Overview
- The analysis of 35,674 sample locations from October 2022 through September 2025 found 2.7% coliform positives and 32 E. coli detections across 21 airlines.
- Delta and Frontier earned A grades for water safety, while American, JetBlue and Spirit received D grades based on violations, contamination indicators and maintenance practices.
- Regional carriers largely scored poorly, with GoJet the lone B performer and Mesa the lowest at 1.35 (grade F).
- Researchers say the EPA rarely issues civil penalties under the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule and note incomplete violation records that may undercount events.
- The study advises passengers to drink only sealed bottled water, avoid coffee or tea made onboard and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, while airlines including American and JetBlue say they comply with federal requirements.