Coffee on a plane is one of those guilty pleasures that can really boost your energy levels while in transit. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a little pick-me-up after a long and tiring journey? However, drinking coffee on a plane is not advisable, despite its energising effects. There are multiple factors at play here, all of which should be taken into consideration before purchasing that overpriced cup of in-flight coffee.
One important reason why you shouldn’t drink coffee on a plane is the ‘cabin pressure’ effect. Each time an airplane takes off or lands, the air pressure inside changes significantly. This can have a serious impact on your ears and sinuses, leading to headaches and dizziness. Coffee has a diuretic effect which can further intensify this feeling of discomfort and can even increase your chances of getting motion sickness.
Then there’s the matter of taste. Whilst the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee is a delight, the taste of coffee in an airplane rarely measures up. Just like the air pressure, the taste and aroma of coffee can also be affected by air pressure, resulting in a weaker, considerably less satisfying cup of coffee. Thus, imbibing this weakened coffee won’t provide the same pleasant experience that you’d usually expect from a cup of coffee.
Moreover, the temperature of the cup can also be a source of discomfort. Since airplane air-conditioning systems are quite strong, the cup of coffee can become quite cold in a short span of time, especially when compared to a cup of coffee you would get from a cafe or store. This can be especially inconvenient if you don’t have any hot water to top up your cold cup.
In addition to the physical discomfort, there are also plenty of social and psychological reasons why you shouldn’t drink coffee in flight. Flying can be stressful, and coffee might seem like one of the best ways to relieve yourself of that stress; some people even go as far as to call it “magical”. But research has proven that coffee can actually make you more anxious and jittery, amplifying the pre-existing stress of the situation.
Finally, it should be noted that drinking coffee in flight can make you more dehydrated. Airplane cabins are usually very dry and oxygen-deprived. As such, drinking coffee can make dehydration worse, as coffee is a diuretic. This can lead to a variety of problems for travellers, such as headaches, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Effects of In-Flight Coffee on Mental Health
According to recent studies, drinking coffee on a plane can have a negative effect on one’s mental health as well. Studies suggest that drinking coffee in an oxygen-starved, cramped cabin can lead to insomnia, irritability, and anxiety. In other words, instead of providing you with the energy boost you expected, it can actually interfere with your ability to relax, which can be quite ironic.
This is because coffee is a Stimulant, and consuming too much of it can lead to a “crash” afterwards. This crash usually leads to a sudden wave of fatigue and exhaustion, which can be particularly inconvenient if you’re only halfway through your flight. All of these factors surely play a role in why it’s not advisable to drink coffee in flight.
The Impact Of Too Much Coffee
It should also be noted that drinking too much coffee on a plane could have a long-term impact on your health. Given the limited space on an airplane, you’ll likely be drinking your coffee without getting up and walking around, meaning that you will be ingesting more caffeine in a shorter period of time. While any reasonable person knows that it’s not wise to consume too much coffee, it’s easy to forget this while travelling. As such, it’s advisable to stick to a reasonable amount of caffeine, even on a plane.
Moreover, it’s also important to consider the impact of the extra sugar and cream that comes with the coffee. While these ingredients are tasty and may seem harmless, too much of them can cause an array of problems, such as headaches, indigestion, and an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. As such, hotel room air conditioners with coffee makers it is best to refrain from adding any extra flavours or chemicals to your coffee in flight.
Alternatives To Coffee On A Plane
It should also be noted that there are other alternatives to drinking coffee while in flight. For example, you could opt for herbal tea, which can still provide you with a small energy boost without the potential side effects of coffee. Furthermore, there are also plenty of suppliers of natural energy drinks, which are usually made of natural ingredients such as ginseng and guarana.
If you don’t feel like having any beverages, there are plenty of snacks that can provide you with a similar “pick-me-up”. Fruits and protein-rich snacks are usually a great choice, as they provide all the energy you need without any of the drawbacks of drinking coffee.
The Quality of Coffee On Planes
Finally, it should be noted that there are many airplane coffee makers out there that provide coffee of lesser quality. The beans used to make this coffee are often of lower quality, and the lack of proper filter and brewing technology can lead to an unsatisfactory cup of coffee. This can be extremely frustrating if you’re in a long flight looking forward to your cup of coffee. As such, it’s best to steer clear of these coffee makers if you want to avoid having a bad experience.
The Rising Popularity of Instant Coffee
Despite the drawbacks mentioned above, many people still opt for instant coffee when travelling. Instant coffee has almost become an inevitability in flight, with some airlines even taking the initiative to provide passengers with free instant coffee. This is usually done with the intention of promoting comfort and convenience.
Furthermore, instant coffee is also cheaper than many traditional methods of brewing coffee, which makes it a logical option for those who are tight on a budget. While this may seem like a good way to save a few cents, it is important to remember that the quality of instant coffee is usually far lower than that of other types of coffee.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are multiple reasons why it’s not advisable to drink coffee on a plane. The cabin pressure and the lack of high-quality coffee present on airplanes can make your cup of coffee a less enjoyable experience. In addition, there are also many potential side effects to consider, such as dehydration, fatigue, and anxiety. As such, it is best to opt for softer drinks and snacks when travelling by air.
