality water, while JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines ranked the lowest.
To ensure safety, the report suggests that passengers consider purchasing bottled water, but using alcohol as a substitute for water is not recommended. She mentioned that alcohol can have negative effects on the body during high-altitude flights. Clare Morrison, a medical expert from emergency medical service company MedExpress, explained that the cabin’s air pressure is lower than normal, making it more difficult for the body to absorb oxygen during flight. Therefore, consuming the same amount of alcohol in the air may result in quicker intoxication due to lower oxygen levels in the blood compared to being on the ground.
Regarding food choices that are not recommended for consumption on planes, an anonymous Delta Air Lines flight attendant advised against ordering steak if passengers have specific preferences for the cooking level. Due to the large capacity of the airplane ovens, a substantial amount of food can be cooked at once, often resulting in overcooked steaks and fish fillets.
The flight attendant also suggested avoiding cheese platters, as although dairy products generally have a longer shelf life, they may not be as fresh.
Furthermore, nutritionist Vanessa Rissetto pointed out that consuming highly processed or high-sodium foods such as pasta, creamy soups, and Indian cuisine on flights could lead to dehydration-related headaches, constipation, or fatigue. She recommended passengers try using electrolyte tablets or coconut water to replenish fluids and opt for natural foods or lean protein as meal choices.
