Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Travel, Alcohol, Food and Drink, Health
Gregory Robinson
Drinking a pre-flight pint might be a tradition for some, however a doctor has highlighted why you should consider avoiding it.
Whether you’re unwinding before taking the skies, getting into vacation mode or trying to forget about long waits, countless travellers enjoy a glass of lager, ale, stout or cider before their flight.
But the reason as to why a doctor is urging travellers to avoid drinking booze before a flight is related to health, and not because of cases of inebriated plane etiquette mid-air.
Dr Kevin Huffman, CEO and founder of Ambari Nutrition, discussed the issue of alcohol and flying overseas. He said the pressurised plane cabin makes for potential health issues if you've had a lot of alcohol before a flight.
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"Alcohol can also have a more robust effect on the body at altitude," Dr Huffman told LADbible.
"Cabin pressure can boost your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) by as much as 50 percent, so that glass of wine at the airport could leave you feeling far more intoxicated than you’d otherwise be.
"That can affect your decision-making and motor skills, making you more prone to accidents or injury during boarding or deplaning."
This is because of the way alcohol affects your body and your ability to function.
He added: “Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it increases urination and thus fluid loss. Paired with the already drier air of an aircraft at altitude, this is a recipe for rapid dehydration.
"Once dehydrated, you can expect to suffer from headaches, fatigue, and to experience jet lag more intensely upon arrival.
"Dehydration experienced on a flight early in the day can carry on for the rest of the day. It can happen to you and undermine your ability to thoroughly enjoy your vacation."
Dr Huffman is not saying you have to avoid alcohol completely, but it might not be the best idea to wake up very early and have alcohol right before travelling.
"Early morning flights are disruptive to your natural circadian rhythm. Alcohol interferes with sleep, and even though you may fall asleep on the plane, you might wake up the next morning feeling groggy and unrested, and unable to fully enjoy the first day of your trip," he said.
"For these reasons, it is generally best to abstain from alcohol before an early morning flight. However, if you do imbibe, hydrate. Drink lots of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Have one drink, and pick lower-alcohol drinks. Healthy you and a smooth trip are more important than pre-flight cocktails."
Sales of non-alcoholic beer are becoming increasing, with the market experiencing key growth driven by health-conscious drinkers and a wider range of options and flavours. It could be a good alternative before you jet off for your travels.