Flying can make a favorite beverage seem especially tempting. However, the drink you order shortly after takeoff could leave you feeling dehydrated, unable to rest or unpleasantly bloated by the time you reach your destination.
Cabin air contains very little moisture. Remaining seated for hours and eating at unusual times may also affect how comfortable you feel during the journey. Water is not the only acceptable option, but certain commonly ordered drinks are best consumed carefully—or avoided altogether.
1. Beer, wine and cocktails
Having an alcoholic drink may help you relax during a stressful trip, but it will not support proper hydration. Alcohol can also reduce sleep quality. Although it might help you fall asleep sooner, your rest may be interrupted, leaving you more fatigued when you arrive.
The CDC’s recommendations for managing jet lag advise limiting alcohol, especially if you intend to sleep on the plane or are preparing to adjust to a different time zone.
A better choice: Opt for still water, sparkling water with a slice of citrus or a low-sugar nonalcoholic drink.
2. Oversized servings of coffee
Coffee does not necessarily cause dehydration when consumed in moderation. Nevertheless, both the amount and timing of caffeine matter. Drinking a large coffee at the airport and ordering another one on board may lead to nervousness, digestive discomfort and more frequent visits to the restroom. Having caffeine close to bedtime at your destination may also make adapting to the new time zone more difficult.
The FDA explains that people respond to caffeine differently. For most adults, however, a daily intake of up to 400 milligrams is not generally linked to harmful effects.
Four beverages you may want to reconsider ordering during a flight
A better choice: Select a small coffee, a half-caffeinated option or unsweetened herbal tea. If you regularly consume coffee, cutting back may be more comfortable than stopping suddenly and risking a caffeine-withdrawal headache.
3. Sweetened tea and sugary soft drinks
Soft drinks often contain a considerable amount of added sugar while doing little to keep hunger under control. Consuming one quickly may provide a brief lift in energy, followed by tiredness later in the flight. The carbonation may also worsen gas and abdominal bloating in passengers who are sensitive to it.
The American Heart Association lists soda, sweetened tea, energy drinks and sugary coffee beverages as common sources of added sugar.
A better choice: Consider plain sparkling water, water with lemon or lime, or unsweetened iced tea—as long as its caffeine content does not conflict with your intended sleep schedule.
4. High-caffeine energy drinks
Energy drinks frequently contain significant quantities of both caffeine and sugar. Because some cans or bottles include more than one serving, travelers may consume far more than expected. For people who are sensitive to stimulants, these drinks can cause shakiness, anxiety or an uncomfortable awareness of a rapid heartbeat.
A better choice: Plain water remains the most reliable option for most travelers. Electrolyte beverages can sometimes help after excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. An ordinary airline passenger, however, usually does not need a sugar-heavy sports drink simply because they are spending time in the air.
An easy hydration strategy for your flight
Start drinking fluids before you board rather than waiting until you become thirsty in the middle of the journey. Take an empty reusable bottle through airport security and refill it afterward. Drink gradually according to your thirst, and have some water alongside every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage.
Anyone with kidney disease, a heart condition or a medically required fluid restriction should follow personalized guidance from a healthcare professional instead of relying on general hydration advice. For most other travelers, drinking moderate amounts at regular intervals is likely to feel better than going for hours without fluids and then consuming a large drink all at once.
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