Delta and Frontier Airlines: Top Water Safety Rankings
Delta and Frontier Airlines: The Safest Water in the Sky
Recently, a study called the 2026 Airline Water Study was released. It tells us a lot about the quality of drinking water on airplanes. This study is important because it shows how different airlines rank in providing safe drinking water to passengers. In fact, it reveals that some airlines still have water that might not be safe to drink.
Understanding Airline Water Quality
The federal government has an Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) in place. This rule has been around since 2011 and it requires airlines to ensure that the water they supply is safe for passengers and flight crews. The 2026 Airline Water Study looked at data from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2025. It ranked 10 major airlines and 11 regional airlines based on the quality of their water.
Each airline received a “Water Safety Score” ranging from 5.00 as the highest to 0.00 as the lowest. This score was calculated based on several factors, including:
- Violations per aircraft
- Maximum Contaminant Level violations for E. coli
- Indicator-positive rates
- Public notices
- Frequency of disinfecting and flushing water tanks
Top Ranking Airlines for Water Safety
According to the study, Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines offer the safest water in the sky. Alaska Airlines came in third place. Charles Platkin, who leads the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, explained that these airlines scored very well on the criteria used in the study.
“Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines win the top spots with the safest water in the sky, and Alaska Airlines finishes No. 3,” says Charles Platkin.
On the other hand, American Airlines and JetBlue had the worst scores in the study. Many regional airlines also need to make improvements, but GoJet Airlines stood out as a bright spot among them.
Water Safety Scores Overview
Major Airlines Water Safety Scores
- Delta Air Lines: 5.00 (Grade A)
- Frontier Airlines: 4.80 (Grade A)
- Alaska Airlines: 3.85 (Grade B)
- Allegiant Air: 3.65 (Grade B)
- Southwest Airlines: 3.30 (Grade C)
- Hawaiian Airlines: 3.15 (Grade C)
- United Airlines: 2.70 (Grade C)
- Spirit Airlines: 2.05 (Grade D)
- JetBlue: 1.80 (Grade D)
- American Airlines: 1.75 (Grade D)
Regional Airlines Water Safety Scores
- GoJet Airlines: 3.85 (Grade B)
- Piedmont Airlines: 3.05 (Grade C)
- Sun Country Airlines: 3.00 (Grade C)
- Endeavor Air: 2.95 (Grade C)
- SkyWest Airlines: 2.40 (Grade D)
- Envoy Air: 2.30 (Grade D)
- PSA Airlines: 2.25 (Grade D)
- Air Wisconsin Airlines: 2.15 (Grade D)
- Republic Airways: 2.05 (Grade D)
- CommuteAir: 1.60 (Grade D)
- Mesa Airlines: 1.35 (Grade F)
Implications of Water Quality in Airlines
The findings of the 2026 Airline Water Study are concerning. Airlines are required to take samples from their water tanks and test for harmful bacteria, like E. coli. They must disinfect and flush their water tanks regularly, at least four times a year. If they choose to do it less often, they must test their water every month.
Interestingly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not often impose penalties on airlines that don’t follow these rules. This raises questions about how seriously airlines are taking their responsibilities for providing safe drinking water.
Advice for Passengers
If you want to be extra careful about the water you drink while flying, here are some tips:
- Check the airline’s water safety score before booking your flight.
- Consider bringing your own water bottle filled with safe drinking water.
- Stay informed about the airline’s compliance with the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule.
Looking Ahead
As airlines continue to operate, it’s crucial that passengers remain aware of the quality of drinking water on flights. The 2026 Airline Water Study highlights the need for better oversight and accountability in ensuring safe drinking water. The future of air travel will hopefully include improvements in water safety, leading to healthier flying experiences for everyone.