Can pilots drink coffee while flying?

While coffee may or may not be allowed in the cockpit depending on the airline and type of aircraft, it's always a welcome companion on the ground. Pilots also enjoy socializing over a cup of coffee with other like-minded aviation enthusiasts to unwind.



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Tap Water (Including in Coffee and Tea) As T+L previously explained, the water tanks on planes are notoriously grimy. A 2004 EPA sample of 158 planes found that 13 percent contained coliform, and two had dangerous levels of E. coli. Fogwell added, don't be fooled by a water pitcher either.

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Diet & Essentials When it comes to in-flight meals, flight attendants prioritize energy levels and minimize puffiness. They opt for low-sodium foods to avoid swelling. Utensil-free options like carrots or celery sticks, protein bars, and dried fruit can be conveniently consumed in tight quarters.

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Pilots may not use alcohol “while on-duty or within 8 hours of performing flight crew member duties.” The regulations also require that crew members submit to blood alcohol tests when requested by law enforcement officials authorized to ask for those tests.

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While cigarette smoking is not prohibited by the FAA, it has several hazardous side effects and many health conditions caused by smoking are medically disqualifying. A smoker typically carries a carbon monoxide blood level of about five percent.

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Whereas larger airlines often hire dedicated cabin cleaners to tackle the aircraft between guests, “Generally on low-cost carriers, the flight attendants will have to clean the planes themselves,” says Catrina McGrail, a former flight attendant and creator of the 24 Hours Layover travel blog.

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Water is preferable to keep yourself from getting completely dried out. Also, unlike alcohol, drinking too much water has never been the cause of inflight fights or nastiness. One more quick point on alcohol: you can bring it in your carry-on (3.4 ounces or less), but you can't drink it while on the plane.

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Obviously, if the person is a US crewmember then they must adhere to FAA rules in addition to company rules (see FAR Section 91.17 for details on those rules). Pilots absolutely can drink after a flight once off duty, just not in uniform.

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The FAA says a pilot will be removed from a plane if their breath alcohol concentration level is 0.04 or greater. Pilots also must not drink within 8 hours before flying, the so-called “bottle to throttle” time period.

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In most large commercial airlines, pilots are allowed to have facial hair, as are the flight attendants. However, this facial hair does need to be kept tidy (neatly trimmed) or stylish (longer beard styles) and shouldn't make the aviation pilot look less professional.

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They are there to do a job, presumably well rested and ready to go. Sitting still is surprisingly tiring. Flight attendants are up and moving around for most of the flight, and that physical activity helps keep them awake.

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