Flying can be an exhilarating experience, but with all the excitement of travel, it’s easy to overlook one crucial aspect of air travel: staying hydrated. While it may seem like a minor detail, adequate hydration during flights is essential for your health and well-being.
Why Hydration Matters
Air travel can be dehydrating for several reasons. The low humidity levels in the cabin, typically around 10-20%, can lead to increased moisture loss from your body through breathing and perspiration. Additionally, altitude changes during flights can affect blood oxygen levels and exacerbate dehydration. As a result, failing to stay properly hydrated while flying can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including dry skin, headaches, fatigue, and even more serious issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Hydration helps combat the dry air in the cabin, keeping your mucous membranes moist and reducing discomfort associated with dry eyes, throat, and nasal passages. Staying hydrated also supports your body’s immune system, reducing your susceptibility to airborne germs and viruses that may be circulating in the confined space of an airplane cabin. Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of jet lag, including fatigue, headaches, and irritability. By staying hydrated, you can even minimize the impact of jet lag and help your body adjust to the new time zone more quickly. Finally, drinking plenty of water during flights can help prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur due to prolonged periods of sitting in cramped conditions.
How to Stay Hydrated While Flying
Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up before boarding your flight. There are always water fountains around the gates, so you don’t have to buy expensive bottled water. This allows you to have easy access to water throughout your journey and minimize plastic waste. Whenever the flight attendants come round with water, I always make sure to ask them to fill up my bottle as well. Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air. Consider setting a reminder on your phone or watch to prompt you to take regular sips of water throughout the flight.
Remember, alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can contribute to dehydration, so it’s best to consume them in moderation or avoid them altogether while flying.
By following these simple tips and making hydration a priority during your travels, you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to embark on your next adventure. Safe travels!
