There are certain beverages you should avoid while flying, according to a flight attendant.

Aeroplanes are not the most hygienic environments. Passengers are crammed into a metal cylinder with numerous other individuals who could be harbouring a variety of illnesses, and the only available restroom is a small space that often results in unsanitary spills due to even minor turbulence.

However, it’s not just the bacteria-laden air and unclean toilets that should concern you. A flight attendant has warned that some of the beverages served on flights may upset your stomach. Unfortunately, this is particularly bad news for Brits – as it involves tea.

Flight attendant Kat Kamalani posted a video on TikTok in which she stated she would “never” consume anything on a plane that isn’t from a sealed bottle or can, alleging that the water tank used is “never cleaned”.

This implies no more tea or coffee on flights, as Kat suggested the water’s freshness is always questionable.

She advised: “Never consume any liquid that is not in a can or a bottle. The water tanks are never cleaned and they are disgusting. Talk to a flight attendant and you’ll find we rarely drink the coffee or tea that comes from the same water tank.”

Kat revealed that while the kettles and jugs used for hot water on flights are cleaned between journeys, the main tank holding the water is not.

Commenters were quick to point out that any water used for tea or coffee would be boiled, thus eliminating bacteria before it reaches passengers’ cups.

Some even noted that the tanks are frequently sterilised and disinfected, but for those concerned about water quality, it might be wise to steer clear of airline water just to be safe.

One individual commented: “Water tanks are sterilised on a regular basis. I know because I do it.”

Another chimed in: “They always serve the coffee and water boiling. Definitely that kills bacteria.”

In a separate cautionary tale, another flight attendant named Cher advised against drinking directly from cans on planes due to potential germ exposure. She recommended requesting a plastic cup and pouring your beverage into it instead.

Cher elaborated: “I will never put my mouth on soda cans or beer cans if I’m travelling for leisure and I decide to order a drink. The catering trucks are truly gross and I don’t trust that there’s not sometimes bugs crawling on the outside of the cans. In addition, I often see these cans swimming around in buckets of water for hours on end.”