What Not to Eat Before a Flight

Preparing for a long flight can be tricky in terms of what to pack, what time to arrive and what to eat. Before you board that hours-long flight, it may be wise to keep the following foods out of your stomach as they tend to disturb digestion.

Greasy foods are hardly ever a good idea, but especially before a long flight in a cramped space. Salt and fat can hinder blood flow, and in a small space, thousands of feet in the air, blood flow will be restricted even without that bacon, egg, and cheese croissant. Reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and opt for a lower-sodium option.

A high-pressure airplane interior is known to promote tissue expansion, causing swelling and bloating. Therefore, it is wise to avoid foods that tend to add to your body’s bloat. Skipping the extra veggies and beans in your burrito can help you maintain intestinal comfort, as well.

Some travelers enjoy a refreshing and calming adult beverage before a red-eye to help them sleep, but alcohol before flying can actually make it harder to achieve quality sleep. Alcohol also contributes to dehydration, which will happen naturally on a flight of any length due to the altitude. Skip the scotch and grab a bottle of water instead. Your well-rested post-flight body will thank you.