Brewing the Perfect Cup at 35,000 Feet: A Coffee Enthusiast’s Sky-High Ritual

In an age where airline passengers have been documented performing all manner of unusual activities during flights, one coffee aficionado’s mid-air brewing ritual has captured the internet’s attention in spectacular fashion. Ozan Cetinkaya, who appears to be a skilled barista, decided that the typically underwhelming airplane coffee wouldn’t suffice for his refined palate. Instead, he orchestrated an elaborate espresso-making performance while cruising at 35,000 feet, documenting the entire process in a TikTok video that has since garnered nearly 2 million views. The viral footage shows Cetinkaya methodically preparing his brew: beginning with vacuum-sealed espresso beans that he meticulously grinds with a handheld grinder, then transferring the grounds to a Bluetooth-connected brewing device. With a tap on his smartphone app, the device transforms his freshly ground beans into a stream of rich espresso that flows into his waiting mug—all while seated by the window of a commercial aircraft. The attention to detail and the sheer audacity of bringing such specialized equipment aboard have turned this coffee enthusiast into both a hero for caffeine connoisseurs and the subject of playful ridicule.

The internet’s reaction to Cetinkaya’s airborne barista performance was swift and predominantly humorous, with commenters divided between admiration for his dedication and mockery of what many perceived as an unnecessarily elaborate ritual in a confined public space. “Being insufferable at 35,000 feet,” read the top comment, capturing the sentiment of many who viewed the performance as pretentious. Other viewers jokingly expressed envy: “If I smell freshly brewed espresso on my flight and I don’t get any I will crash out,” while some took the opportunity to imagine even more outlandish in-flight activities: “Next time I fly, I’ll bring my portable BBQ and grill up some steaks.” The comment section painted a picture of collective amusement at what many saw as the epitome of first-world indulgence—a passenger so committed to quality coffee that he would transform his economy seat into a makeshift café, much to the potential chagrin of neighboring passengers who might have been subjected to the whirring of his grinder and the aromatic but potentially intrusive scent of freshly brewed espresso.

Despite the lighthearted mockery, Cetinkaya’s in-flight brewing escapade highlights a genuine concern shared by many frequent flyers: the questionable quality of beverages served aboard commercial flights. Flight attendants themselves have acknowledged the subpar nature of airplane coffee, with one attendant, Leanna Coy, expressing disbelief that passengers would order it for enjoyment rather than mere caffeine necessity. “I think we all know by now that ordering coffee on a plane is a little bit sketchy,” she stated in her own TikTok video, implying that knowledgeable travelers should think twice before requesting the beverage. Her sentiment reflects a broader awareness among industry insiders about the compromises made in the preparation and service of in-flight beverages, particularly those requiring hot water from the aircraft’s tanks—a resource that multiple airline employees have flagged as potentially problematic due to maintenance and hygiene concerns.

The questionable cleanliness of airplane water systems adds another layer of justification to Cetinkaya’s seemingly excessive coffee ritual. A former flight attendant turned commercial pilot identified only as Kevin revealed in a trending social media post that the water tanks on aircraft “rarely get cleaned,” raising serious concerns about the quality of any beverage prepared using this water. Perhaps more disturbing was his description of how flight attendants clean coffeepots, noting that used coffee grounds are typically disposed of in the airplane’s toilets, bringing the pot’s spout dangerously close to the bathroom bowl. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into aircraft beverage service suggests that Cetinkaya’s elaborate brewing process might be more than just coffee snobbery—it could be viewed as a hygienic precaution, allowing him to enjoy his caffeine fix without relying on potentially questionable water sources or cleaning practices.

When viewed in this context, what initially appears as an over-the-top display of coffee elitism transforms into something more nuanced: a passionate consumer taking matters into his own hands to ensure quality and satisfaction in an environment where such guarantees are scarce. Cetinkaya’s portable espresso setup—complete with freshly ground beans, precise temperature control, and digital connectivity—represents the ultimate personalization of the travel experience. While airlines continuously strive to differentiate their service offerings through upgraded meals, entertainment systems, and seating arrangements, some passengers are clearly willing to go to extraordinary lengths to customize aspects of their journey that remain standardized across most carriers. The viral nature of Cetinkaya’s video speaks to both the uniqueness of his approach and a broader fascination with individuals who refuse to compromise on personal standards, even in situations where most people simply accept the limitations of their environment.

Beyond the specific context of coffee preparation, this incident reflects the evolving relationship between travelers and their flying experience in the social media age. What was once a private activity—enjoying a beverage during a flight—has become potential content for millions to consume, critique, and comment upon. Cetinkaya’s brewing ritual, performed in the relatively confined space of an aircraft cabin and shared with the world through TikTok, blurs the line between personal indulgence and public performance. The passionate responses to his video—ranging from amused criticism to expressions of jealousy—highlight how ordinary activities can become extraordinary when performed in unexpected contexts and shared on global platforms. Whether viewed as an inspirational example of uncompromising standards or as a comical display of excessive dedication to coffee, Cetinkaya’s mid-air espresso preparation has earned its place in the growing anthology of memorable airline passenger behaviors that capture our collective imagination and spark conversations about the boundaries of acceptable conduct in shared spaces.