What should I eat and drink on a long-haul flight?

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.




People Also Ask

What to avoid eating before or on a flight:
  • Salty or processed food. This is a great rule to follow anyway, but don't snack on a Hungry Jacks before the flight. ...
  • Cruciferous vegetables, or beans. ...
  • Caffeine and Alcohol. ...
  • Nuts (unsalted) ...
  • Fruit. ...
  • 'Umami' flavoured snacks. ...
  • Water, water, more water. ...
  • Moisturizer.


MORE DETAILS

The Ultimate In-Flight Hydration Hack
Deep and sustained hydration requires electrolytes. To keep your mineral levels, water levels, and energy levels on the up-and-up, our favorite in-flight wellness hack of all time includes packing LMNT stick packs into every carry-on.

MORE DETAILS

The Journal of American Medical Association recently published research out of Japan that showed the best way to prevent dehydration's effects on a flight is to drink an electrolyte drink.

MORE DETAILS

The first one that comes to mind is a simple ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette with cornichons and a little butter.

MORE DETAILS

“If your flight is in the afternoon or evening, eat a small balanced meal to satiate you,” says Agarwal. You'll want to consume something with protein, so eggs or fish work well. A salad with good fats like avocado and nuts will also create a well-rounded meal.

MORE DETAILS

Avoid eating heavy foods, especially spicy foods and foods that you wouldn't even normally eat. Eating something that could really upset your stomach, or give you something worse like food poisoning, isn't fun. It's best to eat healthy foods even if it's just 24 hours before your trip, this could help a lot!

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

Mistakes Travelers Make On A Long-Haul Flight
  • Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes.
  • Choosing A Seat By The Restroom.
  • Watching The Clock.
  • Forgetting To Double-Check Upgrade Options.
  • Traveling Without Sleep Essentials.
  • Flying Without Entertainment.
  • Overlooking Seat Options.
  • Boarding Without A Sleep Game Plan.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

“While plain water is best for staying hydrated, other drinks and foods can help, too,” says Theunissen. “Fruit and vegetable juices, milk and herbal teas add to the amount of water you get each day.” Consider bringing your own herbal tea bags while flying.

MORE DETAILS

If you're not a fan of water, there are still healthful and hydrating options that won't totally annoy flight attendants. Fernstrom advised that bubbly, low-calorie drinks are another good option. Try a splash of cranberry or orange juice in seltzer for extra flavor, or just add a slice of lemon or lime, she said.

MORE DETAILS

USA Today's 10Best recently named Delta the best airline for food in the world. For some airline companies, food and beverage options have become secondary amenities. In fact, passengers often only get just a bag of pretzels, peanuts on short-distance flights.

MORE DETAILS

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

MORE DETAILS

1. Eat Lean Protein. Airline food offerings can be meager, so bring meals with you for the best options. Include lean protein foods such as boneless, skinless chicken; turkey breast; hard-boiled egg whites; and lean fish such as tuna, says Charles Platkin, Ph.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, solid food is allowed through TSA security in any amount. If the item is considered a liquid, paste, cream, gel, or aerosol, it is still allowed, but must be smaller than 3.4 ounces. Otherwise, you'll be required to check the item or throw it out.

MORE DETAILS

Treat Yourself Well on the Flight Start by aiming for 8 ounces of water each hour and you can take it a step further by avoiding dehydrating diuretics like alcohol and caffeine. Restoring electrolytes with coconut water or Gatorade may help you feel better if dehydration has already set in.

MORE DETAILS