Why You Should Never Drink Coffee on a Plane

For many of us, a cup of coffee is essential to start the day, especially when traveling. It’s comforting, energizing, and familiar. However, the truth is that drinking coffee on a plane might not be as harmless as you think. While it’s tempting to order a cup of your favorite brew during your flight, there are a few reasons why you should think twice before reaching for that cup. Here’s why you might want to avoid drinking coffee while soaring in the sky.

1. The Water Quality Isn’t Ideal

The water used to brew coffee on planes often comes from the same tanks that supply the rest of the aircraft's water system, including the bathrooms. These tanks are rarely cleaned to the standards you'd expect at home or in restaurants. In fact, studies have shown that the water on planes can be contaminated with bacteria, making it less than ideal for brewing coffee. As a result, the coffee you drink on a plane could be made with subpar water, potentially affecting its taste and quality.

2. Coffee Dehydrates You

Airplanes are notoriously dry environments, with humidity levels as low as 10 to 20 percent. This dry air can leave you feeling parched and dehydrated, which is not ideal for long flights. While coffee is a great pick-me-up, it’s also a diuretic, meaning it can increase your need to urinate and further dehydrate you. On top of that, the already low humidity in the cabin can amplify the dehydrating effects of coffee, leaving you feeling even more parched than before.

3. Caffeine May Worsen Jet Lag

Caffeine can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle, which is especially problematic when you're traveling across time zones. Drinking coffee on a flight can disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder for your body to adjust to your new time zone. This can worsen jet lag, leaving you feeling more exhausted and groggy once you reach your destination. To minimize jet lag, it’s best to avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, particularly if you're traveling long distances or overnight.

4. The Taste of Coffee on Planes is Often Terrible

Even if you’re a coffee aficionado, you’ve probably noticed that airplane coffee doesn’t quite measure up to what you get at your favorite café. This is because the brewing process and the altitude can alter the flavor of the coffee. The water temperature on planes is typically lower than it is on the ground, which can prevent the coffee from reaching its full flavor potential. Additionally, the coffee beans used on planes are often pre-brewed or sit in the machines for a while, leading to a stale or burnt taste. In short, the quality of coffee on planes is far from ideal.

5. Coffee Can Aggravate Stomach Issues

Coffee is known to be acidic, which can sometimes irritate your stomach. On top of that, the low cabin pressure and dry air on planes can also contribute to bloating and discomfort in your digestive system. If you’re prone to acid reflux or have a sensitive stomach, coffee might worsen these symptoms during your flight. The combination of altitude, dry air, and acidity can leave you feeling less than comfortable and could potentially ruin your in-flight experience.

6. The Energy Boost is Short-Lived

While coffee can provide a quick energy boost, the effect tends to be short-lived, and you may soon experience a “crash.” This is especially true on planes, where you’re already dealing with the effects of fatigue, dehydration, and jet lag. The energy boost from coffee can be temporary and leave you feeling more sluggish and tired once the caffeine wears off. Instead of reaching for coffee, try drinking water to stay hydrated and eating a balanced snack to maintain steady energy levels throughout your flight.

7. The Smell Can Be Overwhelming

While coffee lovers enjoy the smell of fresh brew, it can be overwhelming to those around you on a plane. The confined space and the dry air mean that smells tend to linger more than they would on the ground. The scent of coffee might not only make you feel more awake, but it could also disturb your fellow passengers, especially on long flights. If you want to be considerate of others, it might be better to skip the coffee and stick to a milder beverage.

8. Your Coffee Might Be Made with Airplane Ice

Another concern when drinking coffee on planes is the ice used in your drink. Ice on planes is typically made from the same water supply as the coffee, which means it can also be contaminated with bacteria. If you're trying to avoid any stomach issues during your flight, it's best to avoid iced coffee or drinks with ice altogether. Instead, opt for coffee without ice or stick to other beverages like bottled water or juice that don’t require ice cubes.

9. It Can Lead to Increased Anxiety

If you’re already a little nervous about flying, drinking coffee can amplify feelings of anxiety. Caffeine is a stimulant, and for some people, it can lead to heightened nerves or jitteriness. On a plane, where you might already be dealing with stress from travel, tight spaces, or the discomfort of long flights, coffee can exacerbate anxiety. If you’re prone to nervousness while flying, it’s better to opt for calming herbal teas or just stick to water.

10. It’s Just Not Worth It

All things considered, drinking coffee on a plane might not be worth the temporary pleasure. Between the questionable water quality, the dehydrating effects, and the potential to make you feel worse, it’s a beverage that’s better avoided during your flight. Instead, focus on staying hydrated with water or herbal tea, both of which will leave you feeling better and more refreshed once you land.

While coffee might be a comforting and energizing part of your daily routine, it’s best to skip it when you’re on a plane. The dry air, low-quality water, and other potential issues make it a less-than-ideal choice for your in-flight beverage. So, next time you’re flying, think twice before reaching for that cup of coffee and opt for something that’ll keep you feeling more hydrated, relaxed, and refreshed throughout your journey.