Travel: Drinking In Flight

Special Feature

Drinking In Flight

Alcohol triples in effect in flight and causes dehydration. If you do plan to drink alcohol, be sure to watch your consumption.
Drink water—and lots of it to combat the dehydrating effects of air travel. Airline crews are advised to drink eight glasses per hour of in-flight time. Remember: more than half of our bodies are made up of one element: water.
Carbonated beverages can make you feel bloated, since the gas expands at high altitude.
Avoid salt and beverages like tomato juice with high salt content. Salt increases the fluid retention that bloats your feet and ankles.
Carrot juice has been recommended for its ability to increase the oxygen in the bloodstream.
Avoid tea and coffee: their diuretic properties only make you more dehydrated.
Bring a bottle of water with you. Airplanes can run out on long flights and if so, you always have one to rely on.

This page originally published as part of the electronic Gourmet Guide between 1994 and 1998.

This page modified February 2007