12 drinks women should avoid ordering on a flight

Picture this: You’re cruising at 35,000 feet, and the last thing you want is to feel bloated, dehydrated, or tired during your flight. But with cabin air drying out your skin and causing rapid water loss, some of your go-to beverages may be sabotaging your well-being.

Research published in the journal Nutrients indicates that the cabin atmosphere increases dehydration, with water loss rising to 360 mL/hour compared to 160 mL/hour, particularly in low-humidity environments such as airplanes. Women have even greater exposure to risks because of the influence of different factors, such as oral contraceptives, that raise the probability of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by 40 times.

But that’s not all! According to a study conducted by the Center of Food as Medicine & Longevity, 2.7 percent of water samples from airlines in the United States tested positive for coliform bacteria, and 32 samples even tested positive for E. coli. That is why this kind of information is necessary to choose the right drinks during the flight to keep your body hydrated and your flight relaxed.

Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)

Alcohol can also appear like the best way to relax on a flight; however, it has a significant disadvantage at high elevations. The pressure inside the crash cabin decreases by a large amount when the planes are climbing, and this influences the impact of alcohol on your system. One beverage in the air is like two on the ground, and you know you are feeling more than you usually do.

When the altitudes are high, the effect of dehydration is intensified, and alcohol contributes to it even more so by making you more exhausted and jet-lagged. These effects are particularly pronounced in women due to reduced oxygen levels at very high altitudes. Alternatives to alcohol should be hydrating (e.g., water) to keep you feeling refreshed and alert throughout your flight.

Coffee

Coffee, the stimulant that sustains so many of us. Nonetheless, the diuretic effect of coffee may negatively affect a flight. Caffeine may wake you up, but it also dehydrates you, which is particularly bad in a dry cabin.

It has been found that coffee is produced using water from airline tanks, and 2.7% of tested samples contain harmful coliform bacteria. This puts up the risk of unpleasant gut problems when flying. Rather than grabbing that cup of coffee, drink water or herbal tea to prevent the jitters and dehydration that often follow your caffeine dose.

Tea (black/green)

Tea may seem like a healthier option, but caffeine can also dry you out. Both black and green tea contain caffeine, which can increase fluid loss. These effects are magnified by cabin dryness, which makes it difficult to remain hydrated. Also, the tea is prepared with water used to brew coffee, which might contain harmful bacteria.

A CBS News study found that flight attendants often avoid tea prepared in these tanks due to the risk of contamination. To remain calm and hydrated, avoid tea and use pure water or a comforting herbal tea instead.

Carbonated sodas

We have all felt the pain of bloating after drinking fizzy soda, but it is even more uncomfortable in the air. When you drink a fizzy drink at high altitude, the lower cabin pressure causes the gas in the soda to expand, leading to bloating and indigestion.

The flight attendants even refuse to pour sodas, such as Coke, over since the foam usually spills when opened at low pressure. The result? A very uncomfortable belly. Instead, you can drink sparkling water in case you feel like having a bubbly drink. It is so much better than making your stomach feel bad by quenching your thirst.

Diet sodas (artificial sweeteners)

Diet soda is a low-calorie alternative but poses a different environmental problem. The artificial sweeteners used in such drinks may cause bloating and gas, which is aggravated by the cabin’s low pressure.

Research indicates that these sweeteners do not disintegrate as quickly at higher altitudes, which can slow digestion and cause stomach issues. It is best to avoid diet sodas altogether, as cabin air is dry. Go ahead and embrace something healthier, like natural-tasting water, to feel refreshed and comfortable.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks are made to provide you with a boost of energy in a short time, but they prove more disastrous than beneficial at high altitudes. These drinks are full of Caffeine and sugar, which overwhelms your system, putting one at risk of heart palpitations and anxiety.

The effects are further aggravated by the body’s already-dehydrated state and low oxygen levels. In women, more intense jitters and crashes can also be caused by energy drinks. A natural source of energy, such as coconut water or a refreshing fruit smoothie, is better than an energy drink and will keep your energy levels steady without a crash.

Tomato juice

Many passengers prefer tomato juice, which is not the best choice for your stomach. As Everyday Health reports, the acidity in tomato juice may also cause indigestion at high altitudes, and reflux and bloating may be aggravated by its thick consistency.

Low pressure and dehydration slow the digestive system, especially in women. This is why many flight attendants avoid tomato juice. If you want something savory, it’s better to have a vegetable-based beverage that is less harmful to your system, or, just to be safe, use plain water.

Orange juice

Orange juice might be refreshing, but it also has several disadvantages when flying. The acidity of orange juice can also cause stomach upset when combined with the dry cabin air. Sugar is also a source of stomach problems, and when used together with dehydration, it may result in heartburn and discomfort.

Studies by Envoyage.com indicate that the high acid and sugar content makes it a less-than-good option while on flights. To be more relaxed in the air, it is safer to use a soft beverage, such as water or herbal infusion.

Milk-based drinks (latte, hot chocolate)

Lattes and hot chocolate are warm and cozy on the ground, but they don’t work well at 35,000 feet. The cabin has low oxygen levels, and digestion slows; the gas builds up faster, making you bloated and uncomfortable. This is the reason why flight attendants do not serve such drinks.

In addition, the lactose in the milk may cause stomach upset among some passengers, particularly when taken in a dry, low-pressure cabin. To avoid getting tired, one may avoid milk-based drinks and opt for a light beverage such as green tea or plain water.

Tap water from plane tanks

It is an open secret that airplane water tanks are not always clean. A 2026 study found that 2.7% of water samples collected from U.S. airlines tested positive for coliform bacteria, and 32 cases of E. coli contamination were reported.

Consuming tap water from the plane’s tanks can expose you to dangerous bacteria that may cause digestive complications. Water on an aircraft is usually not consumed by flight attendants for safety reasons. To stay hydrated safely, use bottled water or carry your own reusable water bottle.

Sugary cocktails (e.g., rum & Coke)

Delicious cocktails such as rum and Coke may be tempting, but they come with many problems, particularly when flying. Ethanol (alcohol) mixed with sugar is even more dehydrating than a normal beverage. Besides this, the altitude also amplifies the effects of alcohol, and you get tipsier than on the ground.

Women, especially, are more vulnerable to the impact of alcohol and sugar, and the beverages may leave one feeling fatigued and uncomfortable. To prevent fatigue and thirst, consume non-alcoholic, hydrating fluids such as water or an electrolyte drink.

Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary may appear to be the ideal beverage to serve on an in-flight, but it is a mix of two things that should never be mixed in the air: alcohol and acidity. The alcohol dehydrates, whereas tomato juice adds acid, which can cause heartburn and reflux.

The two factors together may make your flight uncomfortable, particularly when you are already experiencing low pressure and dry air. To be more specific, prefer water or herbal tea, which are less irritating to the digestive system.

Key takeaways

The drinks to avoid to have a comfortable flight would include drinks that increase dehydration, bloating, and stomach complications. Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, sour juices, and milk-based drinks are all contributing factors to discomfort at high altitude. These beverages may predispose you to dehydration, jet lag, and even digestive disorders.

Instead, use hydrating fluids such as water, herbal teas, or low-sugar electrolyte beverages. The impact of such beverages is felt more by women, so it is imperative to make a wise choice to ensure the flight is much easier and more enjoyable. Hydrate and refresh yourself on your trip through a smart beverage.

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