Whether traveling for business or pleasure, just how safe is the in-flight tea and coffee on the plane? When bored on a flight, most of us yearn for the beverage and snack trolley to come down the aisle, giving us something to do. However, that mile-high tea could do you more harm than good. An expert on your favorite in-flight brew warns about possible health issues for that coveted cup of tea or coffee.

Expert shares tips and tricks on how to enjoy in-flight tea or coffee

Before you ask the flight attendant to pour your favorite hot brew, a tea expert has shared his tips and tricks to avoid health problems. With the holidays on the horizon, many people plan on taking to the skies and during that flight, their cup of beverage might seem to be the perfect way to pass the time and relax. The same advice applies whether ordering an ordinary UK “cuppa”, or a healthy herbal tea.

Arthur Gautier, tea expert at Nio Teas has shared some advice that might find you ordering a soda instead. He explains that there could be health risks linked to drinking tea or coffee during a flight, particularly when you factor in how onboard water quality plays a role in brewing the beverage in your cup.

Water cleanliness onboard an airplane

One reality that often flies under the radar is how often (or not) the plane’s water tanks are cleaned. For readers who have seen the viral TikTok posts made by flight attendants, you might have heard hints that the tanks aren’t as clean as you would hope for,

Arthur from Nio Teas shares the following information:

The water used for tea and coffee on planes comes from large tanks that, let’s just say, don’t get the same level of attention as your kitchen tap at home. It’s not always as clean as you might think, especially on long-haul flights.

For anyone with a sensitive stomach or a weaker immune system, that less-than-fresh water could mean more than just a bad-tasting brew – it might lead to some unpleasant discomfort mid-flight.

Where is that cup of tea brewed?

Passengers may not have considered the onboard location where their coffee or tea is brewed. Those observant types may have noticed that the plane’s coffee machines are often placed right next to the plane’s toilets. Moreover, it gets worse.

“Apparently, those machines don’t get much love between flights, unless they break down,” shares Gautier, hinting at the less clean conditions.

During the plane’s busy itinerary, residue, germs, and bacteria can easily build up, making the situation even less appealing. Meanwhile, with the machines so close to the toilets, it is clear that things could be a little unsanitary. Gautier warns:

If cleanliness is a priority for you, you might want to think twice before reaching for that in-flight cup of coffee.

Safer alternatives to in-flight tea or coffee

For those passengers still wanting a warm beverage, but hoping to avoid the risks, Arthur suggests several clever alternatives, saying:

It’s safer to stick with bottled or canned beverages while flying. If you really want tea, ask for a bottle of water and a cup of hot water separately. You can steep your tea bag in the bottled water, then warm it up using the hot water.

Naturally, this isn’t always easy to do, as it depends on the size of the water bottle and the cup you get. Moreover, travelers must remember that boiling water can also be dangerous, so it’s best to be extra careful not to spill it while trying this method.

Considering tea, it helps to choose types that steep well in lower-temperature water. Gautier recommends ordering healthy blends like green tea, white tea, or herbal blends like peppermint or chamomile. With these types, it is easier to steep the brew in warmish water without sacrificing too much flavor. This means you can enjoy a relaxing cup of tea at 30,000 feet without any worry.

Meanwhile, Gautier concluded his advice, saying:

When you’re flying, the cabin pressure and altitude can really dull your sense of taste, so that cup of tea or coffee might not taste as good as it normally would – regardless of the water quality.

To make the most of it, go for teas that brew well with warm water, and always use bottled water when you can. That way, you can enjoy your drink without worrying about any unpleasant surprises.

Take care on your next flight to ensure your onboard beverage is safe and healthy to enjoy.