A seasoned flight attendant with over a decade of experience in the skies has issued a stark warning to passengers about a common in-flight drink choice that could leave them feeling worse for wear upon landing.
The Sugary Drink You Should Skip
Drawing on her extensive career working for multiple airlines, the anonymous American crew member shared her insights on the Other People's Lives podcast. Her top tip for travellers was clear: avoid ordering sweetened beverages while in the air.
"I would suggest not [drinking] anything sweet because it's really rough when you get on the ground," she cautioned, though she did not elaborate further on the specific mechanics.
Why Sweet Drinks Cause Problems at Altitude
Kezia Joy, a registered dietitian nutritionist and medical adviser at Welzo, provided the scientific reasoning behind this practical advice. She explained that air travel disrupts the body's normal hydration and metabolic processes.
"The cabin air is generally quite dry (low humidity), and this contributes to increased dehydration," Joy stated. While sugary drinks might temporarily quench thirst, they are not as effective at hydrating the body as pure water.
Consequently, passengers who opt for sweetened drinks may experience mild discomfort, fatigue, and excessive thirst, particularly on longer journeys.
What About Tea and Coffee on Flights?
The flight attendant also addressed common concerns about the quality of water used for hot drinks onboard. While aircraft water tanks are meant to be cleaned and disinfected regularly, past reports of contamination have caused hesitation among some travellers.
The crew member referenced a past incident involving E. Coli in aircraft water supplies but sought to reassure passengers. "We drink coffee on the plane all the time and everything's fine," she said, noting that when tanks are cleaned, the water has a distinct chemical taste.
However, not all cabin crew agree. Another veteran, Sue Fogwell, has advised passengers to avoid aeroplane tap water altogether, which is used for coffee and tea. Her alternative suggestion is to purchase hot drinks in the terminal or opt for a canned soft drink if a caffeine boost is needed.
The key takeaway for savvy travellers is to prioritise plain water for optimal hydration during a flight, steering clear of sugary alternatives that could exacerbate the dehydrating effects of cabin air and lead to an unpleasant start to their holiday or business trip.
