An experienced flight attendant has revealed that the cabin crew will never drink the water on a plane - and the reason will make you think twice about doing it too.
According to research by Healthline, tests have often found tap water on planes to be unsanitary and the quality to vary greatly between airlines.
In fact, testing found the presence of microorganisms in the water, including bacteria, leading to researchers advising passengers never to drink the tap water - including for tea and coffee, as reported by the Express.
It suggests to also avoid washing your hands in the toilets and to use hand sanitiser instead.
Jay Robert, a flight attendant and founder of Fly Guy, revealed the cabin crew will never touch the tap water on board, saying: "I have even spoken to other crews who have become very sick after drinking hot beverages from an aircraft.
"But it’s not just about the aircraft’s tanks or pipes. The flight you are on from London or Los Angeles might just have returned from an underdeveloped country that wouldn't have the same high sanitation levels as the country you are in now."
Another member of cabin crew told Business Insider : "Flight attendants will not drink hot water on the plane. They will not drink plain coffee, and they will not drink plain tea."
They say that although the water tanks do get cleaned, they're never told when or how often it is done - with Inside Edition reporting airlines are only required to disinfect the tanks four times a year.
Flight staff have also revealed that planes can harbour a lot of dirt as time restraints mean they often aren't cleaned thoroughly.
Workers took to Reddit to say aircraft floors are 'filthy' and passengers should never walk down the aisles without footwear, and certainly never venture into the toilet barefoot.
One wrote: "Former flight attendant here. Keep your shoes on. Keep. Your. Shoes. On. The floor is so filthy it’s ridiculous. And that isn’t water you are feeling."
