Access to in-flight dining is a service that most travellers appreciate. Depending on the airline, flight time, and ticket class, in-flight meals can include a variety of drinks, snacks, and meals. Some foods can cause bloating, dehydration, and headaches during your flight, so we’ll explain what you should think twice about eating on board.

Tap water.

Humidity is low inside the aeroplane cabin, causing some people to become dehydrated. Since most airlines offer in-flight refreshments, you can ask for drinking water to help with hydration. However, you should avoid asking for tap water. The water tanks on planes are not cleaned regularly, causing some to become contaminated with harmful bacteria. Bacteria like E. coli can cause diarrhoea, fever, or vomiting.

Tip: Purchase drinking water in the duty-free area before your flight and take it onboard.

Hot beverages.

It’s natural to want to drink coffee or tea during a flight, but remember that these drinks are made with tap water. Water tanks on aeroplanes are rarely clean, so there is still a risk that dangerous bacteria may be present. Remember, water suitable for making drinks must reach a constant temperature of 100°C (212°F) and continuously emit steam.

Tip: There are several cafes at the airport, so grab your coffee or tea before boarding.

Carbonated beverages.

Being bloated is uncomfortable and can be painful. Sodas, seltzers, and other carbonated drinks contain large amounts of carbon monoxide (gas) that can become trapped and increase stomach pressure. Your body might react to increased stomach pressure, causing a stomach ache, burping, or bloating.

Tip: If you typically experience bloating or excessive belching after drinking a carbonated beverage, it’s wise to avoid drinking one before or during your flight.

Gas-inducing foods.

During a flight, cabin pressure changes, allowing us to breathe comfortably, but this may cause stomach discomfort. Some foods are gas-inducing, resulting in bloating, gassiness, or pain. So, it helps to pay attention to what you eat before boarding or during your flight. Beans, kale, broccoli, and lentils cause gassiness. Onions can also cause bloating and unpleasant bad breath.

Tip: Avoid these foods until you reach your destination to make the flight enjoyable for everyone.

Chewing gum.

Chewing gum has several benefits, including reducing nausea, increasing alertness, and easing acid reflux symptoms. However, chewing gum excessively during a flight might increase the risk of bloating, diarrhoea, and extra gas.

Tip: Limit how often you eat gum during your flight and don’t chew gum on an empty stomach. You can swap out your gum for a mint to freshen your breath.

Alcohol.

It is nice to relax with a glass or cup of your favourite alcoholic drink, but not while flying. Alcoholic beverages can cause dehydration, dizziness, and impaired judgment. The low air pressure inside an aircraft’s cabin makes it difficult for your body to absorb oxygen. So, you may become drunk despite not having a lot of alcohol.

Tip: You must navigate the airport (immigration, baggage collection, etc.) when you land, so it helps to be alert. Avoid drinking alcohol until you get to your destination. If you must drink, ensure that you rehydrate with bottled water.

We hope these tips will help make your next in-flight experience great. Please use Find Yello to search for airline companies, travel agents, or other relevant services.

Sources: Delish, HuffPost, Healthline, Travel & Leisure, and Medical News Today.