Snacking, drinking, and dining are all easy ways to pass the time inside an airport. But did you know the food and beverages you purchase in the terminal could have lasting effects on your flight and well into your trip?
In fact, there are several types of foods and drinks that are best avoided while at the airport. These items have a strong chance of causing discomfort on your flight or even the potential to make you ill during your trip.
Here’s a look at five foods you should avoid at the airport.
Alcohol
Although a pre-flight bloody mary or glass or wine is part of many travelers’ airport routines, it might be best to skip the alcoholic drinks before boarding, especially if you’re heading out on a long-haul trip. Alcoholic beverages “promote dehydration, which worsens the physical symptoms of jet lag and can disturb sleep,” according to Harvard Health. That means you’ll be paying the price for that drink long after your plane lands, as you could continue to struggle to adjust to your new time zone. Even if you’re hopping on a short flight, alcohol is best avoided because it can worsen the increased dehydration that occurs in a pressurized aircraft cabin.
Salty Snacks
The satisfying crunch of pretzels, chips, or crackers is synonymous with air travel for some fliers. However, the high sodium content in salty snacks can worsen some of the negative effects plane cabins have on travelers’ bodies. Low humidity inside an aircraft, which typically has only about 10% to 20% humidity, can cause not only dehydration but also water retention and bloating. Eating too much sodium produces the same reaction, producing a compound effect for travelers. Pre-packaged salty treats can be hard to avoid in the terminal, so if you do indulge, try to eat them in moderation and wash them down with plenty of water.
Raw Fruit or Vegetables
The CDC advises travelers to avoid raw fruit and vegetables, especially if they’ve been pre-cut, as they “may have been contaminated during preparation.” These types of raw foods are also common vehicles for listeria, a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning and thrives at room temperature. Packaged salads have also been vehicles for widespread listeria outbreaks in the past. If you are craving something fresh and healthy, the CDC notes that fruits and veggies “may be safer to eat if you can peel them yourself or wash them in bottled or disinfected water.”
Carbonated Drinks
Air pressure changes during a flight don’t only affect the plane cabin. They also affect your gut. Mid-air pressure shifts cause gas inside your stomach and intestines to expand, making you feel bloated, according to Cleveland Clinic. Due to this phenomenon, you’ll want to avoid foods in the airport that will contribute to excess gas. An easy one to skip is carbonated beverages: their refreshing fizziness will likely result in abdominal discomfort at cruising altitude. Instead, opt for a bottle of still water or juice to stay hydrated with minimal bloat.
Deli Meats
Who hasn’t scarfed down a quick turkey wrap airside before hopping on their flight? But you might want to pause the next time you have a hankering for a wrap or sandwich in the terminal. Cold deli meats and cheeses are another common vehicle for listeria outbreaks to spread, according to the CDC. “Listeria spreads easily among deli equipment, surfaces, hands, and food,” the CDC says. “Deli products are kept refrigerated, but refrigeration does not kill Listeria.” But you don’t have to completely cut sandwiches out of your airport ritual. Heating deli meats and cheeses to a temperature of 165 degrees or steaming hot kills listeria, so opt for a toasted sandwich or a panini if possible.
For healthier snack choices to purchase at the airport or to bring from home, here’s a list from the nutrition experts at Cleveland Clinic:
- Applesauce
- Single-serving bags of veggie chips
- Single-serving containers of tuna
- Single-serving packets of unsalted nuts, like almonds or cashews
- Air-popped or bagged popcorn that’s low in salt and doesn’t have butter
- Trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruit
- Peanut butter sandwiches on whole-grain bread
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