What should I drink on a long flight?

On a long flight, prioritize water for hydration, adding electrolyte powders or coconut water to replenish minerals, and consider herbal teas (like chamomile) or sparkling water for soothing, low-caffeine options; avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks, and be wary of airplane water, opting for sealed bottles or bringing your own filtered water if possible.

What is best to drink on a long flight?

Staying hydrated and feeling good during a flight is all about making the right choices. Stick to water, herbal teas, and electrolyte drinks, and save the coffee and cocktails for after landing. Your body will thank you when you step off the plane feeling refreshed instead of sluggish!

What is the 1/2/3 rule for drinking?

The 1-2-3 drinking rule is a guideline for moderate alcohol consumption: 1 drink per hour, 2 drinks maximum per occasion, and at least 3 alcohol-free days per week, with some variations suggesting a limit of 3 drinks per day instead of per occasion, all referring to "standard drinks" (e.g., 12oz beer, 5oz wine, 1.5oz spirits) to help pace intake and allow the body time to process alcohol, preventing binge drinking and supporting overall health. 

What is the 3-3-3 rule for flying?

The 3-3-1 Rule Simplified. The TSA's fluid limit rule for carry-on liquids stipulates you can carry no more than 3.4 ounces per container of liquid. 3.4 ounces may seem like an odd amount, but it's to keep TSA rules consistent with international regulations, which allow for 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) per container.

What is the healthiest thing to drink on a plane?

Water – The Most Recommended Beverage 💧

It should come as no surprise that plain water is the safest, healthiest, and best overall choice while flying. It's calorie-free, caffeine-free, and perfectly suited to hydrating effectively throughout long flights.

Long-haul flight tips SURVIVAL GUIDE: Proven strategies for an easy-peasy flight (even in economy)

What not to drink on an airplane?

Tap Water (Including in Coffee and Tea)

Drinking tap water on a plane is a well-documented no-no—and that extends to having ice on flights. The water tanks on planes are notoriously grimy. A 2004 EPA sample of 158 planes found that 13 percent contained coliform, and two had dangerous levels of E. coli.

How do I prepare my stomach for a long flight?

Consuming easy-to-digest meals such as soups, steamed vegetables, and plain rice can help rest your digestive system before travel. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods that may increase acid production or inflammation.

What can you not bring on a plane?

You can't bring weapons (guns, knives, pepper spray), explosives (fireworks, flares), flammable items (gas, lighter fluid, aerosols), sharp objects (axes, box cutters, large tools), certain chemicals (bleach, chlorine), and large quantities of liquids (over 3.4oz/100ml in carry-ons) on planes, with many items being completely banned or restricted to checked bags with specific packing requirements. Hoverboards and other lithium-battery-powered rideables are also generally prohibited due to fire risk, while some items like firearms require strict declaration and locking in checked bags. Always check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and your airline for specific rules, as policies can vary.
 

Does toothpaste count as a liquid?

Yes, for air travel, toothpaste counts as a liquid, gel, or paste and must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller, fit in one clear, quart-sized bag, with only one bag per passenger. This rule applies because toothpaste is a cream or gel, similar to lotion, shampoo, or mascara, which can be squeezed or spread.
 

Can I bring unopened water through TSA?

No, you generally cannot bring unopened bottles of water over 3.4 ounces (100ml) through TSA checkpoints in your carry-on; they must be emptied, but you can refill them after security, or freeze large bottles solid to get them through, as frozen liquids are allowed, notes Travel + Leisure, Remitly, and BLENDi. Water for babies/toddlers is an exception, with special rules for screening, according to the Familee Travel blog. 

What is the two finger rule in drinking?

Recently, with a nod to bar history, there has been an effort to standardize the “finger pour” to 3/4 of an inch per finger in an standard old fashioned glass, which equals about one ounce per finger. This would result in two fingers equaling two ounces and so on.

What is the 20 minute rule of drinking?

The "20-minute rule" for alcohol is a mindful drinking strategy where you wait 20 minutes after finishing a drink (or even just thinking about having one) before consuming another, allowing cravings to pass, enabling rehydration with water, and giving time to assess if you truly want another, helping to slow consumption and prevent overdoing it. It's a simple pause to break autopilot, often suggested for reducing intake during holidays or social events, and works because strong urges often subside within 20 minutes. 

What is the 3 finger rule for alcohol?

Two fingers means a single pour. Three fingers means a double pour. Served neat in a rocks glass. It's old school.

What not to eat before flying?

Before a flight, avoid gassy foods (beans, broccoli, cabbage), greasy/salty items (fast food, chips, pretzels), sugary snacks, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy dishes, as they cause bloating, dehydration, and discomfort due to cabin pressure changes; instead, opt for water, lean protein, and simple fruits like grapes or melon for a more comfortable journey.
 

What hydrates quicker than water?

For rapid, effective hydration, especially after sweating, beverages with electrolytes and some carbohydrates, like Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), milk, or coconut water, often hydrate faster and longer than plain water due to added sodium, potassium, and sugars that help the body retain fluid. These nutrients slow stomach emptying and act as sponges, keeping hydration going over time, while water is great for general thirst but less effective at replenishing lost minerals.
 

What is the best airplane cocktail?

No measurements; all to taste.

• Cube Libre: rum, cola, lime.
• French 75: Champagne, gin, lemon, sugar.
• Gin & Tonic: gin, lime tonic water.
• Gin Rickey: gin, lime, soda water.
• Kalimotxo: red wine and cola.
• Mimosa: Orange juice and Champagne.
• Moscow Mule: vodka, ginger ale, and lime.

Why is deodorant not allowed on planes?

(As of 2025, some EU/UK airports that use certified CT scanners now allow liquids up to 2L per container). Spray deodorants are often subject to additional rules. They can be dangerous on planes because they are pressurised containers that might leak or burst under changing cabin pressure.

Do you still need to put toiletries in a plastic bag in 2025?

Yes, in 2025, you still need to put travel-sized toiletries (liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes) in a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag for carry-on luggage due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, though some airports are testing advanced scanners that might ease this, it's not universal, so always be prepared to use the bag. Solid items (like lipstick, powders) and medically necessary liquids have different rules, but the quart-sized bag for liquids remains the standard.
 

What toiletries are restricted on planes?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

What is the 45 minute rule?

The 45-minute rule in air travel is the minimum time you must check in and drop off bags before a domestic flight, a common cutoff for major airlines like American and United, though this can vary by airport and flight type (international flights often need more time). Essentially, it's the latest you can complete check-in/baggage drop to ensure your luggage gets loaded and you make it to the gate on time, with some airlines also requiring you to be at the gate 45 minutes prior if flying with carry-on only.
 

Is a phone charger allowed in hand carry?

Yes, you can take phone chargers (cables, wall adapters, and power banks) in your hand luggage, but portable power banks with lithium-ion batteries must be in your carry-on, never in checked bags, due to fire risks, with limits of 100Wh (around 20,000mAh) for standard travel and airline approval needed for larger ones (101-160Wh). Keep them easily accessible in your carry-on for security checks and convenience. 

Which airline has the most legroom?

For the most legroom in standard economy, JetBlue consistently ranks first among U.S. airlines, offering around 32-33 inches of seat pitch (legroom), with options for even more space; Southwest Airlines is a close second, followed by Delta and Alaska. For premium economy or business class, airlines like Air New Zealand and Aeromexico offer significantly more space, with options up to 42 inches of pitch.
 

What are the 5 C's of flight?

That's why flight instructors teach a timeless checklist known as the “Five C's” — a set of actions to help pilots remain calm, regain situational awareness, and navigate back to safety. The 5 C's are: Climb, Conserve, Call, Confess, and Comply.

How do you empty your bowels before a flight?

Tips for constipation

1. Hydrate strategically. Hydrate before your trip, leaving plenty of time to use the restroom before you board your plane. ...
2. Consume high-fiber foods. Consume high-fiber like chia pudding, flax seed crackers or dried prunes to avoid constipation and promote soft stools. ...
3. Stool softener.

Why do flight attendants sit on their hands when flying?

This reflex is a natural, instinctive reaction to sudden stimuli, but in high-anxiety situations like turbulence on a plane, it can lead to uncoordinated or delayed responses. By physically sitting on their hands, flight attendants ground themselves, maintaining composure and focus when it matters most.