Search Engine Wait, should I not be drinking airplane coffee?
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Jul 7, 2023 
Nancy Keats, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, dives into the disconcerting truth about airplane coffee and water safety. She recounts her investigations that revealed alarming hygiene issues, including infrequent cleaning of water tanks. The conversation explores the implications of unsafe drinking conditions, shedding light on bacteria like E. coli lurking in the skies. Keats discusses regulatory changes prompted by her work, urging travelers to think twice before sipping that in-flight brew.
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The Coffee Question
- Asking "Do you drink coffee on airplanes?" is a powerful question.
- It evokes strong reactions, revealing pre-existing anxieties about airline sanitation.
The Origin of the Investigation
- Nancy Keats, a Wall Street Journal reporter, investigated airline water quality in 2002 after a FlyerTalk post.
- A 13-year-old, Zachary Bjornsson Hooper, tested airplane water and found bacterial contamination, prompting Nancy's investigation.
Nancy's Experiment
- Nancy Keats tested water from 14 flights on various airlines and routes.
- The tests revealed bacteria like Pastorella pneumatropica, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and insect eggs, shocking the lab director.