Everyone loves coffee and many passengers depend on the hot beverage to get them to the destination in the right frame of mind. But is it safe to drink coffee on a plane, and what risks might exist?
One of the reasons for concern is air pressure. With cabin pressure as low as 8000 feet, can hot liquids really be consumed safely? According to experts in environmental health, such as Professor Derek Burke, coffee that has been boiled and then allowed to cool can be consumed without risk at sea level, so the pressures of a plane should not have an impact. However, if coffee is served in a plastic cup, it can become heated to dangerous levels, and can constitute a scalding hazard.
In addition, there is the question of hygiene. How hygienic is it to drink liquids served in plastic cups on a plane? In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) does not consider catering on planes to be high risk, as cabin air is recycled up to 15 times an hour, removing any bacteria from the air and from any ingested food or beverage. Nevertheless, this is not a good enough reason to drink coffee without exercising precaution. Onboard coffee machines which use flavoured pods, for instance, are a very different proposition from coffee served in a pot, and can contain potentially hazardous ingredients and chemicals.
Another potential hazard is the cups themselves. Plastic and paper cups can contain harmful chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA), and Styrene, which have been linked with adverse health effects ranging from cancer to reduced fertility. These are usually marked as BPA-free, however, and so should not cause any health issues if consumed on a plane.
To summarise, it is safe to drink coffee on a plane if it is made in a pot and allowed to cool before being served in a paper or plastic cup. Although some chemicals have been linked to adverse effects, it is unlikely that anything hazardous will be present in coffee prepared in this way. However, exercising caution is still recommended when it comes to onboard coffees machines.
Airlines and Regulations
Airline policies for coffee served onboard vary widely. Some may insist on using a certified filter coffee machine with disposable pods, while others allow staff to serve a simple pot of coffee. Generally, any regulation imposed on coffee is down to the airline’s discretion, with some favouring the use of a certified filter machine. For example, British Airways require an approved filter system to be used in their premium class cabins, and this is also the recommendation for their economy cabins.
Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind that airline regulations can change over time. Historically, the health situation regarding on-board catering was less stringent than it is today, but due to increased awareness and regulations, it is now a priority for many airlines to ensure the safety of the food and drinks served. As such, it is important to periodically check the safety guidelines followed by the airline before flying.
Another important factor to consider when drinking coffee on a plane is the cost. While some airlines offer complimentary coffees, others may charge extra for it. Airlines may also place restrictions on the type of coffee available, often limiting passengers to pre-packaged pods, which may contain additional chemicals or additives. Thus, it is important to check the type of beverage offered before paying for it.
The Cost to Environment
It is also important to consider the environmental impact of drinking coffee on a plane. Most airlines use disposable cups and lids, which are then disposed of into the waste stream. Plastic waste is a global problem, and reducing the use of disposable cups is one way to help mitigate the damage they cause. Furthermore, disposable cups are more difficult to recycle due to the paper used in their construction.
It is estimated that more than two-thirds of all globally produced plastic waste ends up in landfills, oceans and beaches. This means that even if airlines are using disposable cups made from recyclable materials, it is likely that most of that waste will still end up in the environment. Therefore, consumers and companies must take responsibility for the impact of their coffee consumption, and reduce the amount of plastic waste produced in order to mitigate environmental damage.
In addition, there is also the issue of coffee grounds, which are often discarded into the waste stream. Coffee grounds can be highly compostable, but must be treated with caution due to their acidic nature. This means that they must be handled carefully and disposed of appropriately in order to prevent the release of toxins into the environment.
Consumer Responsibility
Ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide whether or not they feel comfortable drinking coffee on a plane. It is important to weigh up the risks, such as the potential contamination of coffee due to poor hygiene, or the impact of single-use cups on the environment. It is also important to bear in mind the cost, both to the wallet and to the planet, before making a decision.
At the same time, it is important to be aware of the regulations imposed by the airline on which you are travelling. Knowing what precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the coffee served on board is essential, as it can help to alleviate any worries and allow for an enjoyable, stress-free journey.
Comparing Different Vessels
Another factor to consider when choosing to drink coffee on a plane is the type of vessel in which it is served. On short-haul flights, passengers are usually served coffee in plastic or paper cups, with no additional precautions taken to protect their health. On long-haul flights, on the other hand, many airlines take extra steps to ensure that all cups used are BPA-free and contain no harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is important to check the type of cup before consuming coffee on board to ensure that it is safe.
Furthermore, it is also important to consider the type of airline when making a decision, as some may offer complimentary coffee, while others may charge for it. For example, budget airlines may only offer pre-packaged coffees, while other airlines may insist on using certified filter systems to prepare their beverages.
It is also important to consider the impact on the environment when making a decision. Some airlines may offer biodegradable cups and lids as an alternative to disposable cups, and these should be favoured whenever possible. This is not only better for the environment, but also for the health of passengers, as biodegradable cups often contain fewer chemicals than their disposable counterparts.
International Standards
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has established a number of standards to ensure the safety and quality of all food served onboard. These standards cover a wide range of aspects, including the storage and handling of food and beverages, as well as the use of certified filter systems. IATA also recommends that all drinking vessels be BPA-free, and that no materials used should contain any potentially hazardous chemicals.
Furthermore, the IATA standard also specifies that all beverages must be served at a temperature suitable for drinking. This helps to reduce the risk of scalding, as well as ensuring that all passengers are served the freshest and best quality coffee. Thus, it is important to check with the airline before ordering coffee on board to ensure that all safety checks are carried out.
In addition, many airlines also impose restrictions on the type of coffee that can be served onboard. In some cases, the type of coffee served may be limited to pre-packaged pods or powdered coffees, while others may insist on using certified filter systems. It is important to check these restrictions before ordering, as they may impact the flavour and quality of the coffee.
Health Impact
Finally, it is also important to consider the potential health impacts of drinking coffee on a plane. While boiling coffee should reduce any potential bacteria and contaminants, pre-packaged pods may still contain chemicals and additives that can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind that the air pressure in a plane is different to that at sea level, and this can affect the taste and consistency of the coffee.
In addition, the Plastic Free Nations campaign has highlighted the need for more awareness when it comes to the harmful effects of chemicals found in disposable cups. Bisphenol A (BPA) and Styrene, for example, have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, and should be avoided wherever possible. Furthermore, it is important to consider the use of single-use cups and plastic lids, which can often end up in landfills and oceans if not disposed of responsibly.
To conclude, it is safe to drink coffee on a plane, though there are a few precautions and considerations to bear in mind. Although the air pressure and hygienic conditions on planes are generally considered safe, the potential contamination of pre-packaged pods and the environmental impact of single-use cups must be taken into account. Ultimately, passengers must weigh up the risks versus the benefits when deciding whether or not to drink coffee on board a plane.
