Reasons for not drinking airplane coffee
The average cup of joe on an airplane can easily be far from satisfactory. Many plane passengers pour it suspiciously, as it can often be bitter and harsh. This is because airplane coffee goes through a process that changes the flavor of the coffee beans, and the process itself can be hard on the taste buds.
Planes typically fly with the aid of boilers, which boil water and remain heated until coffee is requested. Placing coffee beans in a boiler causes the flavor to become out of balance due to the high temperatures. Add in low-pressure machines that don’t extract all of the coffee’s aromatics and the result is often unpleasant.
In addition, airplane coffee isn’t as fresh as it should be. Coffee is normally at its best when used within five days of roasting and then 18 days of grinding. By the time is served on a plane, it’s usually been sitting around for longer than five days, leading to a compromised product for those who try it.
In order to make its way on the plane, airplane coffee goes through a long process. Initially, it is brewed in large plants, frozen, and sent to a packing house. Here, it is vacuum-packed and sent to airports, where it is stored. At this point, it has been on the move for an extended period and can already show signs of wear and tear.
When passengers order airplane coffee, it goes through a reheating process that further depletes the flavor. For those who haven’t experienced an unpleasant cup of airplane coffee before, this might come as a surprise. But for those in the know, it’s no surprise that airplane coffee can be a chore to drink.
With all of this in mind, it’s not so surprising why many airline passengers pass on the offer of a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, it appears that the quality of airplane coffee isn’t likely to improve anytime soon. Therefore, it is wise to avoid airplane coffee and bring your own coffee on board instead.
Health Risks of Plane Coffee
The safety regulations of airlines are full of detail of what is allowed onboard and what isn’t, but few address the health risks surrounding coffee. In fact, there have been reports of coffee served onboard planes being contaminated with fecal matter, which can potentially cause serious harm.
It has also been suggested that the serving of coffee is often done by untrained staff in terms of cleanliness and safety. Even if the coffee is freshly made, there is no guarantee that it hasn’t become contaminated due to the fact that there is no proper cleaning procedure in place in the aircraft.
It’s not just the possibility of contamination either. The high concentration of sugar and caffeine on an airplane can put extra strain on the body and exacerbate dehydration and other health issues. Therefore, it is wise for passengers to stay away from airplane coffee and instead bring something with them which is more healthy.
Drinking coffee on a plane is also bad for sleeping. The caffeine will give passengers an energy boost which can disrupt their sleep patterns and lead to sleepless nights. This in turn can decrease concentration and productivity levels. Therefore, it is better to replace coffee with something more calming like tea or chamomile.
All in all, airplane coffee should be avoided due to the potential health risks and other detrimental effects it can have, such as a disturbed sleep cycle and a weakened immune system. It’s safer and healthier to bring one’s own drinks onboard to enjoy during the flight.
Psychological Effects of Plane Coffee
The psychological effects of drinking airplane coffee can be just as bad as the health risks. Not only might passengers have their sleep patterns disrupted, but drinking coffee on a plane can also have a negative effect on their psychological well-being.
Studies have concluded that airplane coffee can create feelings of anxiety, due to its high levels of caffeine. The body can become over stimulated and can even go into a state of panic. This could lead to difficulty in concentrating, a lack of energy and low performance levels.
Furthermore, drinking coffee on a plane can also lead to feelings of depression due to the fact that the taste often isn’t up to the same standard as coffee that is brewed on the ground. This can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration, which can put extra strain on the body.
In addition, drinking coffee on a plane might also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is due to the fact that it will usually be enjoyed while everyone else is simply trying to get some rest. This can make passengers feel as though they are missing out on something and can take away from the happiness of their experience.
All in all, airplane coffee can have detrimental psychological effects and it is therefore wise to avoid it. Richer and more flavorful drinks can be brought onboard to avoid any bad vibes during the flight.
Economic Effects of Plane Coffee
The economic repercussions of airplane coffee are not often considered, but this doesn’t mean that they are not significant. In terms of the airline, poor-taste coffee can dissuade passengers from returning, leading to a decrease in revenue for the airline.
In terms of the passengers themselves, poor-taste coffee can lead to economic losses in the form of wasted money. Airplane coffee is often quite expensive, yet can be of a much lower quality than coffee made on the ground. Poor-taste airplane coffee can also lead passengers to waste money on extras such as milk and sugar, in order to make the coffee more palatable.
Airplane coffee can also have an effect on the wider economy. Coffee companies have to send their beans on planes, incurring higher expenses, something that can be passed on to the consumer. Furthermore, most of the airplane coffee that is consumed is instant, raising environmental concerns.
Excessive airplane coffee consumption can, therefore, lead to a number of economic losses. In order to avoid these problems, it is likely wise to drink fewer cups of airplane coffee and, instead, bring one’s own drinks onboard to enjoy while flying.
Environmental Impact of Plane Coffee
The environmental impact of airplane coffee cannot be overlooked. The most obvious problem is the waste created by passengers. With plastic cups, stirrers and lids all needing to be disposed of after use, the amount of waste produced by plane passengers drinking coffee can be significant.
In addition to this, airplane coffee contributes to the wider problem of global warming. Airplane coffee is usually instant, and this type of coffee has a particularly high carbon footprint due to the long distances that the ingredients and packaging need to travel in order to reach the plane.
Furthermore, the packaging of airplane coffee often contains chemicals such as Bisphenol-A (BPA), which can be toxic for the environment. The BPA can leak into water sources and cause significant harm to aquatic life, as well as other forms of wildlife.
As such, airplane coffee not only contributes to the amount of waste generated, but can also have a damaging effect on the environment. It’s therefore unlikely to come as a surprise that it is often wise for passengers to bring their own drinks onboard to enjoy during their travels.
Alternatives to Plane Coffee
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to airplane coffee in order to help travelers get through the flight in a healthy and more satisfying way. One of these alternatives is herbal tea, which is full of antioxidants and vitamins. It can also help to reduce stress, which can be particularly beneficial on long haul flights.
Coconut water is another good alternative. This is a great way to reduce dehydration and keep hydrated during the flight. It also contains electrolytes, which are important for physical and cognitive performance.
Another option is freshly squeezed juices. These are rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as providing a much-needed energy boost. In addition, juices can make passengers feel much fresher, particularly when combined with a breath mint.
Finally, plain water can be an excellent choice. It can help to regulate the body’s temperature and reduce the risk of dehydration, whilst still being very satisfying in terms of taste. Furthermore, plain water can also provide an energy boost, helping passengers to keep alert and fresh throughout their flight.
Staying Hydrated on the Plane
Staying hydrated on the plane is essential in order to stay healthy and make the most of the experience. Drinking plenty of water on flights is important due to the fact that the pressure can change significantly. This can cause headaches, as well as make passengers feel tired and lethargic.
In order to stay hydrated, passengers should drink a minimum of one liter of water per hour during the flight. This is especially important on longer flights, where the air is drier. Dehydration can also lead to poor concentration and digestion, which can cause discomfort for the rest of the flight.
However, it is important to make sure that passengers are drinking the right kind of water onboard. Tap water on flights can contain a number of germs and bacteria, so it is best to bring bottled water or filter the tap water using purification tablets.
Another way to stay hydrated is to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on board. These can help to reduce dehydration by providing fluids to the body and can also keep passengers full and happy during their journey.
Finally, it can be helpful to bring along lotions and moisturizers in order to keep skin hydrated. Keeping skin moist during a flight can be all important in maintaining health and can help to make the experience more enjoyable.
Other Options for Keeping Alert on the Plane
Whilst drinking coffee on a plane can have detrimental effects and should, therefore, be avoided, there are other ways in which passengers can stay alert and make the most of their experience.
For instance, passengers can bring a spare battery pack with them in order to ensure that their devices are fully charged throughout the flight. This can help to increase productivity levels and make the experience more enjoyable.
Walkabouts are another good way to stay alert. These can be done between two or three times during the flight and involve passengers getting up, walking around and stretching their legs. This can help to evoke a feeling of wellness and make the experience more enjoyable.
In addition, passengers can also make sure they get enough sleep during the flight, as this can prevent fatigue and help to keep passengers productive. For example, it may be beneficial to bring a sleep mask and earplugs in order to get the most from their rest.
Finally, taking regular breaks throughout the flight can help to reduce stress levels and make the experience more enjoyable. This could involve listening to music, watching movies or simply sitting back and taking in the views.
