When you’re packing for a flight, there’s one thing you might not think twice about: the food you bring with you. Whether it’s a snack from home, a meal from the airport lounge, or something served onboard, certain foods should be avoided at all costs.
Eating the wrong things on a plane can lead to discomfort, embarrassment, or worse, an unpleasant experience for both you and your fellow passengers. From stomach troubles to overpowering smells, here’s a list of 10 foods that you should steer clear of when flying.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts
You might love your broccoli, but eating it at 35,000 feet is a risky choice. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber and can cause serious bloating and gas due to their high sulfur content.
Low cabin pressure can make digestion harder, so you may feel bloated and uncomfortable for hours. As if that weren’t enough, the smell of these vegetables can be overpowering to others around you. Stick to lighter, less gassy veggies when flying, your stomach and your fellow passengers will thank you.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions might add flavor to your meals, but they can wreak havoc on your stomach and your social life when consumed on a plane. These foods are notorious for causing bad breath and digestive distress, and the confined space of an airplane cabin means that even the smallest odor can linger for a long time.
The strong smell of garlic, in particular, can travel through the cabin, leaving a lingering scent that your seatmates may not appreciate. Save the garlic bread and onion rings for your next dinner party, not for your in-flight snack.
Fish (Especially Smelly Ones)
While fish might seem like a healthy and convenient snack for travel, it’s better left off your airplane menu. Smelly fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines can fill the air with an unpleasant odor that’s hard to ignore. On a plane, you’re stuck with it for the entire flight.
The smell can also make some passengers feel queasy, and no one wants to be “that person” who makes others uncomfortable. If you’re craving fish, save it for a post-arrival treat, and stick to something less odorous for the flight.
Carbonated Drinks (Sodas, Sparkling Water)
While it might seem refreshing to sip on a cold soda or sparkling water, carbonated drinks are a terrible choice for flying. The carbonation can cause gas to build up in your stomach, leading to bloating, discomfort, and excessive burping in the confined space of an airplane.
Because cabin air pressure reduces your body’s ability to release gas, the discomfort can persist throughout the flight. Stick to still water or a simple juice instead; your digestive system will thank you.
Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt)
Dairy might seem like a harmless snack, but it’s one of the worst things you can eat before or during a flight. Many people have mild lactose intolerance, which can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort symptoms that are magnified by the altitude. When you combine this with the air pressure and reduced oxygen on a plane, it can lead to significant stomach distress.
Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, dairy products can sit heavily in your stomach, leaving you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable during the flight. Skip the yogurt, cheese, and milk-based snacks for a smoother, more pleasant journey.
Fried Foods
You might crave a crispy, fried snack before your flight, but fried foods should be avoided at all costs. These foods are high in fat and are notoriously difficult to digest, particularly when your body is under stress from the low oxygen levels on a plane.
Fried food scan cause indigestion, heartburn, and bloating, which is the last thing you want while you’re trapped in a small space for hours. Additionally, fried foods tend to have a greasy smell that can easily offend your seatmates. Opt for a lighter, easier-to-digest snack, such as nuts or fruit, instead.
Candy and Sugary Snacks
It’s tempting to reach for that sugary candy bar or gummy bears when you’re stuck on a long flight, but sugary snacks can actually work against you. Not only will they lead to a spike in your blood sugar, but they can also make you feel sluggish and lethargic once the sugar rush wears off.
In an enclosed space with limited air circulation, sugar-laden foods can make you feel groggy and uncomfortable. If you need a sweet snack, opt for something that’s naturally sweet, like fresh fruit, or keep it light with a small piece of dark chocolate.
Spicy Foods
If you love a good spicy meal, resist the urge to bring that hot salsa or chili pepper-laden dish onto the plane, as it can irritate your digestive system, leading to heartburn, acid reflux, or upset stomach, symptoms that can worsen with the pressure changes in the cabin.
The confined space of an airplane also amplifies the smells of strong spices, which can make the experience unpleasant for other passengers. If you can’t resist your spicy cravings, try to enjoy them before your flight and save the heat for another time.
Peanuts and Tree Nuts
While nuts can be a great source of protein, they’re a risky snack to bring on a plane, especially peanuts. Many airlines already restrict peanuts due to the risk of severe allergic reactions, and if you’re not allergic, you still need to be mindful of how they affect your fellow passengers.
The smell of peanuts and other tree nuts can travel through the air, making it difficult for people with nut allergies to sit comfortably. For safety reasons and to avoid causing discomfort, it’s best to skip the nuts when you’re flying.
Fast Food
While fast food is a convenient option when you’re rushing to catch your flight, it’s best to avoid it during the journey. Fast food is usually greasy, high in fat, and difficult to digest, which can lead to bloating, indigestion, and discomfort.
Moreover, fast food often comes with strong smells that linger and fill the small cabin space, making the experience less pleasant for everyone around you. If you’re hungry before the flight, choose a healthier, more easily digestible option that won’t leave you regretting your choice midway through the trip.
Conclusion
The next time you’re boarding a flight, it’s essential to think carefully about what you bring with you to eat. While the thought of snacking during a long flight may seem comforting, some foods can lead to discomfort, embarrassment, and a downright unpleasant experience.
From digestive troubles to overpowering smells, the wrong food choice can impact not only your comfort but also the experience of those around you. Stick to light, easily digestible snacks that won’t disrupt your stomach or make the air around you unpleasant. By avoiding these 10 foods, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable flight for yourself and your fellow passengers.
Safe travels, and smarter snacks.
Read the original Crafting Your Home.
