Flight attendants reveal the 12 in-flight drinks and habits to avoid, offering research-backed tips to stay comfortable, hydrated, and reduce the risk of DVT on long-haul flights.
What does the flight crew really think about your in-flight drink order? I’ve spent enough time in the air to pick up a few secrets from flight attendants, and some menu items are a definite no-go for those in the know.
According to a peer-reviewed article in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long-haul travel is approximately three times higher than in the general population, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mobility and hydration. I’ve learned the hard way that ignoring these tips turns a smooth flight into a miserable one, from cramped legs to unexpected stomach troubles.
These 12 things flight attendants avoid on planes aren’t just quirky rules—they’re practical, research-backed ways to make your journey easier and safer. Think of it as a small investment in your well-being: a little planning now prevents significant discomfort later, and following these insider tricks keeps your next flight stress-free.
Diet Coke
You know that satisfying psssshhh when you open a can of Diet Coke? On a plane, it’s more like a volcanic eruption in slow motion. The cabin pressure makes it extra fizzy, meaning it takes forever for a flight attendant to pour one without it turning into a foam party.
Flight attendants have to pour, wait, pour again, and wait some more, all while 20 other passengers wait for their drinks. Want to be your crew’s favorite passenger? Let’s stick with something less… explosive.
Tap Water
This one’s a biggie. The tap water on planes isn’t bottled, and the tanks it comes from can be sketchy. A 2019 study by the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center found that the water quality on many major airlines was poor, sometimes even containing harmful bacteria. So, when a flight attendant offers you water, always ask if it’s bottled. If it’s not, you’re better off just politely declining.
Coffee or Tea
So if the tap water is a no-go, what does that mean for coffee and tea? You guessed it. They’re made with the same water from those questionable tanks.
The water is heated, but it’s often not hot enough to kill all the germs. It’s a gamble, and in my opinion, it’s not one worth taking when you’re about to be crammed in a metal tube for hours. Stick to canned or bottled drinks to play it safe.
A Bloody Mary
Ordering a multi-ingredient cocktail on a plane is a bold move. A Bloody Mary might taste great, but it’s a hassle for the crew to mix, especially on a busy flight.
They have to dig out the tomato juice, vodka, and all the little packets of spices while navigating a tiny, moving galley. Do them a favor and keep it simple; a gin and tonic or a rum and Coke is way easier and gets you your drink much faster.
Anything with Ice
This brings us back to the water situation. Guess where the ice comes from? Yep, that same onboard water tank. The freezing process can kill some bacteria, but it does not guarantee that the food is completely free from germs.
Many flight attendants skip the ice in their own drinks, and that should tell you something. Why risk a stomachache when you can have your drink neat?
A Well-Done Steak
If you’re lucky enough to be in a class that serves steak, congrats! But whatever you do, don’t ask for it well-done. Airline food is precooked and then reheated, so a “well-done” steak is essentially being cooked twice.
The result? Something that has the texture of a shoe sole. For a more palatable experience, just take it as it comes—usually medium-rare to medium.
The Cheese Platter
A cheese platter sounds fancy. But here’s the reality: those little cubes of cheese and sad-looking crackers have likely been sitting in a fridge for a while, just waiting to be served.
They’re often not the freshest option and are lackluster. Save your cheese cravings for when you’re back on solid ground, where you can get something a bit more inspiring than a few sweaty squares of cheddar.
The Fish Option
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Airplane fish is a gamble that rarely pays off. Fish needs to be cooked just right, and that’s a tall order for a convection oven at 35,000 feet. More often than not, it ends up being overcooked, dry, and rubbery.
Additionally, the smell can be overwhelming for your fellow passengers in a confined space. It’s best to avoid it altogether and opt for something more reliable, such as chicken or pasta.
Yogurt and Dairy Products
Flying with dairy can be tricky. Cabin pressure can sometimes disrupt your digestion, and dairy products can exacerbate the issue if you’re even slightly sensitive to them.
A 2022 study on gut health during travel noted that changes in pressure can lead to bloating and discomfort. Skipping that yogurt parfait might just save you from feeling bloated and gassy for the rest of your flight. FYI, nobody wants that.
A Second Alcoholic Drink
Having a drink to relax is fine, but be mindful not to overdo it. The altitude makes the effects of alcohol hit you faster and harder. One drink in the air can feel like two on the ground, so pacing yourself is key.
Flight attendants are trained to keep an eye on passengers’ alcohol consumption for safety reasons, and you really don’t want to be that person who gets cut off. It’s just awkward for everyone involved.
Unfamiliar Foods
A long-haul flight is not the time to get adventurous with your palate. Trying a new, exotic dish for the first time on a plane could be a recipe for disaster if your stomach doesn’t agree with it.
What if you have a mild, unknown allergy? Or it’s just too spicy? Stick with foods you know and love to avoid any unpleasant digestive surprises mid-flight. There will be plenty of time for culinary exploration once you’ve landed.
Anything You Have to Eat With Your Hands
Think about it: you’ve touched airport check-in kiosks, security bins, and your grimy armrest. Now you want to eat a sandwich with those same hands? Planes are not exactly paragons of hygiene.
A study from Travelmath found that the tray table is the dirtiest place on a plane, with an average of 2,155 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch. Unless you’ve just sanitized your hands and the tray table, avoid finger foods.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill just keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it becomes part of a routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food information you need.
Let’s look at 6 gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
