Thirst Aid Kit: The Parched Travelers Guide to Air Travel

Posted byMichael O'ConnorPosted inFrom the GalleyTags:, , , , , , , , ,

Ah, hydration – the often-neglected part of air travel. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of boarding a flight and forget about the importance of staying hydrated. But let me tell you, my thirsty travelers, hydration is key to a enjoyable flight.

So why is hydration so important when flying? Well, for starters, the air in airplanes is incredibly dry. In fact, the humidity levels in airplane cabins can be as low as 10%, which is lower than the Sahara desert. This dry air can wreak havoc on your body, especially your skin and your respiratory system.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to stay hydrated during a flight. And no, I’m not talking about hitting that call button and ordering a round of drinks from the flight attendant. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated and healthy during your next flight.

  1. Bring a refillable water bottle Invest in a reusable water bottle and bring it with you on the plane. Not only will it save you money by avoiding buying overpriced water bottles at the airport, but you’ll also be doing your part in reducing waste. If you haven’t found one you love, I included the links to two of my choices. They survive me bashing them into just about everything.
  2. Drink plenty of water before your flight Make sure you’re properly hydrated before you even step foot on the plane. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water for every hour you’ll be in the air. And if you’re flying long haul, make sure to start hydrating a few days before your flight.
  3. Avoid alcohol and caffeine Yes, I know, it’s tempting to start your vacation with a celebratory drink (airport rules) or a cup of coffee. But trust me, alcohol and caffeine are not your friends when it comes to hydration. They’re both diuretics, which means they can cause you to lose more fluids than you’re taking in. Stick to water or herbal tea instead.
  4. Use a hydrating face lotion with SPF Flying can leave your skin feeling dry and dull. Combat this by using a hydrating face lotion with SPF throughout your flight. Not only will it help keep your skin moisturized, but it will also protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Two of my go-to’s are in the links at the bottom.
  5. Eat hydrating foods Certain foods can help you stay hydrated, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and celery. Pack some hydrating snacks in your carry-on, and skip the salty snacks that can dehydrate you.

Now, let’s talk about the consequences of not staying hydrated when flying. Have you ever experienced a headache or felt fatigued during a flight? That’s likely due to dehydration. Dehydration can also cause dry skin, chapped lips, and even a sore throat.

And if you’re one of the unfortunate souls who suffers from jet lag, dehydration can make it worse. Jet lag is caused by a disruption in your body’s natural circadian rhythm, which can affect everything from your sleep to your digestion. And you guessed it, dehydration can make these symptoms worse.

So, in conclusion, staying hydrated during air travel is crucial for your overall health and comfort. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sipping water like a pro in no time. And who knows, you may even inspire your seat-mate to do the same. Happy travels!

Some of my Favorites.

  1. Water Bottle:
  1. Hydrating Face Lotion with SPF:

Leave a comment