Ruth Haines
Hot water is a necessity for many travellers, whether it's to make a hot drink, a meal, or for baby formula. While it's possible to get hot water at the airport, the quality and taste can vary depending on the source and the maintenance of the water tanks. Some travellers opt to bring their own flasks or thermoses and fill them up at a coffee shop in the airport or on the plane, while others pack their own tea or instant coffee and ask for hot water at airport cafes. It's also possible to get hot water from flight attendants during a flight, although the water may not be very hot, and some travellers have reported annoyance from flight attendants when asked.
Can you get hot water at the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of hot water at the airport | Hot water is generally available at airports, and you can get it for free from various sources. |
| Sources of hot water at the airport | Coffee shops, such as Starbucks, McDonald's, etc. |
| Bringing your own tea/coffee | Allowed, as long as it's not in liquid form. You can pack tea/coffee, sugar, honey, creamer, etc., in a travel mug or tumbler and then ask for hot water at coffee shops. |
| Hot water on planes | Available, but the quality and taste may vary depending on the airline and routes. Some people choose to avoid it due to potential safety concerns, while others consume it without issues. |
| Using hot water for baby food | It is possible to bring baby food and milk powder and ask for hot water on board to prepare it. |
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What You'll Learn
Hot water availability at airport coffee shops
One simple way to get hot water at the airport is to bring your own tea or coffee, along with any desired condiments such as sugar, honey, or creamer. Most coffee shops will have a hot water tab on their coffee and tea makers, and staff will usually be happy to fill your flask or tumbler with hot water. It is also worth noting that some travellers have reported being able to get hot water from any establishment that serves hot beverages, such as 7-Eleven, RaceTrac, or a deli.
Travellers can also purchase hot water from vending machines at some airports, and this option may be available at smaller kiosks or shops that do not have a dedicated coffee shop. It is worth noting that the quality of water and the temperature of the hot water may vary depending on the source.
For those travelling with infants, it is possible to bring baby food and milk powder on board and request hot water to prepare it. Some travellers have reported being asked to taste ready-made formula milk or pre-mixed bottles during security checks. In such cases, it may be advisable to bring an empty flask and ask the flight attendant to fill it with hot water.
While hot water is generally available at airport coffee shops, it is always a good idea to check ahead of time, especially if you have a specific need for it. Additionally, it is worth noting that the availability and quality of hot water may vary depending on the airport and the coffee shop.
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Hot water on flights
Hot water is available at most airports, and you can get it for free. Many coffee shops and fast-food restaurants at the airport, such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and Dunkin Donuts, have hot water tabs on their coffee and tea makers. You can bring your tea or coffee in a baggie with sugar, honey, creamer, and other ingredients, ask the staff to fill it with hot water, and make your drink.
However, opinions vary on whether it is safe to drink hot water on flights. Some travelers and flight attendants avoid drinking hot water, coffee, or tea during a flight due to concerns about water quality. In 2004, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report revealed that more than one in ten water samples from around 300 planes tested positive for coliform, indicating possible contamination by soil or feces. The EPA also found that two of the 158 planes tested positive for E. coli, which can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. In addition, the water used for hot drinks on flights typically comes from the tap rather than from bottles, and the tanks where it is stored are not always cleaned or maintained properly.
On the other hand, some people, including flight attendants, regularly consume hot beverages on flights without experiencing any negative health effects. Some airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, work closely with the EPA to conduct supplementary tests to ensure the treated water they source from municipal systems remains clean. While there may be a risk of contamination, the likelihood of getting sick from drinking hot water on a plane is relatively low, as there are no regular outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus associated with in-flight hot water consumption.
Ultimately, the decision to drink hot water on flights is a personal choice. If you are concerned about water quality, you can consider bringing your own bottled water on the plane or sticking to other beverages, such as orange juice.
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Safety of drinking hot water on flights
There are mixed opinions on the safety of drinking hot water on flights. While some people swear by their in-flight coffee and tea, others wouldn't touch a hot beverage with a ten-foot stirring stick. This divide in opinion is reflected in the responses of flight attendants as well, with some consuming hot beverages on every flight without issue, and others expressing concern over the cleanliness of the water tanks.
A scientific study from 2019 concluded that passengers should avoid drinking tap water on planes due to the presence of harmful bacteria and the infrequent cleaning of aircraft water tanks. This is supported by an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report from 2004, which found that more than one in ten water samples from approximately 300 planes tested positive for coliform, indicating possible contamination by soil or feces. As a result, the EPA implemented drinking water regulations for airlines.
However, some airlines claim to have strict internal water safety controls in place and work closely with the EPA to ensure the water they source from municipal systems remains clean. For example, Hawaiian Airlines' Director of External Communications, Alex Da Silva, expressed confidence in the quality of the water they source and the steps they take to ensure its safety.
Ultimately, the decision to drink hot water on flights comes down to personal preference and risk tolerance. While there may be concerns about water quality and tank cleanliness, the risk of contamination is relatively low, and some individuals may prioritize the comfort and convenience of a hot beverage during a flight.
To reduce the risk of dehydration while flying, it is recommended to drink about a cup of water each hour. While hot beverages can contribute to hydration, caffeine is a mild diuretic, so it is best to stick to room-temperature bottled water. Tomato juice is also a good choice, as it is reported to taste better in low-pressure environments like airplane cabins.
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Bringing your own tea or coffee to the airport
You can create a personalised travel pack by packing your tea or coffee, along with sugar, honey, creamer, or any other additions you like, into a baggie. Put this into your travel mug or tumbler, and you're all set. When you get to the airport, simply head to any coffee shop or fast-food outlet, such as Starbucks, McDonald's, or Dunkin Donuts, and ask for some hot water. You can even show them exactly where you want the water filled to. Then, add your tea or coffee, and you're good to go. They may also be happy to add a splash of milk, so don't be afraid to ask.
If you're bringing tea, make sure to check the regulations for the country you're travelling to. Some countries have restrictions on herbal teas containing certain ingredients, such as citrus leaves, flowers, bark, roots, or fruit, which may be prohibited if they are not commercially packaged and ready for consumption. Similarly, for coffee, different countries have varying requirements for the entry of coffee beans or ground coffee, so it's important to check beforehand to avoid any issues.
Additionally, if you're looking for a hot drink while on the plane, opinions vary on the safety of drinking hot water during flights. While some people avoid it due to concerns about water tank cleanliness, others, including flight attendants, regularly consume hot beverages with no issues. Ultimately, it's a personal choice, and you can always opt for bottled water if you're unsure.
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Hot water for baby food on flights
When travelling with a baby, it's essential to plan how you will feed them during the flight. While some babies may be happy to drink milk or formula at room temperature, others may insist on having it warmed up. Here are some tips for getting hot water for baby food on flights:
Before Passing Through Security
Firstly, it's important to note that the rules for bringing liquids through airport security vary depending on the country and individual security agents. In general, it is not permitted to bring a filled water flask through security. However, most airports will allow you to bring baby food, baby formula, and water for your infant. It is recommended to inform the TSA agents that you are carrying water for your infant's food, and they may perform a test on the liquid. To avoid any issues, some parents choose to bring an empty water flask and fill it with hot water after passing through security. This can be done by purchasing a bottle of water at the airport or filling an empty bottle from a fountain. Alternatively, you can ask a coffee shop to fill your flask with hot water, but this may not always be allowed.
On the Plane
If you are unable to obtain hot water before boarding, you can request it from the flight attendants. Most airlines will accommodate requests for hot water to warm up baby bottles or food. However, it is worth noting that you may need to wait for the water to cool down to your baby's desired temperature. To make this process easier, you can carry an insulated mug or flask that can retain the heat for a longer period. Additionally, consider bringing a portable baby bottle warmer for added convenience.
Other Considerations
When travelling with a baby, it is essential to pack efficiently and bring only what is necessary. Try to minimise the number of bottles you bring and consider using bottle cleansing wipes for on-the-go cleaning if you don't have access to a clean sink. It is also a good idea to bring snacks, toys, and other forms of entertainment to keep your baby occupied during the flight. Lastly, always check with your specific airline and airport before travelling to understand their policies on bringing baby food and liquids onboard.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get hot water from anywhere that serves coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, such as Starbucks, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, etc.
Yes, you can bring your own tea/coffee and ask for hot water at the airport. Every airport coffee shop has a hot water tab on their coffee and tea maker. Simply ask them to fill your tumbler with hot water.
Yes, you can ask the flight attendant for hot water on the plane. However, the water boilers are not turned on until after takeoff, so the water may not be very hot.
There are mixed opinions on this. While some flight attendants drink hot water and have never felt sick, others believe that the water tanks are not cleaned or maintained properly.
