Flying can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its fair share of discomforts. One of the less glamorous aspects of air travel is the physical toll it can take on your body.

From the dry cabin air to the cramped seating, it's common to disembark feeling less than your best. But did you know a simple beverage choice could make all the difference?

According to seasoned flight attendants, one drink stands out as a must-have for any flight: peppermint tea.



A British Airways cabin crew member has shared this insider tip highlighting that a ‘large cup of peppermint tea before takeoff and every few hours in the air’ can be a game-changer.

Not only does it have the potential to calm your nerves, but it also plays a significant role in reducing bloating—a common and uncomfortable side effect of flying.


‘Bloating is one of the most annoying things about flights, especially when travelling long-haul,’ she explained.

‘The combination of reduced air pressure, dehydration and sitting for long periods of time slows down your digestion and leads to a build-up of gas in your digestive tract. This is why you often feel bloated, gassy and nauseated while flying.’

To combat this, the flight attendant recommended avoiding heavy, spicy, or greasy food before your journey. Instead, opt for meals rich in fibre and easier to digest.

This dietary adjustment, coupled with the soothing properties of peppermint tea, can help keep your digestive system in check throughout your flight.



But peppermint tea isn't the only herbal tea getting the nod from those in the know.

Claire Smallhorn, another cabin crew member, advised passengers to steer clear of caffeinated beverages like traditional tea and coffee when flying.

‘Drink herbal tea instead [of tea or coffee],’ she said.

She explained hot drinks, along with relaxation and meditation, can ‘help with your body’s readjustment to your final destination’.

The concerns around caffeine are echoed by Virgin Australia flight attendant Sarah Goodwin, who shared on social media: ‘Before your flight, try not to have anything caffeine-related because that can enhance your anxiety and make you more nervous and jittery.’

Moreover, caffeine is known to cause headaches and insomnia—two things you want to avoid if you're trying to catch some sleep on a long-haul flight.

Regarding hygiene, flight attendant Kevin explained a ‘disgusting’ reason for not ordering coffee on the plane.

He claimed that instead of pouring out the remains of the coffee in a bin or drain, flight attendants were told to dump the coffee down the plane’s toilet.



For those who frequently battle jet lag, the advice gets even more stringent.

TV host and travel expert Samantha Brown recommended cutting out caffeine a few days before your trip to ensure it's completely out of your system upon landing.

‘I try to limit caffeine a few days before I leave on a trip so it is totally out of my system when I land,’ she said.

Have you found certain drinks helpful or harmful during your travels? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!