The Reason Airplane Coffee Often Tastes Bad

Frequent flyers have a complaint about the coffee served on airplanes: it's just not good. Some proclaim it is downright offensive to the senses and vow to never let it pass their lips. Although most folks aren't that harsh with their opinion, there aren't many out there arguing that airplane brews are rich and flavorful. With so many people agreeing that in-flight coffee experiences are poor at best, there must be some truth to the matter. But what is that truth, precisely?

Some claim that dirty water is the culprit. Yet, while that may have contributed to the dilemma in the past, today the airline industry has to meet clean-water standards that include rigorous testing from governmental organizations like the EPA. It is far more likely coffee on flights is sub-par because altitude — you typically experience a little less than 8,000 feet of pressure in an airplane cabin — affects factors like brewing temperature, which is essential for a good cup of joe. 

What's more, that altitude also affects how we sense the coffee. One of the more feasible reasons coffee tastes inferior on airplanes has nothing to do with any individual airline or the industry itself, but how we taste and smell things at great altitudes. High-altitude cabin pressure lowers blood oxygen levels, preventing nerve cells in your nose from working at full force. All manner of flavors can be more challenging to identify because of this, making coffee taste weak and bitter. High altitudes can also cause mild congestion, making it all the more difficult to get a proper sniff and taste of the coffee.

Some airlines are working to combat this poor reputation, with many different attempts coming to light. For instance, baristas working for Asiana Airlines patiently make pour-over coffee for a better customer experience; as of yet, U.S. airlines have failed to follow suit. Still, taking strides to upgrade their hot beverage game, certain airlines have partnered with major brands in hopes the brew still tastes better. On a Jet Blue flight, you may be treated to Dunkin', while Delta customers get to enjoy the type of coffee Starbucks uses to please the masses. However, this hasn't gone a long way toward winning over the hearts and minds of java lovers as altitude and cabin pressure still affect the senses and dull the experience.

Alaska Airlines, as well as its regional carrier Horizon Air, have started serving custom-made coffee as a way of combatting the factors that inhibit people's senses while flying 30,000 feet in the air. The roasters at Stumptown manipulated their medium-dark Holland Mountain blend by thoughtfully adding subtle flavors to the coffee that call to mind toffee, marshmallow, and browned butter. There are also light notes of citrus and cherry, which gives the beverage a fuller flavor that customers should be able to appreciate even when cruising high above the clouds. The Portland-based company has only partnered with Alaska since 2023, so the jury is still out on whether custom in-flight blends will be the future of great-tasting airline coffee.