Flight attendant Celina Bedding has issued a stark warning to passengers, advising them to “avoid plane food as much as you can” due to its high salt and sugar content, which compensates for our dulled taste buds at high altitudes. She elaborated: “Because of the cabin pressure we lose around 30 percent of our taste buds. So the companies that prepare food for the airlines add much more salt to it in order to have a nice flavour at 40,000 feet.”

Despite the popularity of ham and cheese toasties and sandwiches during flights, Celina recommends opting for healthier options such as salads. Her advice is clear: “You could choose a salad or fruit salad, for example. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during and after a flight to hydrate yourself.” Celina also highlighted a crucial health tip for travellers, insisting they should never consume tap water on the plane. 

She said: “For any passengers out there, whether you are a frequent flyer, an occasional flyer, seasonal flyer or will be a first-time flyer soon, I would like to say to you: NEVER drink tap water from the plane bathroom.”

She pointed out that numerous studies have confirmed the unsuitability of plane tap water for drinking, a fact that might be reinforced by warning signs next to aircraft taps.

While some may dismiss this as a ploy to boost beverage sales, Celina assures it’s a genuine health precaution, strongly advising against drinking tap water on board.

The top drink of choice for flight attendants on a plane is none other than tomato juice, and it’s not just a quirky preference – there’s science behind it. 

It turns out that this crimson beverage is also the most-favoured drink among flyers according to research conducted by airline Lufthansa.

The rationale?

Flying alters your taste receptors due to low pressure and arid conditions, affecting how flavours register. Tomato juice contains umami – a savoury taste that remains unaltered in high altitudes, ensuring it maintains its appeal above the clouds unlike sweeter alternatives.

Kamila Jakubjakova, with over three years of flying under her belt, urges passengers to secure their seats ahead of time, especially ones towards the plane’s nose.

This sage suggestion isn’t merely about dodging turbulence but more so about the perks that come with priority dining.

Speaking to eShores, Kamila remarked: “The food service usually starts from the front of the airplane, so you’ll get to dine first if you sit in the very first rows of an aircraft. Sitting in the front rows also means you’re more likely to get your preferred choice of meal if two meal options are available.”