Can you eat before takeoff?

“Don't fall prey to processed airport food that will leave you feeling run-down and sluggish,” says Dr. David Greuner, cardiovascular surgeon with NYC Surgical Associates. “Make sure the food and drinks that you are eating before a long flight are low sugar, slow burn carbs, and moderate protein.



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Small meals
While you may be thinking that eating a lot will ensure you aren't reliant on plane food, your plan will likely backfire. Flight attendant Kara recommended eating a small meal before your flight to ensure comfort and easier sleep.

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Usually people are at the airport two hours before take off — a perfect time to eat something before boarding. Plane food often is less desirable than the food you can buy at the airport so it's a perfect chance to find something healthy and balanced before you fly.

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Eat Light. Contrary to popular belief, flying on an empty stomach doesn't help you combat air sickness. In fact, an empty stomach actually exacerbates symptoms. Eat a light meal such as crackers, fruit, and other light snacks.

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“Eat lean protein such as nonfat yogurt, turkey, or chicken to make you feel full and fuel your brain,” Rubin recommends. Maximize the benefits by combining lean protein with fruits or veggies. “The best combo is some protein with some good-for-you carbs like fruits, veggies and whole grains,” says Bowerman.

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10 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Flying
  • Red Meat. Courtesy of Ethan Calabrese. ...
  • Coffee. Airplanes already dry up your body to begin with, so combined with the dehydrating properties in caffeine, you could easily develop a headache or become nauseous.
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Apples. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Carbonated Drinks. ...
  • Spicy Food.


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Drink plenty of water before your flight.
Flying can be very dehydrating, and it's essential to arrive at your destination feeling healthy and refreshed. Therefore, drinking plenty of water before you board your flight is a good idea.

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It should come as no surprise that the healthiest thing to drink on a plane is water, which also happens to be the healthiest thing to drink on land. Inside an airplane cabin, the air is extremely dry, putting you at heightened risk of dehydration. That can lead to nausea, headaches, and other unpleasant outcomes.

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Your best bet is water, a light pre-flight meal, and—if you know you're highly-affected during flights—Gas-Ex, which can help if your belly starts acting up, says Dr. Sam. Also make sure to go for a walk every now and then—either to the bathroom or just down the aisle. Moving around can help keep things...well...

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Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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Your ability to taste food is reduced by 30% when flying
According to Professor Spence, contributing factors are lower cabin air pressure, dry air, and the noise of the engines. Because of this, to make the food taste better, it needs more sugar and salt to make it taste like it would on the ground.

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So, pilots often bring their own food on board. Regardless, flight attendants can heat the food in the oven for them so that they can still enjoy a hot meal while in the air. Moreover, those on shorter routes often bring snacks on the aircraft to maintain their energy levels.

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Drink Water
Water fills you up. It also keeps you better hydrated at high altitudes. Both will leave you feeling better when the plane lands. Avoid caffeine, as it dehydrates and may leave you unable to sleep during the flight.

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To be extra safe, the CUNY researchers advised people never to drink water onboard a plane that does not come from a sealed bottle. They also said passengers should not drink coffee or tea brewed on their flight, and that they should even use hand sanitizer instead of washing their hands with onboard water.

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If you don't shower after your flight you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space; particularly your bed. But showering with soap, and shampoo for the hair, removes any of the germs you may have picked up, as well as reduces the levels of your own that have grown over time.

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Then once you are airborne, the air is very dry at high altitude. Some pilots take Camelbaks with them to quench their thirst, but Lee prefers an old-fashioned water bottle. He takes small sips to make sure he has enough to last a seven- or eight-hour flight.

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First, shower.
I think being refreshed and clean is the first step to feeling your best, and it also acts as a second alarm clock when waking up for early flights. The warm water and fresh scents help to awaken the senses, and it's always a good idea to be alert when dealing with airports.

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Lean Protein
Speaking of protein, lean chicken, turkey, fish are great options to keep you full for the flight, as well as keep your energy up. If you're anything like me, an empty belly = nausea by takeoff. Load up on lean protein to keep yourself satisfied until landing.

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This is because international flights can have additional check-in requirements, like passport verification, that need to be completed before you receive your boarding pass. Further, international flights tend to begin their boarding process 15 to 30 minutes earlier than domestic flights due to the larger plane size.

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