Flying can throw off your normal routine before the plane even leaves the ground. Between rushing to the airport, drinking extra coffee, waiting in security lines, and avoiding water because you don't want another bathroom stop, it's surprisingly easy to board a flight having barely had anything to drink.
Then you spend hours in a low humidity airplane cabin.
If you want to feel better prepared for a travel day, hydration shouldn't start when the beverage cart reaches your row. It starts before you board.
Why Hydration Before Flying Matters
Commercial airplane cabins are notoriously dry. While the exact humidity varies by aircraft and conditions, cabin air can be considerably drier than the environments most of us encounter during a normal day.
That doesn't mean every headache or tired feeling after flying is caused by dehydration. Travel involves plenty of other factors: disrupted sleep, long periods of sitting, altered meal schedules, time-zone changes, stress, caffeine, and alcohol can all play a role.
But starting a long travel day already thirsty certainly doesn't make things easier.
The goal isn't to chug a huge amount of water immediately before boarding. A better approach is to maintain normal hydration throughout the hours leading up to your flight.
What Should You Drink Before a Flight?
Water
Simple water is still the foundation.
Instead of waiting until you reach the airport, drink normally throughout the morning or afternoon before your flight. Bring an empty reusable bottle through security and fill it once you're inside the terminal.
That gives you control over your water instead of depending entirely on the small cups provided during beverage service.
An Electrolyte Drink
Electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, help regulate fluid balance and are lost through sweat.
For most people taking a short flight under ordinary conditions, plain water and a normal diet may be perfectly adequate.
Electrolytes can become more useful when travel is combined with circumstances such as strenuous activity, heavy sweating, hot weather, or an unusually long and active travel day.
Portability matters when you're flying, which is one reason powdered drink sticks have become popular with travelers.
What About Coffee?
You don't necessarily have to give up your airport coffee.
Moderate amounts of caffeinated beverages can still contribute to your overall fluid intake. The bigger problem is when coffee effectively replaces everything else you're drinking.
If your morning consists of two coffees and almost no water before a six-hour flight, add some water rather than assuming caffeine itself is automatically the enemy.
What About Alcohol?
An airport beer or glass of wine may be part of vacation for some travelers, but alcohol isn't a hydration strategy.
If you choose to drink alcohol while traveling, alternating it with water is a simple way to keep hydration on your radar.
A Simple Pre-Flight Hydration Routine
You don't need an elaborate protocol.
In the hours before leaving home, drink fluids normally rather than trying to “pre-hydrate” by consuming an enormous amount at once.
Pack an empty reusable bottle and a few travel-friendly drink sticks.
Fill your bottle after airport security.
Drink according to thirst throughout your travel day and pay additional attention to fluid intake if you're exercising, sweating heavily, traveling somewhere hot, or spending an unusually long time in transit.
Where PreFlite Fits
PreFlite was created specifically with travel in mind.
Instead of carrying several different containers, PreFlite combines electrolytes with immune-support ingredients and a prebiotic in one sugar-free travel stick.
Throw a few sticks in your carry-on, add one to water when it makes sense for your travel day, and keep moving.
It isn't a substitute for drinking enough fluids, eating well, sleeping, or taking care of yourself. It's simply designed to make one part of a travel routine easier to carry with you.
Pack it. Pour it. Keep going.
Travel protected.