As more Nigerians embrace air travel, a former flight attendant, Alex Quigley, has raised red flags about common food and drink choices onboard.
In an interview with Women’s Health on Friday, Quigley said one of the biggest risks comes from hot beverages served 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,” he explained.
Even more startling, he added, “We were never allowed to pour the remaining coffee brewed into the drain of the airplane and were usually instructed to pour the coffee out into the toilet… I never knew or saw anyone empty and refill or wash them out in between trips.”
For many Nigerian passengers who rely on coffee during early morning Lagos–Abuja shuttles, the revelation raises serious hygiene concerns.
Quigley also cautioned against strong-smelling snacks like corn nuts, warning:
“We actually serve (corn nuts) in our first-class snack basket. The roasted barbecue flavour is the worst. When you open the bag, it smells like something is burning on the plane.”
On in-flight meals, he urged caution with meat dishes, noting:
“You’re putting the trust of storing any meat in the flight attendant’s hands… food poisoning on a plane? No thanks!”
Even meals eaten before boarding can cause discomfort. Quigley warned that gas-inducing foods such as beans, fatty meals, dairy, or sodas may worsen bloating in-flight.
“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,” he said.
Alcohol is another culprit. “You’re not actually doing yourself a favour by drinking on a flight. When pressure is decreased in the aeroplane, the body can’t absorb oxygen as well,” Quigley explained, stressing that this leaves passengers dehydrated and light-headed.
Another flight attendant added that drinks like Bloody Marys and orange juice can be especially harsh, urging passengers to hydrate properly instead:
“I always tell folks to drink water.”
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