Flight Attendants Say This Is the Worst Drink to Order on a Plane
April 11, 2024
source: Pexels
Flying is stressful, isn’t it? Packing, heading to the airport, worrying about not being late—especially when you’re traveling with children (flashback to “Home Alone,” anyone? Haha). There’s a sort of relief that washes over me once I finally settle into my plane seat, preferably by the window, gazing out and awaiting takeoff. I’ve noticed, like most people, I get incredibly thirsty on planes, almost immediately asking for water. Honestly, I’ve never ventured beyond water while flying, even though I’ve observed various drinks being ordered, especially sodas. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good soda, right? But did you know it’s actually recommended not to order certain types of drinks on a plane? Well, I was as clueless as anyone until a friend of mine, who worked as a flight attendant, shared some insider info with me.
My friend and I were catching up over coffee when the conversation veered toward her flight attendant days. She regaled me with tales of unruly passengers, unexpected layovers, and the quirky ins and outs of airplane etiquette. But what really caught my attention was when she called one particular beverage the “most annoying drink you can order on a plane.” And guess what? It’s Diet Coke. Yes, you heard that right. Diet Coke, the seemingly innocent, go-to soft drink for many, is actually a flight attendant’s nightmare at 35,000 feet.
Here’s what I mean: The cabin pressure in airplanes does funny things to carbonated drinks. When you open a can of soda, the pressure causes a ton of foam to form. And if there’s one thing flight attendants can’t do, it’s serve a cup full of froth. They need to partially fill the cup, wait for the foam to go down, and then continue pouring. However, Diet Coke takes this inconvenience to a whole new level. It foams up more and takes even longer to settle than other sodas, making it one of the biggest slow-downs during bar service.
You might be thinking, “So what? It’s just a few extra seconds, right?” But when you consider the sheer number of passengers a flight attendant needs to serve, those seconds add up, turning what should be a quick beverage service into a time-consuming task. My friend shared that pouring a bunch of foamy sodas can quickly become a pet peeve for flight attendants who are already pressed for time.
But she also shared a neat trick for those die-hard Diet Coke fans who just can’t resist ordering it on a plane. Open the can, put the cup upside down on it, and then quickly turn it over. If you’re swift, the Diet Coke won’t pour out immediately. When you do tilt it slightly, the flow is easier to control, meaning you’ll get less foam. It’s a clever workaround, though not something flight attendants can always do when they’re hustling up and down the aisle.
And if you’re really craving that Diet Coke, asking for a full can might actually make your flight attendant’s day a bit easier. Typically, flight attendants pour only half a can into a cup, which requires that painfully slow pour to avoid the foam. But if you request the full can, they’re more likely to just hand you the can along with a glass of ice and move on. That way, you get more soda, and they save precious time.
After hearing this from my friend, I couldn’t help but notice the drink orders on my next flight. Sure enough, whenever someone ordered a Diet Coke, I saw the flight attendant pause, brace themselves, and begin the slow pour. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the challenges of their job—and why something as simple as a drink order can make a difference.
Hmmm…So! The next time you’re flying and find yourself parched, maybe opt for something a little less…foamy. Your flight attendant will thank you, and you’ll still get that much-needed hydration. And who knows? Trying a new drink might just be the start of your next great travel adventure. After all, it’s the little choices that can lead to the most memorable experiences, even if it’s just what you’re sipping while soaring above the clouds.
