Most airlines feature a service where the big silver pot of gloom features prominently. Once meal service has finished, it’s time for the tea and coffee service to begin. Cabin crew scurry down the aisle to the refrain of “Tea? Coffee?” and alternatively pour the drink or pass on to the next row where the whole dance begins anew.

The question has to be asked – has anyone, in the history of aviation, ever received a decent cup of tea or coffee from these pots?

All Gloom, All The Time

I must confess that I have sampled from the pot of gloom on one or two occasions. Tired after a long flight from the Antipodes and needing a pick me up, I have answered in the affirmative when the pots are proffered.

Not once has the steamy liquid streaming from the spout been anything to write home about. In fact, I would be hard pressed to think of someone I dislike enough to serve this so called beverage to.

Why Is It So Bad?

Were you expecting me to answer this question? I am actually asking – why does on board tea and coffee from the pots of gloom taste so bad? It is always unbranded – possibly ersatz – coffee and tea that is served. No self respecting manufacturer would put their name to it.

It can’t possibly have anything to do with the altitude. Tea made with tea bags in the air tastes just fine. Some airlines offer proper coffee options in a pre-prepared cup where you just add hot water and voila – drinkable coffee.

Overall Thoughts

When the coffee and tea pots go through the cabin there aren’t usually many takers. When someone referred to the big silver pot of gloom I thought it very appropriate for the quality of the dreary drink dispensed.

Have you ever had decent coffee or tea from these pots? What is the best coffee or tea you have had on board a flight? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Thanks for reading.

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Featured image via oneworld alliance.