One Of The Most Popular Types Of Drinks To Order On A Plane Is Actually Best Avoided In Flight

If you're traveling by plane, you probably already know that staying hydrated is essential for your comfort and well-being. After all, the dry cabin air can quickly leave you feeling extra parched — making that in-flight drink service the highlight of your trip. However, not all drinks are equal when cruising at 35,000 feet. And even though the crisp, fizzy taste of a refreshing soda might sound like the best idea as the cart rolls by, asking for a carbonated drink on a plane is actually one of the worst mistakes you can make.

What's so bad about an in-flight soda? Well, not only are they one of the most popular drinks flight attendants wish passengers would stop ordering, but they're also incredibly problematic with how your body reacts to them. Thanks to the unique combination of high altitude and a pressurized cabin, those same bubbles that make sodas so damn satisfying on the ground actually do quite the opposite in the air — leading to uncomfortable consequences like bloating, gas, and anything from mild to significant pain. And, let's face it: trying to discreetly manage stomach discomfort while being unable to escape your seat is definitely not how you'd want to spend your time in an already cramped airplane cabin.

Additionally, most sodas also contain a substantial amount of sugar, which can lead to sudden spikes in your blood glucose levels. And while this jolt might give you a temporary energy boost — enough to watch another episode or finish another chapter — the inevitable crash that follows will leave you feeling more fatigued than before. Plus, when you consider that flying already has some pretty bizarre effects on the human body, adding a sugar crash into the mix only makes matters worse.

When the flight attendant asks for your drink order, opt for hydrating alternatives that won't increase your discomfort. Ideally, you should do your best to always drink a lot of plain water while flying, since it's your safest bet for staying properly hydrated. If you find water too boring, consider bringing along flavor packets — bonus points for hydration boosters like these ones from Liquid I.V. — to add a little variety without the bubbles or excess sugar. If you still find yourself dreaming of fizz with your meal, ask for sparkling water instead. It's lighter on your stomach, and doesn't have any sugar to disrupt your energy levels.

Alternatively, if you're craving something with more flavor, fruit juices without added sugars are a good option. Specifically, orange juice or tomato juice are both commonly available on flights — and, better yet, they provide added nutritional benefits along with hydration.

As for travelers who prefer a hot beverage, the choices are a little slim. Although certain herbal teas (like peppermint) can actually help soothe digestive discomfort rather than worsen it, it's worth noting that airplane water tanks — where the hot water to make your tea will likely come from — don't actually get cleaned that often, with multiple studies finding concerning bacteria levels in onboard water (via Diet Detective and NIH). Meanwhile, along with being made from that same potentially questionable water source, coffee can also increase dehydration and even lead to more stomach problems. As such, it's probably best you skip it entirely during your flight.