15 Reasons Not to Drink on Airplanes

There’s something about the idea of a cocktail at 30,000 feet that feels just right. The drink cart rolls by, the flight attendants offer their friendly smiles, and suddenly, a gin and tonic seems like the perfect companion for your in-flight experience. But before you reach for that drink, hold up for a second. Drinking on airplanes might seem like part of the travel fantasy, but trust me, it’s a slippery slope for both your body and your overall journey.

So, if you’re curious about what’s really happening to your body when you drink at 30,000 feet, hang tight. We’re diving into 15 surprising reasons you should think twice before grabbing that in-flight drink. I promise, by the time we’re done, you’ll be looking at your in-flight cocktail options a little differently.

Alcohol Dehydrates You — And Airplanes Are Dry Anyway

Let’s talk about dehydration. Airplanes are notoriously dry, with cabin humidity levels often dipping below 20% (for reference, deserts are around 25%). On top of that, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more frequently and messes with your body’s fluid balance.

By the time you’re halfway through your flight, your skin is dry, your lips are chapped, and you might start to feel sluggish. It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s a surefire way to ruin your trip before you even get to your destination. Stay hydrated with water, and save your body from the effects of dehydration.

You’re More Likely to Get Sick

Airplanes are a germfest. The air is recycled, and the enclosed space doesn’t help your immune system. Adding alcohol to the mix? Not a great idea. Alcohol weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to the germs that are swirling around in the cabin. That drink you ordered at the start of the flight? It could leave you feeling run down and possibly sick when you land.

If you’re already dehydrated and your immune defenses are low, that cough from the person sitting next to you might just turn into something you’ll wish you had avoided. So, if you want to avoid the sniffles mid-trip, skip the booze.

It Can Affect Your Sleep Quality

Ah, the sweet relief of a nap at 30,000 feet… but wait! That drink you just had? It may be helping you fall asleep, but it won’t help you stay asleep. While alcohol can make you feel drowsy initially, it disrupts your sleep cycle, particularly the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage. REM sleep is where you get the deepest, most restorative rest. Without it, you’ll wake up groggy, disoriented, and feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.

So, while a drink may make you doze off faster, you’re setting yourself up for a less-than-restful flight. If you’re after quality sleep, you’re better off sticking to non-alcoholic beverages.

You Might Make Foolish Decisions

Flying can be a little dull, and after a drink or two, you might find yourself chatting with strangers a little too freely. Suddenly, you’re telling the flight attendant your life story or trying to explain why your love for sushi is a spiritual journey. Hey, we’ve all been there—alcohol lowers inhibitions, making you more likely to do or say things you wouldn’t on the ground.

While there’s nothing wrong with being friendly, you don’t want to end up embarrassing yourself (or annoying your seatmate). So, before you let that liquid courage take over, think about how you want to be remembered at 30,000 feet.