JUST WHAT CAN WE DRINK ON AN AIRCRAFT THAT WON’T MAKE US SICK?

Q – We are not yet clients – but hopefully, we soon will be. So let me pose a serious question. You have been somewhat specific about some beverages you advise your clients to avoid when flying. These include coffee, Coca-Cola, Hot Tea, and that famous Mrs. T Bloody Mary Mix, which tastes better at 33,000 than on dry land, even though the concoction is 50% salt. You also warned against water served from carafes. Please let me know, when working with you on future trips, precisely what you will recommend I drink at my seat while flying.

A – Well – we do permit our clients to purchase something from Starbucks in the terminal to enjoy onboard. In fact, we generally recommend purchasing a picnic of sorts in the terminal before boarding. Actual water encased in a bottle is fine onboard, and a bit of sugary juice won’t make you ill. But, right now, and after consulting with nutritionists and parking lot attendants at Duke, UCLA, and NYU, we recommend that your first choice should be old-fashioned Ginger Ale – one of the brands that actually contains Ginger. Ginger will help soothe your stomach. Or, just carry some real ginger in your carry-on and add it to your drink.