Flying can be stressful enough without adding annoying food choices to the mix. Certain foods are just not plane-friendly and can make you the least popular person on the flight. If you want to avoid dirty looks from your fellow passengers, it’s best to steer clear of these in-flight food disasters. Here are the snacks you should most definitely leave at home.
Leftovers from Last Night
While it might seem economical to bring leftovers, reheating them can unleash a variety of aromas, transforming your seat area into a makeshift cafeteria. This can be less than appealing to your seatmates, especially if the food’s smell is strong or unusual.
Hardboiled Eggs
Hardboiled eggs are notorious for their potent sulfur aroma, which isn’t exactly the kind of airborne scent passengers appreciate. And let’s not forget about the potential mess and awkwardness of trying to peel them in such a cramped space. They’re practical but far from discreet or pleasant in a shared environment.
Any Sort of Canned Protein
Opening a can of tuna or chicken at 30,000 feet is a quick way to turn heads—not in a good way. The strong smell is hard to contain and can be quite off-putting to others around you. Plus, handling these can often lead to accidental spills, adding to the discomfort of flying.
Jerky
Jerky, with its tough texture and strong flavor, is a snack that’s both noisy to eat and potent in smell. While it’s convenient and non-perishable, it’s also a bit too conspicuous for the close quarters of a plane, potentially disturbing your fellow travelers.
Fermented Food
Bringing fermented foods onto an airplane might seem like a way to keep your gut health in check while flying, but it’s a fast track to becoming the least popular person in the cabin. The strong, often pungent smells of foods like kimchi or sauerkraut can permeate the air in the confined space of a plane, overwhelming your fellow passengers’ senses. Plus, the change in air pressure can cause jars and containers to leak or even burst, leading to a messy situation.
Fast Food
Fast food carries a distinctive mix of greasy and fried scents that can quickly fill the cabin, sparking envy or discomfort among your fellow passengers. Besides leaving a lingering smell, it can also create a mess on your tray table and clothes, making it less than ideal for in-flight dining.
Tuna Sandwich
A tuna sandwich might be a simple and satisfying meal, but on a plane, its pungent smell can become overwhelming. Additionally, the risk of dropping pieces of tuna or having crumbs scatter in your lap is high in such a confined space, making it a less than convenient choice.
Anything with Onions or Garlic
Consuming foods laden with onions or garlic before or during a flight can leave a lasting impression, not just on your palate but also on your breath and even your clothing. This can be quite discomforting for those seated nearby, as the smell tends to linger in the enclosed cabin space.
Single Serve Yogurt
While yogurt is a healthy and convenient snack, opening a container at high altitude can lead to unexpected spills due to pressure changes. Additionally, the need to manage a spoon and container in tight spaces can be awkward, not to mention the possibility of sour smells if it’s not kept at the right temperature.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Although healthy, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can cause discomfort not only due to their sometimes strong smell when raw or cooked but also because they can lead to digestive issues. In the confined space of an airplane, it’s best to avoid any foods that might make you or your fellow passengers feel bloated or uncomfortable.
Bonus: Perfume and Essential Oils
Perfume and essential oils might not be food, but they can be just as bad on a plane. Those strong scents can fill the entire cabin, giving people around you headaches or triggering allergies. Save your favorite fragrances for after you land, so you don’t become the most hated person on the flight.
12 Buffet Items You Should Always Steer Clear Of
Heading to a buffet can feel like hitting the jackpot—so many options all ready for the taking! But not every dish is a winner. In fact, there are a few that might be better to skip if you’re looking to enjoy your meal without any regrets later. Here’s a rundown of twelve buffet items that might look tempting but are best avoided.
Read it Here: 12 Buffet Items You Should Always Steer Clear Of
Steer Clear of These 11 Foods to Ease Digestive Woes
Do you ever finish a meal and immediately regret it? If certain foods leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable, it might be time to reconsider your diet. We’ve rounded up 12 foods that are notorious for causing digestive issues in some people. Ditch these and you might just notice a smoother, more comfortable digestion.
Read it Here: Steer Clear of These 11 Foods to Ease Digestive Woes
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
