By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
One of the biggest red flags is hot beverages served on flights, Nigerians who take to the skies, have been warned.
Whether it is a quick Lagos to Abuja flight, or long-haul trips to London and Dubai, Alex Quigley, a former cabin crew member, has urged passengers to pay closer attention to what they consume midair.
“Aeroplanes utilise potable water tanks, and often, that water sits there for a long, long time. There’s no telling how often or when the tank has been cleaned last,” Quigley told PUNCH’s Women’s Health.
Even more unsettling, he revealed that leftover coffee was typically dumped into the aircraft toilet rather than properly disposed of. “I never knew or saw anyone empty, refill, or wash them out in between trips,” he added.
For caffeine-loving Nigerian travellers, that revelation casts doubt on the hygiene of those free cups of coffee and tea.
Strong Smells, Risky Meals
Quigley also warned against snacks with overpowering aromas. Corn nuts, he recalled, were particularly notorious.
“The roasted barbecue flavour is the worst. When you open the bag, it smells like something is burning on the plane,” he said.
Meat-based meals aren’t always safe either, especially when delays or long ground times compromise storage conditions. “Food poisoning on a plane? No thanks!” Quigley stressed.
What You Eat Before Boarding Matters
Passengers were also advised to avoid gas-inducing foods such as beans, fatty meals, dairy, and sodas before flying. “Air in the aeroplane is circulated, but it’s never fresh. That means if someone passes gas, you’re breathing that in over and over again,” Quigley explained.
Alcohol Hits Harder In The Air
While many passengers enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail onboard, Quigley cautioned that alcohol can have stronger effects at high altitude.
“When pressure is decreased in the aeroplane, the body can’t absorb oxygen as well,” he said, warning that this leaves travellers more dehydrated and light-headed.
Another ex-flight attendant added that acidic and salty drinks like Bloody Marys and orange juice can be especially harsh. “I always tell folks to drink water,” she advised.
