10 Things You Should NEVER Eat Or Drink Before Flying
You don't need any midair accidents.
Everyone these days has their very own travel ritual. For example, I never travel without my Longchamp stocked with face masks, hand sanitizer, my computer, and a good book. Usually, there's a protein bar and a pack or five of Emergen-C thrown in there for good measure, too. And whether you're one of those people who arrive at the airport three hours early or the last one to board your flight, you likely have your pre-flying agenda down to a science. You may even have a tried-and-true plane outfit you always wear. But when it comes to fueling up before a long flight, there are some things that should never make it on your schedule. After all, no one wants to be stuck in an airplane bathroom longer than they need to be, am I right?
Here are ten things you should avoid eating and drinking before boarding any long-haul flight, especially if you want to avoid in-flight mishaps or discomfort.
Fried Food
We never met a French fry we didn't like, but it's best to avoid them, along with all other fried foods, before a flight. (Order some up after landing instead.) Fried foods can cause heartburn thanks to all those fats and oils, and they tend to be high in sodium, which can lead to fluid retention and cause bloat or swelling in your body while you're up in the air. No amount of gua sha can compete with that.
Red Meat
If you're tempted to hit up your favorite burger spot before a flight, you might want to think again. Many people have difficulty digesting red meat, so in addition to discomfort, you could treat everyone around you to a pretty gross odor as your body attempts to to digest it. Better not risk it.
Coffee
Airplanes dry up your body to begin with due to the pressure, so when combined with caffeine's dehydrating properties, you could easily develop a headache or even become nauseous. Plus, it's best to skip the onboard coffee anyway.
Alcohol
Not to kill your vibes, but alcohol + airplanes is a seriously bad combo. Even if you're pampering yourself in first class, it's best to skip the indulgence. Not only can it dehydrate you and lead to you feeling hungover when you land, but due to the difference in pressure, you'll likely wind up more drunk than you would be were you drinking on land. Is that really how you want to feel before or after your trip?
Beans
You know by now that beans cause gas (the magical fruit!). That's one thing when you're sitting around your house, but imagine being cooped up in a tiny airplane seat for hours in that situation? Not only is that not fun for you, but it's seriously bad luck for whoever ends up sitting next to you. Or behind you. Be a good neighbor and pass on the pre-flight beans.
Apples
Apples might seem like a healthy choice, but all the fiber in them makes them difficult to digest, and you know what that means—gas and bloating. I'll grab a banana instead, thanks.
Broccoli
Like beans, cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower can cause gas, so wait to nibble on them until after your flight. And whatever you do, don't pack a Tupperware container full of them for the journey.
Carbonated Drinks
Not only should you avoid them before flying, but when the drinks cart comes down the aisle, it'll serve you best to stick with water. Carbonated beverages like soda can cause gas and possibly heartburn. A very sad day indeed for fans of the mid-flight DC or ginger ale.
Spicy Food
Spicy food is notorious for causing stomach discomfort, so if you want your flight to be as comfortable as possible, stick with something more bland before boarding. In fact, bland is a descriptor you should stick with when it comes to pre-plane meals altogether.
Gum
It might be surprising, but when chewing gum, you let excess air into your body, which in turn causes gas and bloating (a common theme on this list!). If you need to freshen your breath on the go, you're better off sticking with a mint. However, we know takeoff and touchdown can be tricky, and many people resort to chewing gum to keep those ears from popping. It's probably best to enjoy your gum for that period of time, then pitch it when you've reached cruising altitude or hit land.
Which Berry Is Healthiest? Dietitians Weigh In
How To Stay Hydrated Beyond Drinking Water
I Put This Easy High-Protein Topping On Everything
12 Regional Dishes You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
