“While plain water is best for staying hydrated, other drinks and foods can help, too,” says Theunissen. “Fruit and vegetable juices, milk and herbal teas add to the amount of water you get each day.” Consider bringing your own herbal tea bags while flying.
Tap Water (Including in Coffee and Tea)
Not drinking tap water on flights is a well-documented no-no. As T+L previously explained, the water tanks on planes are notoriously grimy. A 2004 EPA sample of 158 planes found that 13 percent contained coliform, and two had dangerous levels of E. coli.
Use an electrolyte beverage for effective hydration
These results suggest that an electrolyte beverage is more effective than mineral water for hydration under conditions such as when taking a flight.
If you're not a fan of water, there are still healthful and hydrating options that won't totally annoy flight attendants. Fernstrom advised that bubbly, low-calorie drinks are another good option. "Try a splash of cranberry or orange juice in seltzer for extra flavor, or just add a slice of lemon or lime," she said.
Eat light before you fly – both the night before and day of your flight – and pick up some crackers or other bland snacks in the airport to help in case your stomach gets upset. Stay away from greasy and spicy foods and limit your salt intake as well since flights can be dehydrating.
Before you leave home, drink beverages that are high in electrolytes, typically those used by athletes. These include Gatorade, Powerade and Lucozade. Resource Water is another good example as it has water and electrolytes.
Thus, the most important thing to do if you are struck down is to rehydrate to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Hydralyte is ideal for this purpose, and as such it is recommended that all travellers to less developed countries carry an oral rehydration solution like Hydralyte.
They're perfect for traveling, you just add them to your water and BOOM, instant electrolytes. You'll save yourself from having to buy a single-use plastic bottle of Gatorade that will take up extra space in your carry-on--they are lifesavers!
According to Bacheler, the human body loses about 8 ounces of water per hour on an aircraft at altitude, mostly from breathing. As such, the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) recommends drinking about 0.25 liters (or 8 ounces) of water per hour while on an airplane.
First, shower.
I think being refreshed and clean is the first step to feeling your best, and it also acts as a second alarm clock when waking up for early flights. The warm water and fresh scents help to awaken the senses, and it's always a good idea to be alert when dealing with airports.
Although there are many reasons why you should only drink bottled water while in the air, Anton Radchenko said the main reason is that "in-flight tap water systems are rarely cleaned.” He said: “So, when you ask for a glass of tap water, hot chocolate, or a cuppa, you're potentially drinking from dirty pipes."
Instead of alcohol or caffeine, try a calming tea. Chamomile tea is a great option for relaxing your entire body. You can bring a few tea bags in your carry-on and ask your flight attendant for a cup of hot water to make your tea on the plane.
But Hydralyte isn't a replacement for water. On the contrary, it's a product that's been scientifically formulated to help you rapidly rehydrate once you're already experiencing the symptoms of dehydration. You should always aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.
Every day, we lose fluids and electrolytes that water simply can't replace on its own. Hydralyte uses a proprietary formula containing a precise amount of glucose and electrolytes to rehydrate you faster than water alone.
Up your electrolyte intake
An electrolyte imbalance can lead to muscle cramping, headaches, and sleep issues, making jet lag symptoms worse. Taking an electrolyte supplement such as SaltStick Caps or FastChews before, during, and after a flight, along with drinking water, can be very helpful in maintaining the balance.
Coffee. A lot of us like to grab a pick-me-up before a flight, but it's best to avoid doing so. Besides leaving you with coffee breath, a cup of joe not only can make you jittery and dehydrated but also can irritate your bladder, making you generally uncomfortable.
These drugs are usually taken shortly before a flight. They include: Anti-anxiety medication, such as diazepam (Valium) or alprazolam (Xanax). Motion sickness medication, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).
Pack medicine in your carry-on
If you can, stop by the store before your flight and pick up some Pepto-Bismol (or a Pepto-Bismol alternative if it's not available in the country you're visiting). Imodium will also help with a particularly bad case of diarrhea.