Fly Smart: 5 Foods and Drinks Experts Say You Should Avoid Before a Flight

April 16, 2025 | 08:16 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Eating and drinking is one of the best ways to spend time at the airport before a flight. However, travelers should exercise caution when selecting food and beverages, as the wrong choices can lead to discomfort during the flight.

Picking the wrong options can leave passengers feeling uneasy and running to the restroom repeatedly, which is the last thing anyone wants mid-flight.

Quoted from New York Post, three nutrition experts reveal the secret to choosing food and beverages at airport snack centers in a healthy and safe manner. Here are five types of food and drinks that are not recommended.

1. Alcohol

Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian at Northwell Huntington Hospital in New York, advises against consuming alcohol in excess due to potential health and travel risks.

Airlines have the authority to deny boarding to passengers who appear intoxicated. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to dehydration and increased urination.

"The air in planes is very dry and can contribute to dehydration, which can be exacerbated by drinking alcohol," said Schiff. "Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue and dizziness."

2. Caffeinated beverages

Sharon Puello, a registered dietitian at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, recommends steering clear of caffeinated drinks, as they may have unwanted side effects.

"Not only can it send you to the bathroom more often, but depending on the individual, it may also result in rebound sleepiness, affecting one’s energy levels once they land and are eager to enjoy their stay," she said.

If you're craving coffee, it's better to opt for decaf or a caffeine-free alternative.

3. Beverages from dispensers

Some airport restaurants offer beverages from dispensers, but Puello warns that these drinks may carry bacteria, as the machines are often not cleaned thoroughly. Additionally, they tend to contain added sugars that aren’t worth the brief enjoyment they provide.

In addition, beverages from dispensers, which are usually soda and carbonated drinks, can cause bloating. This will add discomfort during the trip.

4. Nuts and vegetables

Schiff advises to avoid nuts and vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. “These foods can cause bloating, which can be worse when you fly due to changes in air pressure,” she said.

“You don’t want to deal with that on a plane, so avoid those bean burritos.”

5. Packaged foods and fast food

Numerous airport vendors offer pre-packaged salads and sandwiches, but she recommends steering clear of these options.

“Although I love salads and cut fruit when I’m home, I don’t buy them in airports,” she explained. “I don’t know if they’ve been washed or handled properly, and you can contract illnesses such as E. coli or norovirus.”

She also stays away from sushi because bacteria can grow the fastest in the temperature range between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, known as the danger zone.

Samantha Dieras, a registered dietitian and outpatient nutrition services director at Mount Sinai Hospital, advises to pay attention to the expiration date of packaged foods sold at the airport.

Foods that spoil easily should be consumed within two hours after leaving the safe temperature zone, said Dieras.

"After that time frame, bacteria can grow," she said. "For example, if you buy a yogurt, eat it within two hours. If you are planning to stock up for a six-hour flight and wait until hour 4, you are putting yourself at risk of developing a food-borne illness."

By avoiding the items recommended by experts, passengers can ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable flight. Remember, a little caution in the airport snack center can go a long way in helping you avoid unnecessary discomfort during your journey.

Editor's Choice: Which Airlines Serve the Best In-Flight Meals? Here's What the Survey Says

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