I just got off of a 12-hour flight from Hawaii and I am just waiting for my temperature to spike and my lunch to make a return appearance in the toilet bowl.
According to a news report, I am a prime target for contracting a travel-related illness thanks in large part to the amount of time I spent at 35,000 feet. For starters, I should have brought my own water on board the flight to avoid having to drink the airline’s version. Bad, bad move.
Health experts maintain that airplane water is laced with E. coli. Okay, maybe “laced” is pushing it a bit. However, according to the EPA, traces of E. coli have been found in several random samplings of 327 unnamed domestic and international aircraft since 2004. E. coli is the leading cause of food poisoning in the United States.
Reports reveal that when bottled water runs out, some commercial carriers get drinking water from onboard tanks that are sometimes refilled at foreign airports where water standards are questionable at best.
Bottom line: The next time a flight attendant asks for your beverage preference stick to soda, juice, or other bottled liquids.
My suggestion: Buy a bottle of water from the airport sundries shop after you pass security and pray that you arrive at your destination before your water supply runs out.
While you are at it, you might consider purchasing a meal in the airport as well. According to the same report, in-flight meals have a reputation of making flyers sick, and not because of the taste. Rather, blame Listeria, a microbe known to cause gastrointestinal illness and meningitis. According to a 2009 FDA report, LSG Sky Chefs — the world’s largest airplane caterer, which services American Airlines, Delta, and United — failed inspection after dozens of roaches were found in company kitchens. In addition, employees were seen handling food with bare hands or unwashed gloves.
Thank goodness I ate at the airport before boarding my flight home. Unfortunately, I didn’t load up on water before taking off. I drank airplane water! Stay tuned for further health updates…
Related Articles:
Keeping Germs Away At 35,000-Feet
The Ugly Truth About Airplane Water
Dirty Airports Forced To “Clean Up”