Eating on an airplane is one of those ambivalent “what would you rather?” situations that you either like or avoid, mainly because eating on an airplane is a gamble. And if it is a gamble, being locked in a cramped bathroom at 10,000 feet is probably not the best way to start or end a trip.
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That’s why Gordon Ramsay prefers to treat himself to a nice meal before flying. “A nice selection of Italian meats, a small glass of red wine, a couple of slices of apple or pear with some parmesan cheese, I’m like a pig in shit,” the celebrity chef and foul-mouth told Refinery29 in 2017. Ramsay prefers to eat light fare before boarding because airplane food is questionable. “I definitely don’t eat on the plane,” he told the outlet. “I worked for airlines for 10 years, so I know where that food has been and where it’s going and how long it took to get on board.”
Although Ramsay’s pre-flight meal choices offer a good balance of salty, sweet and savory, you shouldn’t try them. Here’s why.
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Why you shouldn’t drink anything before a flight
Honestly, you can probably enjoy Gordon Ramsay’s meat, fruit, and cheese spread, but you’ll want to avoid the wine. According to a recent study published by Thorax, one of the first to examine the effects of altitude and alcohol consumption on long-haul airline passengers, consuming alcohol immediately before or during a flight can actually have potential health effects.
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German researchers found that cabin pressure at high cruising altitudes can put a strain on the hearts of sleeping airline passengers, as both factors combined reduce oxygen levels in the bloodstream and increase heart rate. These effects were observed after the study’s passengers drank just two cans of beer or two glasses of wine.
Aside from the health effects of drinking alcohol before or during a flight, you should also avoid ordering premium wine on the plane. The cabin pressure and low humidity actually work to dull your sense of taste and smell, so you’re unlikely to be able to fully enjoy that expensive glass of wine.
The best food and drink for your well-being during the flight
When traveling by plane, physical well-being is key. Eating properly before and during the flight can make a big difference to your overall experience. Before a flight, it’s best to eat a light, balanced meal that won’t weigh down your stomach. Try to incorporate some lean protein combined with slow-burning complex carbohydrates like brown rice or quinoa. A banana is a good choice and will provide a small boost of potassium, while orange slices will satisfy your sweet cravings and give you a quick vitamin C boost. Avoid sweets and heavy, fatty or spicy meals as these can cause indigestion or an upset stomach during the flight.
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The most important thing to do during the flight is to make sure you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as this can lead to dehydration. Also, avoid the coffee on board. Not only does the caffeine dehydrate you, but one flight attendant claimed on TikTok that the water tanks on board are rarely if ever cleaned.
