Drinking coffee on flights is something many people often do. However, a recent TikTok post by Kevin, a flight attendant, has revealed some shocking truths about the coffee served on planes.

Kevin, who works for a U.S.-based airline, shared the reasons why it’s best to avoid drinking coffee on airplanes, according to Nypost.
He explained: “The water tanks on airplanes are rarely cleaned and are usually located near the bathrooms. I don’t even want to think about the mold and bacteria that might be growing in those areas.”
Additionally, Kevin pointed out issues with how flight attendants clean the coffee pots.
“For some reason, we aren’t allowed to pour water from the pots into the drain but must dispose of it into the toilet. So when we do this, to avoid splashing, we need to place the pot close to the toilet. At this point, bacteria or anything else could splash back and land on the coffee pot,” he said.
Kevin’s video quickly went viral, attracting hundreds of thousands of views and comments.
“I used to be a flight attendant. I never took any drink from the cart, especially not ice,” one viewer commented. “I always cringe when I see people ordering coffee on a plane,” another wrote. “Thanks for sharing this truth. I’ll never drink coffee on a plane again,” said another user.
Kat Kamalani, a seasoned flight attendant from Utah, shared similar experiences. She explained that most flight crew members avoid drinking beverages made from the water on airplanes. She also warned passengers against consuming any liquids that aren't sealed in bottles or cans.
“The number one rule is never drink anything that’s not in a can or bottle. The water used for making beverages comes from the airplane’s water tank, which is rarely cleaned and is usually placed near the bathrooms. The same water is used for both coffee and tea. My advice to parents is to never ask for hot water to mix with your baby’s formula,” she said.
So, what should passengers do in these situations? Kat suggested passengers should ask for a bottle of water and heat the milk separately in a cup of hot water.
Dr. Cedric Spak, an infectious disease expert at the Baylor University Medical Center, advised that those with weakened immune systems should avoid drinks on planes. He also cautioned that parents should “think carefully” before using airplane water to prepare formula for infants.