Should I drink on a long haul flight?

Drink plenty of water The general rule is to drink little and often. Before you even step on board a plane, you should carry a large bottle of water with you. Sure, you can ask for water from the flight attendants. But, it's more convenient to have your own supply for the duration of your flight.



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“The decreased pressure environment diminishes the body's ability to absorb oxygen and it can produce light-headedness,” according to KLM. The dry air on the aircraft can also lead to a feeling of dehydration. If you are going to drink on a flight, make sure you have a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage.

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It's a myth that alcohol is more potent at high altitudes, but there are other factors that make drinking in moderation a good idea during your flight. The main thing to worry about is the risk of dehydration, which alcohol accelerates.

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According to Bacheler, the human body loses about 8 ounces of water per hour on an aircraft at altitude, mostly from breathing. As such, the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) recommends drinking about 0.25 liters (or 8 ounces) of water per hour while on an airplane.

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“Most flight attendants won't drink the tap water, coffee, or tea,” said Whytney before noting that the latter two options also tend to dehydrate — another reason to stay away from them while traveling.

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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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It's a list of four things you definitely should NOT eat or drink right before hopping on a plane . . .
  • Salty foods. It's common for people to get dehydrated on planes, thanks to the dry air in the cabin. ...
  • Carbonated beverages. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Coffee.


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“It can be helpful in relaxing you or easing anxiety in the beginning, and since many people are anxious flyers, this can help,” Shapiro said, while also pointing out that drinking too much can lead to increased anxiety and have a boomerang effect, so it is important to know your limit.

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  • Bloody Mary. Ingredients: tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, vodka. A Bloody Mary has long been known as the best cocktail to order on a plane. ...
  • Gin and Tonic. Ingredients: gin, tonic water, lemon slice. ...
  • Moscow Mule. Ingredients: ginger beer, vodka. ...
  • Mimosa.


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Again, you won't get drunk more quickly on a plane. But lack of food and the aforementioned dehydration can make the effects of altitude stronger, thus making a single in-flight drink feel a lot boozier.

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13 Tips for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight
  1. Choose your seat. ...
  2. Power up. ...
  3. Get comfy. ...
  4. Bring some snacks. ...
  5. Always bring a scarf or shawl. ...
  6. Pack a pillow and blanket. ...
  7. See no evil, hear no evil. ...
  8. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.


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The Aerospace Medical Association suggests about eight ounces of water every hour you're in the air. The longer the flight, however, the more hydration matters.

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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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A more conservative approach is to wait 24 hours from the last use of alcohol before flying. This is especially true if intoxication occurred or if you plan to fly IFR.

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Scientists and safety experts would have you stick to room-temperature bottled water—not from that open pitcher on the beverage cart and not with ice (which may contain harmful bacteria).

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Here, nutrition experts offer advice on how to eat so you'll have more energy.
  • Eat Lean Protein. Airline food offerings can be meager, so bring meals with you for the best options. ...
  • Drink Water. ...
  • Enjoy Fruits and Veggies. ...
  • Snack on Nuts. ...
  • Get Moving.


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One of them, and it's a topic few people know that much about, is dehydration from air travel. Especially when you're on a long-haul flight to the other side of the world. People get dehydrated on flights more than say doing a lot of walking because of one thing: a lack of humidity.

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You could develop blood clots Blood clots, associated with being immobile for long periods, are usually a big concern for passengers. These include clots that form in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) that can travel to the lung (where it's known as a pulmonary embolism).

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