If anyone knows what to do and what not to do on an airplane, it’s flight attendants. They’re the experts on everything from calming nerves on a bumpy flight to what to do in an emergency. And now they’re sharing their insider knowledge with us, revealing the foods and drinks we should never have while flying.
These are the three things they say you should avoid on a plane:
- Tap water (as well as the coffee and tea made with it) - “I never drank the tap water,” says Sue Fogwell, who flew for 22 years. The thing is, that water comes from the airplane’s water tanks and those are known for being notoriously grimy. An EPA sample from 158 planes back in 2004 found that 13% contained coliform and two had dangerous levels of E. coli. So, you’re better off playing it safe with a bottled water, a can of seltzer water, or a Coke or Pepsi, if you need a caffeine boost.
- Foods that cause gas - The changes in air pressure as you fly can cause a little tummy discomfort, which is why former crew member Josephine Remo suggests avoiding gas-inducing foods. These include onions, kale, beans, red meat, lentils, gluten, and broccoli, along with carbonated drinks that could make your belly bloated in the air.
- Bloody Marys - While this cocktail has been scientifically proven to taste better in the sky, Bloody Mary mix and tomato juice are really high in sodium, so Fogwell advises steering clear of them. And science backs her up, the Texas A&M health website notes that ingesting too much salt can cause both bloating and dehydration. Drinking water will help combat this, just make sure it’s not tap water from the plane.
Source: Travel and Leisure
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images