What not to eat on a plane? Flight attendants share foods they want you to skip on your next flight
Experts caution air travelers to carefully consider their in-flight food choices for health, hygiene, and courtesy. Avoid tea and coffee due to potentially unclean water tanks. Gas-inducing foods like onions and beans can cause discomfort from cab...
By ET Online | Updated:
Flight attendants shares what foods you must absolutely avoid eating in-flight. (Pic credit- Istock. Image used for representative purpose only)
Flying at 30,000 feet may feel thrilling, but your mid-air meal choices could be causing more turbulence than you think—especially inside your body. Experts and former flight attendants are warning travellers to be mindful of what they eat onboard, not just for comfort, but for safety, hygiene, and even courtesy to fellow passengers.
Avoid coffee and tea
Coffee or Tea (Pic credit- Image used for representative purpose only) According to former flight attendant Alex Quigley, the first thing to skip on your next flight is that complimentary cup of tea or coffee. As he told Delish, the water used to brew them comes from onboard potable water tanks, which may not be cleaned as often. He mentioned that there’s no way of telling how often those tanks are cleaned, and instead suggests bottled beverages.
Gas-inducing foods
Bloating and stomach discomfort are also common in the air, thanks to cabin pressure changes. That’s why Josephine Remo, a former flight crew member with seven years of experience, swears by avoiding gas-inducing foods before and during a flight. In an interview with Travel and Leisure, she explained that frequent flyers are especially susceptible to digestive unease. Her personal no-fly list includes onion, kale, beans, red meat, lentils, gluten, and broccoli. Remo also recommends staying away from carbonated drinks, which can add to that uncomfortable belly bloat mid-air.
Smelly and dairy-based foods
Cheese and Mac (Pic credit- Image used for representative purpose only) Odorous or perishable foods are another category to avoid, according to Jacqueline Whitmore, a former flight attendant. In a chat with Fox News Digital, she flagged tuna sandwiches, egg salad, and fish entrées as the biggest offenders when it comes to strong smells in a confined cabin. These foods not only risk offending other passengers' noses but can also pose health concerns if they haven’t been stored at the correct temperatures. Rich, creamy meals like fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna, or macaroni and cheese also made her list for their potential to upset your stomach at high altitudes.
Potential allergen
Peanuts. (Pic credit- Image used for representative purpose only)
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In a separate conversation with AllRecipes, Whitmore emphasized the importance of being considerate of passengers with allergies. She advised against carrying foods that could be potential allergens—like peanuts or peanut butter—especially in a space where just airborne particles might trigger a reaction.
What can you safely eat on a long flight?
So what can you safely eat on a long flight without risking your gut—or your seatmate’s comfort? Experts suggest easy-to-pack, mild, and nutritious snacks like dried or fresh fruit, crackers, pretzels, cheese sticks, hummus and veggies, muffins, chocolate, candy, granola or protein bars, sandwiches, and even instant oatmeal cups—just ask the cabin crew for hot water.
Ultimately, smart snacking at altitude is about more than just keeping hunger at bay. It’s about protecting your health, keeping the air fresh, and showing a little respect for the flying community around you.
