Think twice before sipping that in-flight coffee! Some drinks can leave you feeling dehydrated, bloated, or restless at 30,000 feet. Find out which beverages to skip—and what to drink instead for a smoother, more comfortable flight!
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Think twice before sipping that in-flight coffee! Some drinks can leave you feeling dehydrated, bloated, or restless at 30,000 feet. Find out which beverages to skip—and what to drink instead for a smoother, more comfortable flight!
Flying can already be a challenge—dry cabin air, cramped seats, and trying to find the perfect in-flight snack. But did you know your drink choice can make or break your travel experience? Some beverages can leave you feeling extra dehydrated, bloated, or even jittery at 30,000 feet. Before you order that next in-flight refreshment, here are five drinks to skip—and what to sip instead!
Why to Avoid: We get it—early flights and long layovers make coffee seem like a necessity. But caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can contribute to dehydration (which is already a problem in the dry cabin air). Plus, caffeine can irritate your stomach and make it harder to catch some mid-flight sleep.
What to Drink Instead: Herbal tea! Chamomile or peppermint tea can keep you warm while helping you relax and digest better.
Why to Avoid: A little in-flight cocktail might sound like a good idea, but alcohol can worsen dehydration, mess with your sleep, and even hit harder at high altitudes. If you’re already feeling jet lag creeping in, alcohol will only make it worse.
What to Drink Instead: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon—refreshing, hydrating, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat!
Why to Avoid: Carbonation plus cabin pressure? Not a great combo. Soda can cause bloating and discomfort, making your already-tight seat feel even more cramped. Plus, the high sugar content can lead to an energy crash mid-flight.
What to Drink Instead: Still water or an electrolyte drink to keep you hydrated and feeling fresh.
Why to Avoid: This might be surprising, but studies have found that airplane tap water isn’t always the cleanest. In some cases, it may contain bacteria due to how water tanks are maintained. That means it’s best to skip tap water, coffee, or tea made with airplane water unless it’s from a sealed bottle.
What to Drink Instead: Always opt for bottled water or bring your own refillable bottle to fill up before boarding. Hydration is key!
Why to Avoid: This one is controversial—some people love their in-flight tomato juice! But here’s the catch: it’s high in sodium, which can contribute to dehydration and bloating. If you’re already feeling puffy from the altitude, this drink won’t help.
What to Drink Instead: Coconut water is a great alternative—packed with electrolytes and naturally hydrating!
Staying hydrated and feeling good during a flight is all about making the right choices. Stick to water, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks, and save the coffee and cocktails for after landing. Your body will thank you when you step off the plane feeling refreshed instead of sluggish!
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