Frequent travelers know flight attendants have a tough job. They're there to assist with every need, from serving drinks and meals to calming your nerves on a bumpy ride. They're even there to save your life in an emergency. In other words, they know a thing or two about what to do and what not to do on an airplane — and that includes what you should never, ever eat or drink while flying. Here are three things flight attendants say you should avoid on your next trip.
Tap Water (Including in Coffee and Tea)
“I never drank the tap water,” Sue Fogwell, who flew for 22 years, shared with Travel + Leisure. “Coffee and tea are made with tap water, which comes from the airplane's water tanks.” Instead, Fogwell suggested, “If you want coffee, buy it in the terminal, [and] if you need a caffeine boost, ask for a co*ke or Pepsi.”
Not drinking tap water on flights is a well-documented no-no. As T+L previously explained, the water tanks on planes are notoriously grimy. A 2004 EPA sample of 158 planes found that 13 percent contained coliform, and two had dangerous levels of E. coli.
Fogwell added, don’t be fooled by a water pitcher either. “Sometimes, on flights, we would run out of bottled water,” she said. “If you see a pitcher of water on the beverage cart in economy class, skip it — it's from the water tank. Ask for a can of seltzer water.”
Gas-inducing Foods
Air pressure changes as you fly — and that’s a good thing because it helps us breathe comfortably at 30,000 feet in the air. But it can also cause our bellies a little discomfort. That’s why Josephine Remo, a former crew member who flew for seven years, suggested avoiding any gas-inducing foods.
“On a plane, [the change in] air pressure can mess with your stomach. This especially applies if you travel several times a week, where you can start to feel a big difference,” said Remo. “For this reason, I always avoid eating foods that make my stomach bloated and expand even more. These foods include onion, kale, beans, red meat, lentils, gluten, and broccoli.” Beyond foods, Remo added, it may be a good idea to steer clear of carbonated drinks that can also lead to an upset stomach in the air.
Bloody Marys
We know this one is a favorite and scientifically proven to taste better in the sky. But as Fogwell said, “Due to the very high sodium content, I always avoid drinking Mr. & Mrs. T/bloody mary mix and tomato juice.”
Fogwell is indeed backed up by science. As Vital Record, Texas A&M’s health website, explained, ingesting too much salt can both cause bloating and further dehydration. “When too much sodium throws the body and the kidneys out of whack, the body becomes dehydrated. During this period, the body will pull water from your cells,” the website explained. Luckily, all you need to do is drink more water to combat this. “Drinking more water will help neutralize the sodium and rehydrate the cells throughout your body,” the website added. So, at the very least, make sure to be alternate between those delicious bloody marys and water. And maybe for the comfort of everyone on the flight, just avoid the beans this time.
FAQs
3 Things Flight Attendants Say You Should Never Eat or Drink on a Plane | tap water (plane's tanks may contain bacteria), gas-inducing foods, bloody marys (high sodium can cause dehydration)
Why you shouldn't eat on a plane? ›
Digestive Discomfort: Overindulging in a large meal may lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas during the flight. The reduced cabin pressure can exacerbate these issues, causing discomfort for both you and fellow passengers. Jet Lag Aggravation: Eating patterns are closely tied to our body's internal clock.
What foods should you avoid while flying? ›
What to avoid
- Caffeinated drinks. Avoid coffee, caffeinated tea or sodas during the flight, as they can contribute to dehydration. ...
- Fried or fast food. ...
- Legumes. ...
- Salads. ...
- Salty or processed food. ...
- Fruit. ...
- Lean protein. ...
- Quinoa.
“Your safest option when flying is to drink bottled water and stay away from any liquids that could come from a storage tank. This could be anything such as hot chocolates, teas and coffees.
Why shouldn't you drink water on a plane? ›
Airplane water is absolutely disgusting. In a 2019 water quality analysis conducted by Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center at the City University of New York and consumer advocacy site Diet Detective, water retrieved from major airlines was found to be contaminated with E. coli as well as other coliform bacteria.
What is the 3 1 1 rule? ›
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Is it OK to drink coffee on a plane? ›
But Vance Hilderman, chief technical officer of Afuzion, an aviation development and certification company, said Singer and I shouldn't worry. According to Hilderman, it's “100%” safe to drink tea, coffee and even water straight from the taps on modern airplanes in developed and well-regulated countries.
What is the safest food to eat on a plane? ›
What to eat on the plane
- Protein bar.
- Trail mix of nuts, seeds and a bit of dried fruit.
- Nut/seed bites such as the Munch Me variety.
- Roasted chickpeas/fava beans.
- Seeded crackers.
- Sealed container with veggie sticks and cherry tomatoes.
- Whole fruit such as an apple or banana.
Eat a light meal before boarding the plane: flying on an empty stomach, contrary to popular belief, does not help to avoid airsickness - in fact, it exacerbates it. We would therefore recommend having a few light snacks before the flight, such as fruit, vegetables or some crackers.
What should I eat and drink when flying? ›
Here, nutrition experts offer advice on how to eat so you'll have more energy.
- Eat Lean Protein. Airline food offerings can be meager, so bring meals with you for the best options. ...
- Drink Water. ...
- Enjoy Fruits and Veggies. ...
- Snack on Nuts. ...
- Get Moving.
"All drinks with sugar, caffeine, or alcohol should be avoided to limit dehydration, and water should be the only drink choice during flights."
What is the 3 3 1 rule? ›
Before Packing
Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.
What is best to drink on airplane? ›
“The most beneficial drink to have on a flight is plain water, but if you prefer something more flavorful, you could opt for beetroot juice, known to support the kidneys and improve circulation – a vital function when sitting still for extended periods during a flight,” she says.
Can I bring an unopened bottle of water on a plane? ›
In the US, yes, we take bottles of water on the plane with us all the time, and it doesn't matter whether or not they have been opened. You must, however, purchase them after you go through security. You are also allowed to bring empty water bottles through security and fill them at a drinking fountain in the terminal.
Can I bring my own water on a plane? ›
Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.
Is water free on a plane? ›
Free Bottled Water
You probably know you can (almost) always ask for a cup of water on an airplane, but did you know some airlines will give you a whole (or half) bottle if you ask for one? Whether or not you'll get one largely depends on availability, but it's always worth inquiring.
Is it safe to eat a meal on a plane? ›
Yes, you can very much carry your food in flight. Even we always carry some items of food while flying.
Is it OK to eat food with fly on it? ›
In most instances, spotting a fly on your food doesn't mean you need to throw it out. While there is little doubt that flies can carry bacteria, viruses and parasites from waste to our food, a single touchdown is unlikely to trigger a chain reaction leading to illness for the average healthy person.
Does not eating on a flight help jet lag? ›
"A period of fasting with no food at all for about 16 hours is enough to engage this new clock," Saper said. "So, in this case, simply avoiding any food on the plane, and then eating as soon as you land, should help you to adjust." The research was supported by grants from the U.S. Public Health Service.
Is it OK to bring your own food on a plane? ›
Checked Bags: Yes
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
