Beware the bar when you travel by plane

Alcohol is extremely dehydrating, so drinking prior to or on a flight, combined with the low cabin humidity, lowers your resistance to cold and flu germs. Order a seltzer water or soda instead of alcohol. If your reason for drinking is to relax and sleep, there are healthier alternatives, such as taking melatonin or a sleeping pill or drinking chamomile tea. Most sleep aids take about an hour to work, so take your remedy of choice about 30 to 60 minutes prior to boarding.