- A British Airways cabin crew member advised how to avoid bloating during the flight
- She said what you eat and drink before and on board can have an impact
- One free option, often not chosen by flyers, can be a big help for passengers
A British Airways flight attendant has advised fliers on how to avoid ‘one of the most annoying’ side effects.
When you’re flying at 35,000 feet, the dramatic altitude change, sitting still and dehydration — not to mention the salty food during the flight — can all cause uncomfortable bloating.
But a change in routine in this department could be a win-win for passengers.
Speak anonymously with holiday provider Ocean Floridathe cabin crew member instead recommended “a large cup of peppermint tea before takeoff and every few hours once airborne.”
She added that this drink – a free option for all long-haul travelers in BA – can “calm the nerves” and “reduce bloating”.
A British Airways flight attendant says bloating can be ‘one of the most annoying things’ about flying, especially on long-haul flights
She advised that drinking a large cup of peppermint tea, free on BA long-haul flights, is a great way to prevent bloating – compared to a more standard tea or coffee choice
She also recommended skipping the inflight meal as it is packed with salt, the dehydrating result of which can also lead to bloating.
‘Bloating is one of the most annoying things about flights,” she explained, “especially if you’re traveling long distances.
“The combination of reduced air pressure, dehydration, and prolonged sitting slows your digestion and leads to a buildup of gas in your digestive tract.” That’s why you often feel bloated, gassy and nauseous when flying.’
Explaining why passengers might want to skip the meal on offer altogether, she added: ‘You lose your taste buds in the air, so they fill the food with salt and oil to try to give it some flavor – which is extremely bloating. ‘
Other bloated foods to avoid apparently include the tempting fast food offerings in many airport terminals, which she advised to avoid even before boarding.
“For travelers trying to minimize post-flight bloating, I recommend not eating anything heavy, spicy or greasy before flying,” she said.
‘Instead, try to stick to foods that are rich in fiber and easier to digest.’
Similarly, Kris Major, another flight attendant, said CNN Travels last year that prioritizing good sleep might be more beneficial than ensuring you secure the meal provided by the airline, as it can take up to two hours for the food to be delivered throughout the plane.
He said: ‘Most airlines do not plan their (food) service specifically around passenger passing, acclimatization and time zones.
“The seasoned travelers go into the cabin after takeoff and you can see they’re gone – they’ve covered themselves up and are sleeping.”
Other tips he gave for long-haul flyers included brushing your teeth and exercising occasionally to stay fresh.
