Avoid these airplane foods, food safety experts say
When it comes to air travel, knowing what foods to avoid on a plane can make your journey far more comfortable — both for you and your fellow passengers. Former flight attendants and etiquette experts are weighing in on the worst airplane foods you should never order during a flight.
Flying at 35,000 feet changes how your body reacts to certain foods, from taste perception to digestion. Here’s a guide to what not to eat on a flight and smarter snack options to choose instead.
Why Food Choices Matter on a Plane
According to etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva and former flight attendant Jacqueline Whitmore, the tight cabin space, dry air, and limited ventilation on planes amplify food smells and affect digestion.
“Meals that seem harmless on the ground can cause discomfort or unpleasant odors in the air,” Musayeva shared with Fox News Digital. Whitmore adds, “When you’re seated inches from someone’s face, even small ingredients can make a big impression — for better or worse.”
To help you plan smarter meals, here are six foods experts say you should never eat on a plane.
- Salty Foods
High-sodium foods like instant noodles, pretzels, and processed meats top the list of worst airplane foods.
Why Avoid Them:
- They increase thirst and dehydration.
- They can make you feel bloated and sluggish.
- Cabin pressure already dehydrates the body, and salty snacks worsen it.
Better Choices:
- Carrot or celery sticks with hummus
- Apples with almond butter
- Fish or Egg-Based Meals
Tuna sandwiches, egg salads, and fish dishes are risky bets when flying.
Why Avoid Them:
- Strong, lingering odors can disturb other passengers.
- Higher chance of spoilage or foodborne illness if not stored properly.
Musayeva warns that even freshly made egg dishes can release strong smells when reheated, filling the cabin with unpleasant aromas.
- Fried Foods
Fried snacks like onion rings, chicken nuggets, and breaded foods might seem tempting but are a poor choice mid-flight.
Why Avoid Them:
- They lose texture quickly and turn soggy.
- Greasy smells spread fast in confined spaces.
- Heavy foods can cause stomach discomfort, especially during turbulence.
Pro Tip:
Opt for lighter, non-fried meals to feel more comfortable during your flight.
- Beans and Cruciferous Vegetables
Healthy as they are, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can cause gas and bloating — not ideal in a packed cabin.
Why Avoid Them:
- Bloating can be uncomfortable at high altitudes.
- Gas issues can create an awkward situation for you and those nearby.
If you must eat veggies, go for lighter options like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Creamy or Dairy-Heavy Foods
Cheesy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or lasagna might sound delicious, but they’re not great travel food.
Why Avoid Them:
- Dairy can cause bloating or indigestion at high altitudes.
- Cream-based sauces don’t always reheat well and can sit heavily in your stomach.
Better Alternatives:
- Pasta with light tomato sauce and veggies
- A simple salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Dishes with Garlic
While garlic adds flavor, it’s best left off your in-flight menu.
Why Avoid It:
- Garlic lingers on the breath and in the cabin air longer than you realize.
- Strong smells can bother nearby passengers, especially on long-haul flights.
Musayeva advises using the “first date test” — if it’s too strong for a romantic dinner, it’s too strong for a plane.
Smarter Eating = Smoother Flying
Making the right meal choices when traveling can dramatically improve your flying experience. Stick to light, neutral-smelling, and easy-to-digest foods to avoid discomfort and keep things pleasant for everyone onboard.
Quick Travel Food Tips:
- Stay hydrated with water, not salty snacks.
- Choose nutrient-rich, fiber-friendly foods.
- Avoid strong-smelling or heavy meals.
Ready for a better travel experience? Bookmark this guide and make smarter food choices on your next flight!
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