In-Flight Dining: Foods That You May Want To Avoid

Navigating in-flight meals can be challenging, especially on long-haul flights. These meals are often loaded with sodium and preservatives, which can lead to dehydration and bloating. Moreover, the quality and taste can vary greatly, and the limited options may not accommodate specific dietary needs or preferences.

Alcohol: A Dehydration Catalyst

Airplane cabins are dehydrating environments, and alcohol exacerbates this issue. As a diuretic, alcohol accelerates fluid loss, leaving you feeling even more dehydrated. Additionally, the effects of alcohol are intensified at high altitudes due to lower cabin pressure.

This means a single glass of wine can feel like two, potentially leading to headaches, dizziness, or slurred speech. To stay hydrated and alert, opt for water during your flight and save the celebratory drink for when you land.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables: A Risky Choice

While raw fruits and vegetables are typically healthy, they pose a risk on airplanes. Limited space for proper food storage increases the chance of contamination, and raw produce can harbor bacteria that might cause foodborne illnesses.

The cabin's low humidity can also lead to digestive issues with high-fiber foods. Instead, choose less perishable snacks like unsalted, roasted nuts or packaged dried fruit, which reduce the risk of stomach discomfort and ensure a safer travel experience.

Coffee: Not Worth the Dehydration

The allure of a mid-flight caffeine boost is strong, but it's wise to avoid in-flight coffee. The water tanks on planes, used for brewing coffee and tea, are rarely cleaned, affecting the taste and quality of these beverages.

Additionally, the low humidity in airplane cabins can lead to dehydration, and coffee's diuretic effect can exacerbate this, making you feel worse. To avoid these problems, consider bringing your own coffee or waiting until after your flight for a caffeine fix.

Bread and Cheese: A Digestive Challenge

Although bread and cheese seem like convenient travel snacks, they can cause discomfort at high altitudes. The dry cabin air hardens bread, making it harder to digest and potentially causing bloating. Certain types of cheese can also contribute to gas and heartburn.

To avoid digestive distress, opt for lighter snacks like crackers with hummus or yogurt with a granola bar.

Salty Foods: Amplifying Dehydration

Airplane cabins are akin to mini deserts, drawing moisture from your body. Salty snacks like chips and pretzels worsen dehydration, leaving you feeling parched and lethargic. High altitude also alters taste perception, making salty foods taste stronger and potentially triggering heartburn.

To stay comfortable, bring granola bars or whole-grain crackers, or ask for sealed yogurt. These options will help you stay hydrated and satisfied.

Fried Food: Indigestion on the Rise

Fried foods are difficult to digest, especially when sitting for extended periods. The low cabin pressure can exacerbate indigestion, leading to nausea and stomach upset.

To prevent an in-flight bellyache, avoid greasy foods like fries, onion rings, or chicken nuggets. Your stomach—and your seatmate—will appreciate it.

Processed Food: Feeling Sluggish

Airplane food often contains high levels of salt, fat, and artificial ingredients, which can make you feel sluggish, bloated, and even nauseous. The high altitude also dulls your taste buds, making processed flavors less appealing.

For a more enjoyable flight, pack healthy snacks like whole-wheat sandwiches, veggie sticks with hummus, or fruit with nut butter. These will provide sustained energy and keep you feeling good.

The Best Solution: Pack Your Own Meal

The ideal way to ensure fresh, nutritious food that suits your taste and health needs is to pack your own meal. By doing so, you can enjoy better quality food and avoid the pitfalls of in-flight dining.