Is Avoiding Coffee Before a Flight Good or Bad? Let’s Talk About This
Alright, let’s paint the picture. It’s the morning of your flight. You’ve packed everything, double-checked your passport, and now you’re running through the airport, eyeing the nearest coffee stand because nothing feels more essential than a strong cup of coffee before a big travel day, right? But wait — what if I told you skipping that cup of coffee could actually improve your in-flight experience?
I know, I know — it sounds like I’m coming for your caffeine ritual, but hear me out. There’s actually a strong case for avoiding coffee right before you fly, especially if you’re hoping to make your trip as smooth as possible. And no, this isn’t about some anti-coffee agenda (I love a good cup of joe too), but there are a few surprising benefits to skipping your caffeine fix when you’re about to head to the skies. Let’s talk about how skipping coffee can help prevent common issues in the air and lead to a more comfortable, relaxed journey.
The Coffee and Flight Equation: What’s the Big Deal?
Before we get into the why, let’s talk about how coffee interacts with your body, especially during air travel. Coffee is a stimulant. It gives you that jolt of energy, that familiar pick-me-up to start the day. But it also has some side effects that can be a bit pesky when you’re cooped up in a metal tube at 35,000 feet.
First, caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it increases the need to use the bathroom. When you’re flying, you’re already in a situation where dehydration happens faster than usual because of the low humidity in the cabin. Adding coffee to the mix can make it worse. It dehydrates you even more, which could lead to headaches, dry skin, or just feeling generally sluggish and off. Let’s face it — constantly heading to the bathroom in those cramped airplane lavatories isn’t exactly fun either.
Now, let’s talk about nerves. If you’re an anxious flyer (no judgment, a lot of people are), you might want to avoid coffee altogether. Caffeine can heighten anxiety and increase your heart rate, leaving you feeling jittery — something you definitely don’t need when you’re already trying to stay calm during takeoff. The last thing you want is to be wired and unable to relax, especially on a long flight.
Combatting Jet Lag: The Caffeine Factor
Another reason to skip that coffee pre-flight? Jet lag. If you’re flying across time zones, your internal clock is already going to be thrown off. Caffeine can make this worse because it messes with your sleep patterns. If you’re drinking coffee before your flight and then trying to sleep on the plane (or at your destination), it can prevent you from falling asleep or staying asleep, further compounding the effects of jet lag.
Instead of relying on coffee, consider adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your trip or using natural light exposure to reset your body’s internal clock. Trust me, it works wonders. When you’re well-rested and not relying on caffeine to keep you going, you’ll be in much better shape to handle those long flights and time zone changes.
So, What Should You Drink Instead?
So, if you’re not downing coffee, what should you do? Well, here’s a tip from me, your Travel Hack Guide: stay hydrated. Water is your best friend when flying. Bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it up before boarding the plane. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning properly, helps prevent headaches, and keeps you feeling fresh.
Another great option? Herbal tea. Some teas like chamomile or peppermint are great for calming nerves, while others, like ginger tea, can help with digestion and prevent the dreaded bloat that sometimes comes with flying. Just make sure you skip the caffeinated teas if you’re trying to avoid the caffeine crash later.
And hey, if you need something with a little flavor, juice or a sparkling water can be a great alternative. It’s all about keeping your hydration levels up and your stress levels down. Plus, when you’re well-hydrated, your skin will thank you when you land, and you’ll feel much more energized without that caffeine buzz wearing off mid-flight.
What Are the Benefits of Avoiding Coffee Before a Flight?
Let’s summarize the benefits of avoiding coffee before you board:
- Stay hydrated: Flying already dehydrates you, and coffee makes it worse. Skip the coffee and drink more water or tea to avoid headaches, dry skin, and general discomfort.
- Reduce bathroom trips: Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it makes you need to use the bathroom more often. You don’t want to spend half your flight cramped in the airplane lavatory, right?
- Prevent anxiety and jitters: Flying can be stressful enough without adding caffeine-induced jitters and a racing heart. If you’re an anxious flyer, avoiding coffee can help keep you calm and relaxed.
- Avoid worsening jet lag: Coffee can mess with your sleep patterns and make jet lag worse. If you’re flying long distances, it’s best to avoid caffeine so you can rest and adjust to new time zones more easily.
Final Recommendation for a Stress-Free Flight
Here’s what I recommend for your next flight: skip the coffee before you board and focus on hydration. Opt for water, herbal tea, or juice to keep your energy levels steady without the crash that coffee brings. Your body (and mind) will thank you when you land feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your destination.
And remember, it’s all about the balance. I’m not saying to ditch coffee completely — just be mindful of when and how much you’re consuming, especially when it comes to flying. When you start your trip with a clear mind and a hydrated body, the journey becomes that much smoother.
Travel Hacks for Affordable Luxury Travel
Now, let’s talk about something just as important as staying hydrated — flying in style without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for ways to fly in business-class or first-class (yes, you can do it on a budget), start by using Skyscanner. It’s the best website to find the absolute best deals on flights, whether you’re flying across the country or around the world. Skyscanner scans through tons of airlines and shows you the most affordable luxury options available.
Next, if you’re all about racking up points and flying in style, let me share my secret: the American Express Gold Card. It’s the perfect card to start earning miles, with a massive 90K points offer just for signing up. Trust me, these points can easily help you upgrade your travel game. From business-class flights to hotel stays, those points go a long way. And after you’ve gotten the Gold Card, you can graduate to the American Express Platinum Card for an even bigger haul of points (150K!). Just remember — sign up for the Gold first to maximize your points!
Lastly, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with all the details of planning a trip, I’ve got you covered. Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide and cheat sheets. These guides are designed to do all the work for you, from booking flights to finding the best hotels (hello, Skyscanner and Agoda) and even arranging tours through Viator. It’s like having a personal travel assistant but way more affordable. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a newbie, these guides will help you plan the perfect vacation without all the stress.
Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace
Travel Hack Guy
