I’m a flight attendant – there is an easy hack to avoid the most annoying thing about catching a flight
A British Airways flight attendant has advised flyers how to avoid ‘one of the most annoying’ side effects.
When flying at 35,000ft, the dramatic change of altitude, sitting still and dehydration – not to mention salty on-flight food – can all cause uncomfortable bloating.
But a change of routine in this department could be a win-win for passengers.
Speaking anonymously to holiday provider Ocean Florida, the cabin crew member instead recommended ‘a large cup of peppermint tea before take-off and every few hours once in the air’.
She added that this drink – a free option to all long haul BA travellers – can ‘calm nerves’ and ‘reduce bloating’.
A British Airways flight attendant says that bloating can be ‘one of the most annoying things’ about flying, especially long-haul
She advised that drinking a large cup of peppermint tea, free on BA long haul flights, is a great way to avoid bloating – compared to a more standard tea or coffee choice
She also recommended missing out on the in-flight meal, as these are packed with salt, the dehydrating result of which can lead to bloating too
‘Bloating is one of the most annoying things about flights,’ she explained, ‘especially when travelling long-haul.
‘The combination of reduced air pressure, dehydration and sitting for long periods of time slows down your digestion and leads to a buildup of gas in your digestive tract. This is why you often feel bloated, gassy and nauseated while flying.’
Detailing why passengers might want to skip the meal provided altogether, she added: ‘You lose your taste buds in the air so they fill the food with salt and oil to try and give it some flavour – which is extremely bloating.’
Other bloating foods to avoid are apparently the tempting fast food offerings in many airport terminals, which she advised avoiding even before boarding.
‘For travellers who are trying to minimise post-flight bloat, I would suggest avoiding eating anything heavy, spicy or greasy before you fly,’ she said.
‘Instead, try to stick to foods that are full of fibre and easier to digest.’
Similarly, Kris Major, another flight attendant, told CNN Travel last year that it might be more beneficial to prioritise sleeping well over making sure you secure the meal provided by the airline, since it can take up to two hours for food to be delivered to the whole plane.
He said: ‘Most airlines don’t particularly plan their [food] service around the passenger and acclimatisation and time zones crossing.
‘The seasoned travelers, after takeoff, you go down the cabin and you can see that they’re gone – they’ve covered themselves up and they’re asleep.’
Other tips he provided for long-haul flyers were brushing your teeth and occasionally moving around to keep fresh.
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