Airplane food and drinks have improved over the years, but there are still a few in-flight orders that even seasoned travelers think twice about. After spending a heavy travel month bouncing between early-morning departures and long-haul flights, I decided to ask the people who know airline cabins best: flight attendants.
Rather than focusing on any one airline, I asked a simple question during multiple flights: what are the items passengers are better off skipping in the air? Their answers were candid, consistent, and surprisingly practical. While none of these suggestions are meant to alarm travelers, they do shed light on how flying changes everything from hygiene to how your body processes food and alcohol.
Here’s what flight attendants recommend avoiding—and why.
Don’t use ice in your drinks
Several flight attendants noted that ice can be a gray area onboard. While aircraft are cleaned regularly, the tools used to scoop ice aren’t always washed between flights in the same way galley equipment is. That doesn’t mean every airline operates the same way, but if cleanliness is top of mind for you, ordering beverages without ice is an easy workaround. Bottled drinks or canned seltzers poured directly into a cup avoid the issue altogether.
Diet Coke with extra foam
This one surprised me, but it came up more than once. Diet Coke, in particular, tends to foam excessively at altitude. Cabin pressure causes carbonation to behave differently, and Diet Coke is notorious for producing long-lasting foam when poured onboard. That’s why it often takes flight attendants longer to serve — and why some quietly dread the order. If you’re craving soda, other options tend to be quicker and less messy.
Say no to double alcoholic drinks
Alcohol affects the body differently at cruising altitude. Lower oxygen levels can intensify its effects, meaning a drink or two may hit harder than expected. Flight attendants also pointed out that getting overly buzzed in a confined cabin isn’t enjoyable for the person drinking — or the people seated nearby. Long flights can make it easy to feel both intoxicated and dehydrated before you even land.
Save Bloody Marys for land
While tomato juice is famously popular on planes, flight attendants warned that drinks with high sodium content can contribute to bloating and swelling, especially on longer flights. Sitting for extended periods already causes fluid retention, and salty cocktails may make that discomfort worse. For travelers prone to puffy ankles or post-flight fatigue, it might be worth saving celebratory drinks for after landing.
Avoid fish entrées
In-flight meals are reheated rather than freshly cooked, and fish doesn’t always fare well in that process. Several flight attendants said fish dishes are among the least forgiving when it comes to texture and smell. Since meals are typically heated using steam or convection methods, proteins that rely on precise cooking temperatures can easily dry out or become unpleasant.
What to order instead
If you want to keep things simple, flight attendants generally recommend sealed beverages, lighter meals, and options that don’t rely heavily on reheating. Sparkling water without ice, packaged snacks, and straightforward meals tend to be the safest bets. These choices minimize surprises and help you feel better when you arrive.
Flying already puts stress on your body in subtle ways. Making a few small, informed choices about what you order onboard can go a long way toward a more comfortable trip, and fewer regrets at 35,000 feet.
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