Some airlines serve "potentially unhealthy water" to passengers, study finds
Updated on: January 6, 2026 / 6:27 PM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- A study examined over 35,000 water samples from 10 major and 11 regional airlines.
- 2.7% of samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria, and E. coli was found 32 times.
- Researchers suggest passengers drink bottled water and use hand sanitizer due to potential contamination.
- American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit received 'D' ratings, while Delta and Frontier earned 'A' grades.
- The EPA's Aircraft Drinking Water Rule requires testing and disinfection, but penalties for violations are rare.
- Airlines maintain they comply with EPA standards and have their own safety protocols.