What is the best drink to get on a plane for hydration and taste?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

At cruising altitudes, cabin humidity levels can drop to extremely low, desert-like conditions, making passengers significantly more prone to dehydration. Knowing what is the best drink to get on a plane is crucial for maintaining comfort and health, whether you are on a short hop or a long-haul journey across the world.

Quick Summary

The best drinks to have on a flight are water, tomato juice, and certain herbal teas due to their hydrating benefits and ability to combat altered taste perceptions caused by altitude. It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated sodas to maintain optimal health and comfort while flying.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Water is the most essential drink for combating the dry cabin air and should be your primary focus.
Taste Buds Change: Reduced pressure and humidity can dull sweetness and saltiness, making umami-rich flavors like tomato juice more appealing.
Avoid Dehydrators: Diuretics like alcohol and caffeine exacerbate dehydration, so they are best limited or avoided entirely.
Opt for Canned or Bottled: To avoid potential bacteria, choose sealed beverages over those from the plane's water tanks, like tea or coffee.
Consider Ginger Ale: For a flavorful, fizzy option that may help with nausea, ginger ale's crisp flavor holds up well at altitude.
Skip the Soda: High-altitude conditions and carbonation can cause uncomfortable bloating and gas, so it's best to steer clear of sugary sodas.

The Science of In-Flight Hydration and Taste

Flying in a pressurized cabin at 35,000 feet fundamentally alters our bodies. The low air pressure and humidity create a dehydrating environment that affects our senses of taste and smell. According to a study commissioned by Lufthansa, these conditions can dull your taste buds by as much as 30%. Sweet and salty flavors are most affected, while umami, the savory 'fifth taste,' remains robust. This scientific understanding is key to making a smart drink choice on your next flight.

Top Hydrating and Flavorful Drink Choices

Choosing the right beverage can be the difference between arriving feeling refreshed and arriving feeling sluggish. The following options are your best bets for staying properly hydrated and enjoying your drink, despite the challenging cabin environment.

1. Water

Unsurprisingly, water is the gold standard for in-flight hydration. It directly replenishes lost fluids without any added sugars, caffeine, or other dehydrating agents. To ensure the highest quality, it is recommended to opt for sealed, bottled water rather than water from the plane's tap, which has been shown to potentially harbor bacteria. A reusable, empty water bottle can be brought through security and filled up at a station before boarding, providing an ample supply throughout your flight.

2. Tomato Juice and Bloody Marys

Often a surprising choice for many, tomato juice is a classic for a reason. The low pressure and dry air actually enhance its earthy, umami flavor, making it taste richer and less acidic than it does on the ground. A Virgin Mary is an excellent hydrating choice. However, if ordering a Bloody Mary with vodka, remember that alcohol's effects are amplified at altitude, so it's best to moderate your intake and drink extra water alongside it.

3. Herbal Tea

For those seeking a warm, comforting drink, herbal tea is a great alternative to coffee. Chamomile or peppermint tea can be soothing, help with digestion, and promote relaxation without the diuretic effects of caffeine. Be sure to confirm that the hot water is from a sealed bottle rather than the main water tank, just to be safe.

4. Ginger Ale

For a fizzy fix without the potentially gassy side effects of some sodas, ginger ale is a popular choice. The bold, spicy flavor of ginger is often more pronounced at altitude, and the carbonation can be surprisingly refreshing. For those with a sensitive stomach, ginger is also known to help with nausea.

5. Juices

Orange or cranberry juice can provide a dose of vitamin C and a welcome flavor change. However, be mindful of the high sugar content in many juices, which can contribute to dehydration and a subsequent sugar crash. A good strategy is to have juice alongside water to balance out your intake.

Drinks to Avoid on a Flight

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to skip. Certain beverages can actively work against your comfort and hydration levels.

1. Alcohol

The most important drink to limit or avoid entirely is alcohol. High altitude significantly magnifies the dehydrating effects of alcohol, and can lead to increased fatigue and a more rapid onset of intoxication. Furthermore, studies have shown that the combination of alcohol and cabin pressure can place added strain on your cardiovascular system, especially when sleeping.

2. Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages

Like alcohol, caffeine is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss, making you even more dehydrated in the already dry cabin air. It can also interfere with sleep patterns and increase anxiety, which is particularly unhelpful if you're trying to adjust to a new time zone. The questionable sanitary conditions of airplane tap water also make airplane-brewed coffee a drink to be wary of.

3. Carbonated Soft Drinks

While they may taste great, the combination of carbonation and high altitude can lead to uncomfortable bloating and excess gas. The dissolved gases in these drinks expand in your digestive system due to the lower cabin pressure, which can make a tight seat feel even more restrictive.

Comparison of In-Flight Drink Choices


Drink	Pros	Cons	Best For
Water (Bottled)	Maximum hydration, no calories or sugar	Can seem boring to some	All travelers, essential for long flights
Tomato Juice	Rich umami flavor, satisfying, contains antioxidants	High sodium content, some may dislike the taste	Umami lovers, avoiding sweet/salty drinks
Herbal Tea	Calming, warm, aids digestion, caffeine-free	Requires using airplane's hot water (verify source)	Relaxation, non-caffeine hot beverage
Ginger Ale	Refreshing fizz, helps with nausea, bold flavor	High sugar content in many brands	Settling an upset stomach, craving something bubbly
Alcohol	Can feel relaxing initially	Severe dehydration, magnified effects, poor sleep, cardiovascular strain	Strictly moderate, or avoid completely
Coffee/Caffeine	Energy boost	Dehydration, sleep disruption, anxiety, unsanitary source	Waiting until you land
Sodas	Sweet and flavorful	Can cause bloating and gas, high sugar content	Best avoided to maintain comfort

Conclusion

When you ask "what is the best drink to get on a plane," the simplest answer is bottled water. It is the most effective way to combat dehydration in the dry cabin environment. However, if you crave more flavor, your palate can be pleasantly surprised by the umami of tomato juice or the sharp zest of ginger ale. The key is to be mindful of how altitude affects your body and your taste buds. By prioritizing hydration with water and making conscious choices about what you consume, you can ensure a more comfortable, and healthier, journey. The right drink can make all the difference in how you feel when you land, so choose wisely.

For more information on the effects of altitude on the body, refer to the Aerospace Medical Association guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is generally recommended to avoid airplane tap water and beverages made with it, such as coffee and tea. Studies have found that airplane water tanks can contain harmful bacteria. It is safer to ask for a sealed, bottled beverage.

At high altitudes, the dry air and low pressure dull your sense of taste and smell, particularly for sweet and salty flavors. However, the umami (savory) taste found in tomato juice is enhanced, making it a flavorful and satisfying drink for many passengers.

Yes, the dehydrating effects of alcohol are amplified in the dry cabin air. This, combined with lower oxygen levels, can lead to feeling intoxicated more quickly and worsen dehydration.

While technically possible, it is not recommended. Coffee is a diuretic and will increase dehydration. Additionally, the water used to brew it comes from the same potentially unsanitary tanks as the tap water.

To avoid the bloating caused by carbonated drinks at high altitude, opt for plain or flavored seltzer water (from a can) or still water with a slice of lemon or lime. Ginger ale can also be an alternative with a more refreshing fizz.

The Aerospace Medical Association suggests drinking eight ounces of water for every hour you are in the air to combat dehydration effectively. This is especially important on long-haul flights.

For those who enjoy carbonated beverages, ginger ale's flavor is less affected by altitude than sweeter sodas. The ginger can also help to calm an upset stomach or nausea that some people experience during flights.

Juices can be a good source of vitamins, but many are high in sugar, which can contribute to dehydration and sugar crashes. It's best to have them in moderation and supplement your intake with plain water.