21 Meals That Are a Bad Idea Before Flying

Flying can be stressful enough without a rumbling stomach, bloating, or frequent trips to the tiny airplane bathroom. What you eat before boarding can make or break your travel experience.

Whether you're trying to avoid motion sickness, bad smells, or just want to feel comfortable at 30,000 feet, here are 21 meals you should definitely skip before takeoff.

1. Chili

Spicy, greasy, and loaded with beans, chili might taste amazing, but it's a nightmare for your stomach in-flight. It can cause gas, heartburn, and bloating, none of which you want while strapped into a small seat.

Plus, the lingering smell of chili isn't exactly pleasant for your seatmate. The high fiber and fat content take time to digest and may trigger discomfort mid-air. If turbulence hits, that heavy chili might not stay down easily.

2. Fried Chicken

Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, fried chicken is delicious, but its high fat content can slow digestion. That means you could feel sluggish or even nauseous mid-flight.

It also tends to leave greasy fingers and a lingering oil smell, which won’t win you any friends on a crowded airplane. Fried food in general can make you feel dehydrated. Not the best move before spending hours in a dry cabin.

3. Sushi

Raw fish and long flights are not a great combo. Sushi, especially with raw ingredients, carries a risk of foodborne illness. Even the freshest roll can upset your stomach if you're sensitive.

Cabin pressure changes may worsen nausea if you're already queasy. A safer bet would be cooked, mild meals that sit well in your stomach.

4. Burritos

Stuffed with beans, cheese, rice, and meat, burritos are a ticking time bomb for bloating and feeling gassy. The tight aircraft cabin won't help with pressure regulation either.

Their size and messiness also make them awkward to eat in a rush before boarding. One sudden move and you’ve got salsa on your shirt. It’s too much food, too fast.

5. Broccoli

This healthy veggie is great for you, but maybe not right before flying. Broccoli is known for causing discomfort and bloating due to its high fiber and sulfur content. The resulting stomach discomfort and flatulence can be extra unpleasant when you're stuck in a confined space.

You may not even realize how bloated you are until you're 30,000 feet up. Not worth the risk.

6. Carbonated Beverages

Soda and sparkling water can cause your stomach to fill with gas, making you feel puffy and uncomfortable mid-flight. Combine that with the air pressure changes on board and you’ve got a recipe for serious bloating.

Burping in a quiet cabin isn’t exactly discreet either. The fizzy effect just isn't worth it. Go for still water instead.

7. Garlic-Heavy Pasta

Garlic is tasty, but it sticks with you, on your breath and in your sweat. Eating a garlic-heavy dish before flying can make you (and everyone around you) miserable.

It's also acidic, which can irritate your stomach and increase the risk of heartburn. Nobody wants garlic breath in a shared space. It lingers way longer than you expect.

8. Ice Cream

That creamy scoop might seem like a treat, but dairy can be hard to digest, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. Even if you're not, the high sugar and fat can lead to sluggishness or nausea during the flight.

Cold foods can also mess with sensitive tummies. Ice cream might sound harmless, but it often isn't. Opt for a banana instead.

9. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs are protein-packed, but they can cause smelly gas thanks to their sulfur content. That distinctive odor isn’t something fellow passengers will appreciate.

Also, if your stomach is sensitive, eggs might lead to queasiness or discomfort. Even the smell in your carry-on can be off-putting. Better to skip them until you land.

10. Onion Rings

Greasy, salty, and often paired with ketchup, onion rings can make your stomach churn during turbulence. The onion can also stick around on your breath. It’s best to avoid anything fried and pungent when you're about to be confined in a pressurized cabin.

Plus, the oil can make you feel heavy and tired. Stick to baked snacks if you’re hungry.

11. Beans

Beans are known for their high fiber and tendency to cause gas. While they’re nutritious, they’re not ideal before flying. High fiber foods can cause major discomfort when cabin pressure changes, especially during ascent and descent.

The discomfort can last for hours. Consider low-fiber options instead.

12. Spicy Curry

Curry dishes often contain heavy spices that can irritate your digestive system. They’re also known to cause sweating, which isn’t great when you're already cramped and warm.

Plus, the strong aroma may linger long after you've finished eating. Your sweat can even smell like curry. Definitely not a good combo in close quarters.

13. Cheese Boards

Cheese might seem fancy, but it’s high in fat and lactose, making it hard to digest. Combine that with crackers and wine and you’ve got a bloating combo. Not to mention, some cheeses are very aromatic.

That smell won't disappear fast. Keep it simple with snacks that won’t upset your stomach.

14. Nachos

Loaded with cheese, beans, jalapeños, and meat, nachos are a messy, spicy, and gas-producing plate of regret before a flight. They can cause heartburn and bloating, making that middle seat feel even tighter.

Nachos also don’t travel well, so they may be soggy or cold by the time you eat. Not ideal when you're already rushed. Choose something less risky.

15. Coleslaw

This side dish is made with cabbage, which is notorious for causing gas. Add creamy dressing and you’ve got a bellyache waiting to happen. It may seem light, but the digestive impact can last hours.

Plus, coleslaw isn't exactly known for its freshness when eaten on the go. It can go bad quickly.

16. Tacos

Tacos are delicious but messy. They're filled with toppings that can easily spill, making them awkward to eat before boarding. Spices and onions in the mix can also linger on your breath and upset your stomach.

Tacos are also often greasy. That combo isn't ideal for a long flight.

17. Meatball Subs

Saucy, cheesy, and overstuffed, meatball subs are messy to eat and hard to digest. They also pack in lots of grease and fat. Eating one can lead to heartburn and discomfort during your flight.

The sauce can stain your clothes if you’re not careful. Save it for a sit-down meal after landing. Something to look forward to, right?

18. Garlic Shrimp

Seafood and garlic are both strong in flavor and smell. Garlic shrimp can cause bad breath and a queasy stomach if you’re sensitive to shellfish. Not a good pre-flight meal when you’re sharing recycled air for hours.

It’s also not the most filling. You may end up hungry again mid-flight.

19. Falafel

Fried chickpea patties might sound healthy, but they’re rich in fiber and often deep-fried. This combo can cause discomfort and bloating. They’re also usually served with garlic sauce and raw veggies, more tummy trouble before takeoff.

The garlic and onions can linger on your breath. It's just not worth it before flying.

20. Pepperoni Pizza

Greasy, cheesy, and topped with spicy meats, pepperoni pizza can lead to heartburn and bloating mid-air. The grease can also make you feel sluggish or queasy, especially during turbulence.

Pizza is also often eaten quickly, which can worsen digestion. That combo spells trouble in a tight seat. Stick with plain toast or fruit.

21. Energy Bars

While convenient, many energy bars are packed with sugar, protein, and fiber, a mix that can upset your stomach. They may seem like a smart travel snack, but your gut might not agree once you're in the air. Some bars also include sugar alcohols, which can make you feel gassy.

They're often too dense for a quick snack. Check the label before grabbing one.

Feel Great at 30,000 Feet

When you're flying, the goal is to feel light, comfortable, and calm. Avoiding greasy, spicy, and gassy foods can help you enjoy your flight without stomach drama.

Meals that are easy to digest and low in fiber are usually a safer bet. Think bananas, plain toast, or a grilled chicken wrap. The right food makes your journey smoother for you and everyone around you.