Many people experience the urge to have a cup of coffee when they board a plane. But if you are a coffee-lover and a regular flyer, you may want to take our advice and not succumb to this temptation.
It may come as a surprise to many, but drinking coffee while flying is actually discouraged, for several reasons. Besides the potential irritants due to the pressurised cabin environment, your beloved cup of joe can worsen these effects and make the flight a miserable experience for you and those around you.
In the low-pressure environment of an aircraft, caffeine takes about twice as long to be digested as it would on the ground. This means that the effects of the coffee will remain longer and follow you to your destination, rather than wearing off during the flight. Put that together with the fact that it also causes dehydration, which is already a common problem experienced in a pressurized cabin, and it means that you should probably not opt for this particular beverage while en route.
Research conducted by Sleepify Inc. has analysed the effects of coffee consumption on air travel in detail. The researchers have found that the interplay between dehydration, the high altitude and the time taken to process caffeine can cause dehydration headaches, nausea and dehydration. Dr Elizabeth K. Fry, an aviation medicine expert at Sleepify, states that “consumption of caffeinated beverages on a plane is infamously bad for your health in more ways than one.”
Furthermore, according to a study from 2012, people who don’t consume coffee are less likely to experience jet lag. The same study concluded that not drinking coffee is the only factor that can reduce jet lag. Last but not least, it’s worth noting that a lot of air passenger regulations dictate restrictions on food and drinks in order to ensure passenger safety. Water and soft drinks are key exceptions; coffee, tea and other snacks may or may not fall into the same category.
Can I Take my Own Coffee Aboard?
Taking caffeinated beverages with you during the flight is allowed in most cases, if you plan in advance. But if you’re travelling with a budget airline, you’ll have to stick with water and other non-caffeinated beverages, since they tend to have their own rules. Pay attention to the details of the flight, especially if you are flying on a reduced economy cabin.
Also, depending on where you’re travelling, there may be restrictions on taking food and drinks with you. If this is the case, your coffee may be confiscated at the airport. Airports are known for strength searching and finding anything potentially hazardous, especially for flights that are connecting two or more countries. Therefore, if possible, wait until you get your destination to sip your coffee instead.
Alternatives to Coffee on a Plane
Considering all the secondary effects of drinking coffee while on the plane, it’s advisable to opt for a more suitable beverage when travelling. Although not always as desirable, water is a great choice. It helps counteract dehydration, which is a common issue when in a low-pressure environment, and it’s one of the only options that airports will allow through customs.
If you’re not a fan of plain water, you can spice it up and make your own flavoured version. For example, you can opt for ginger, lemon and lime, cucumber or mint water, or other concoctions. There are plenty of recipes out there to choose from. You can even opt for teas or herbal teas; some of these can be quite refreshing and beneficial for your health in the long run. But, in the end, whatever your choice is, make sure that you stay hydrated, which is key for an enjoyable and healthier flight experience.
Caffeine Pill Alternatives
Regardless of what kind of drink you opt for on your flight, you may still crave a bit of caffeine, especially if you’re used to having your morning cup before you leave home. One option is to bring a few caffeine pills with you. They tend to work faster than regular coffee and provide the desired energy boost without making you have to go to the bathroom soon after. That said, it’s important to check with your doctor before using them and make sure they won’t interact with any medication you’re taking.
Usually, caffeine pills come in small dosages, but you must take into account your caffeine consumption threshold. As with regular coffees or teas, you can easily exceed a safe dosage for your body if you don’t keep track of how much caffeine you’re taking in. That’s why a doctor’s advice is a requisite for avoiding several uncomfortable symptoms associated with too much caffeine.
What to expect when Drinking Coffee Before or After a Flight
Maybe you’ve decided to drink coffee before or after your flight, but at the wrong time. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to your body while consuming any caffeinated beverages. As we mentioned before, if you drink coffee while flying, you must be aware of the effects it can have on your body, such as nausea and headaches.
Some of these effects can be more severe if you’re not well adapted to the lack of pressure, so it’s best that you wait a bit before drinking your cup of coffee. If you had several cups of coffee before the flight and it’s not time to land yet, don’t be alarmed if you experience dizziness and heart palpitations. These are usually normal side effects caused by the interplay between the caffeine and the environment pressure.
Let’s take a minute to give a final thought to the effects of caffeine when flying: not drinking coffee shouldn’t stop you from having fun during the flight. Bring a good book, plug in your headphones and enjoy the journey. In the end, the decision will always be yours.
Appealing to Non-Coffee Drinkers
Not all passengers are coffee drinkers, of course. Plenty of passengers don’t like the stuff. There are other beverages which can be enjoyed in the air to make the flight enjoyable. For example, many passengers opt for non-alcoholic drinks such as juices, sodas and smoothies. Various companies sell ready-made drinks which can be stored without having to be refrigerated, so they are perfect for travelling.
But maybe you don’t feel like having any liquid during your flight. In this case, you could bring some snacks such as nuts, sandwiches or healthy bars. There are plenty of pre-packaged options out there but it’s also possible to make your own snacks at home and take them with you. Taking your food aboard is allowed in most cases, although even with this you may have to pay attention to restrictions imposed by the airline you’re travelling with.
In any case, it’s a good idea to carry your own supply of food and drinks just in case you’re not able to find something satisfactory once you’re on the plane. Also, if you bring your own snacks and drinks, you can be sure of what you’re actually consuming in terms of quality, allergens and any other potential hazards.
Managing Cravings on the Plane
If there’s one thing all passengers can agree on, it’s that plane travel can be exhausting, especially during long-haul flights. To make matters worse, once the craving for a cup of coffee kicks in, it’s difficult to ignore. But don’t concern yourself too much. The good news is, there are alternatives which can make your evening flight more enjoyable.
One good alternative is to drink a cup of slowly steamed chamomile tea, an alternative known to help relax the body and mind. Similarly, you can also opt for alternative herbal teas such as lavender and passionflower. All have calming effects on the nervous system and can be a great way to keep your body relaxed and somewhat in control during the flight.
In any case, if it’s energy and alertness you’re seeking, your best option is to catch a few hours of sleep while on the plane, especially if you’re taking a long-haul flight which crossed several time zones. Not only can sleeping help you to stay alert and better enjoy your flight, but it can also help avoid the dreaded jet lag once you’re at your destination.
Saving Money on Flights
The price of your flight can impose a certain restriction on what you bring with you, especially when travelling abroad. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, so you can make informed decisions. Research which airlines offer the best rates for your particular route, and make sure you pay close attention to the restrictions of the airline you’re about to choose.
When travelling with budget airlines, you have to bear in mind that you won’t be able to bring food and drinks with you aboard. In some cases, they may even limit your hand luggage allowance and impose several weight restrictions. Consequently, if you’re travelling with a budget airline, you should probably opt for whatever they offer while on the plane.
Furthermore, if you’re travelling within Europe, you may want to look for flights that pass through a few Schengen countries. In this case, make sure you check the restrictions imposed by each country, as they may be different from one another. Also, don’t forget that travelling on certain days, such as Sundays or Mondays, or late at night or early morning, may also help you save a few euros on your flight ticket.
Differences Between Airlines’ Food Policies
Apart from the cost of the ticket, the number of hours spent on the plane may also influence your decision making. Long-haul flights usually include meal times, and in a lot of cases the airline will offer some snacks for free. But not all airlines or flights are the same, so you’ll have to check the details of the flight beforehand.
For instance, some airlines may provide drinks and snacks only at certain times, while others may offer pre-packed meals throughout the flight. Also, airlines may hand out drinks and snacks to passengers who are seated in business or first-class seats. Depending on your choice of airline and their food policy, you may or may not be able to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard the plane.
Finally, when deciding which airline to choose, you should pay attention to its reviews if possible. This will help you get a better idea of the actual quality of the airline. Don’t be fooled by its slogan or promising advertisements. You can always try to see what other travellers experienced first-hand.
