Flying can be a thrilling experience, but navigating the myriad of choices available on board can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when it comes to beverages. While many travelers relish the thought of indulging in complimentary drinks or exploring the onboard bar, there are specific beverage choices you should steer clear of while flying. This article dives deep into what not to drink on an airplane, ensuring you’ll have a comfortable flight without the potential pitfalls associated with certain beverages.
Understanding the Unique Airplane Environment
Before we delve into the specific drinks to avoid, it’s essential to understand why the airplane environment affects our hydration and overall drinking choices.
Cabin Pressure and Altitude
At cruising altitude, typically around 35,000 feet, the air pressure inside the cabin is significantly lower than at sea level. This reduced pressure can lead to a range of effects on the body, including increased dehydration. Therefore, choosing the right beverages is crucial for maintaining your well-being throughout the flight.
Dry Air and Dehydration
Airplanes usually maintain a humidity level of about 20%, which is much lower than most indoor environments. This dry air draws moisture from your body, making hydration a priority during your flight. This context leads us to the drinks that may be harmful or less beneficial when consumed in-flight.
Top Beverages to Avoid While Flying
With all these factors in mind, here are the key drinks to skip when you’re airborne.
1. Alcoholic Beverages
While it might be tempting to kick off your vacation with a cocktail, think twice before sipping that airplane margarita.
The Dehydration Factor
Alcohol is notorious for its dehydrating effects. Adding to the altitude-induced dehydration, consuming alcohol can exacerbate the issue, leading to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and headache.
Increased Intoxication
The effects of alcohol can also be magnified at altitude. Studies suggest that passengers might feel intoxicated more quickly or intensely when drinking in-flight compared to drinking at ground level. For those who prefer to consume alcohol during flights, moderation is key, but it’s advisable to limit your intake entirely.
2. Sugary and Carbonated Beverages
Sweeter drinks may seem appealing, but they can contribute to discomfort during your flight.
Bloated and Gassy Feelings
Carbonated beverages can lead to bloating and gas. The pressure changes in the cabin cause gases in your stomach to expand, which can lead to discomfort, cramping, or the urgent need to relieve abdominal pressure.
Blood Sugar Spikes
On top of that, sugary drinks can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. This leads to a crash later on, which can result in irritability or fatigue—definitely not what you want while traveling.
Other Drinks You Might Want to Avoid
While our main focus has been on alcohol and sugary beverages, there are also other drinks that can lead to discomfort or adverse effects.
3. Coffees and Teas
Though many gravitate towards coffee or tea during flights for a caffeine boost, these drinks have hidden drawbacks.
Caffeine and Dehydration
Caffeine is a diuretic, and consuming it in a dry environment adds to the dehydration risk. When flying, it’s best to limit your caffeine intake to avoid exacerbating the moisture loss from your body.
Quality Concerns
Another consideration is the quality of the coffee or tea served. Often, airlines do not prioritize the freshness or quality of bagged or pre-made beverages. This might affect taste and aroma, further diminishing your travel experience.
4. Fruit Juices
Fruit juices might seem healthy, but they’re often full of sugar and can lead to similar issues as sugary sodas.
Sugar Content
Many commercial fruit juices pack a high sugar content, which can spike your blood glucose levels. This level of sugar can lead to that dreaded sugar crash mentioned earlier.
Artificial Additives
Additionally, many airlines use fruit juices with added artificial ingredients or preservatives that could irritate your digestive system. Choosing whole fruits is a far healthier option if available in the airport terminals before boarding.
Healthy Drinking Alternatives
Now that we’ve addressed the drinks to avoid, let’s explore healthier alternatives that promote hydration and comfort.
1. Water
Water remains the most vital drink for travelers. Hydration is crucial at altitude, and drinking plenty of water can significantly mitigate the dehydrating effects of flying.
Staying Hydrated
Aim to drink at least one glass of water for every hour of your flight. Keep a refillable water bottle on hand for convenience. If traveling internationally, make sure it meets the regulations regarding liquids.
2. Herbal Teas
If you crave a warm beverage, consider herbal teas without caffeine. Options like chamomile or peppermint can help soothe your stomach while keeping you hydrated.
Aids Digestion
Herbal teas can reduce bloating and help with digestion, making them an excellent choice during flights.
3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte-rich drink that helps maintain hydration levels in your body.
Natural Hydration
Packed with potassium and low in sugar compared to fruit juices, coconut water can help you stay refreshed without the risk of crashes.
Travel Tips for Staying Hydrated
To ensure your drinking choices support your well-being while flying, here are some additional travel tips.
Pack Your Own Beverages
Consider packing your beverages. Bring an empty water bottle or your favorite herbal tea bags to have with you on the flight. Many airports have filling stations for water post-security.
Monitor Your Alcohol Intake
If you enjoy celebrating with a drink, set a limit for yourself, and opt for water in between alcoholic beverages. This helps combat dehydration while allowing you to enjoy a drink responsibly.
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to how your body feels. If you start to feel overly thirsty, fatigued, or dizzy, it’s a sign you may need to increase your water intake or avoid certain beverages.
Conclusion
Flying is an exhilarating experience that can also come with its unique set of challenges, especially regarding hydration and beverage choices. By steering clear of dehydrating and sugary drinks—primarily alcohol, soda, and overly caffeinated beverages—you can significantly boost your travel experience. Instead, reach for water, herbal tea, or coconut water to keep your body hydrated and your energy levels stable.
Travel smart, stay hydrated, and enjoy your next journey without the discomfort that certain drinks can bring. Safe travels!
What types of drinks should I avoid on an airplane?
It’s advisable to avoid most tap water or any beverages that contain it when flying, especially during the flight. Airplanes typically use onboard water systems that may not be maintained to the highest health standards. The water can be laden with bacteria or contaminants, which could pose a risk to your health.
Additionally, steer clear of beverages that are overly sugary or artificially sweetened. Soft drinks and processed juices can cause dehydration and contribute to sugar crashes, leaving you feeling fatigued and uncomfortable during your flight. Instead, opt for water bottles that you bring yourself or ask for bottled or packaged drinks from the flight attendants.
Is alcohol safe to drink on airplanes?
While it’s permissible to consume alcohol on airplanes, moderation is crucial. Higher altitudes can amplify the effects of alcohol due to changes in pressure and reduced oxygen levels. This means that a drink that feels fine on the ground might hit you much harder at cruising altitude, potentially leading to over-intoxication faster than you expect.
Moreover, certain types of alcohol can exacerbate dehydration, which is a common issue when flying. Heavy drinking can also lead to unpleasant experiences, such as nausea or headaches, and may disrupt your travel experience. It’s best to limit alcohol intake and stay well-hydrated with water throughout the flight.
Should I drink coffee or tea on the plane?
Coffee and tea are common beverage choices, but you should consider their source before indulging. Like all hot beverages made from onboard water, they can carry the same risks regarding cleanliness and the quality of water being used. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or concerned about the quality of the drink, it’s wise to be cautious.
If you elect to drink coffee or tea, keep in mind the caffeine content, which can lead to dehydration. This is particularly relevant on longer flights when staying hydrated is essential. It’s advisable to balance your consumption of caffeinated beverages with plenty of water to mitigate any adverse effects.
Are there drinks that can cause digestive issues when flying?
Yes, certain drinks can indeed irritate your digestive system, leading to discomfort during your flight. Carbonated beverages can cause bloating and gas, which might become more pronounced in the confined space of an airplane. Even small sips can lead to discomfort when your body is under pressure at high altitudes.
Additionally, dairy-based drinks can also be problematic for many travelers. If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, having milk or cream-based beverages can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as cramping or diarrhea. It’s best to know your body’s reactions and to avoid any drinks that might trigger digestive upset during your flight.
Can certain drinks worsen jet lag or fatigue?
Some beverages can indeed exacerbate feelings of jet lag or fatigue after a flight. For instance, consuming sugary drinks or those loaded with caffeine can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes, leaving you feeling drained. This fluctuation can interfere with your ability to adjust to a new time zone, making it harder to recover from travel fatigue.
Moreover, caffeinated drinks, while providing temporary alertness, may also affect your ability to sleep during long flights or after you land. Lack of sleep can worsen feelings of jet lag, making the travel experience less enjoyable. It’s advisable to limit these kinds of beverages and prioritize hydration and natural methods to boost energy, like water and light snacks.
Are there any health risks associated with drinking certain beverages on flights?
Yes, there are notable health risks tied to consuming certain beverages while flying. As mentioned earlier, tap water on airplanes may not always meet safe drinking standards, which means that using it as a base for drinks, such as tea or coffee, can pose a risk to your health. Drinking contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal issues or other health complications.
Another risk arises from the consumption of sweetened or alcoholic drinks that can heighten the effects of dehydration. Dehydration can present serious issues, particularly during long flights where obtaining hydration may be challenging. Ultimately, being mindful of your beverage choices can help ensure a safer and more pleasant flying experience.