Passengers and crew on long-haul commercial flights breathe air drier than that of the Sahara Desert. Is embracing the use of oral rehydration tablets an effective way of counteracting the dehydrating effect of the cabin environment?
“Research shows that during a six-hour flight, passengers experience one to two litres of water loss, even when consuming a 400ml bottle of water. The dry cabin air combined with restricted water intake, leads to dehydration, resulting in travel fatigue, irritability and an increased risk of illness,” explains Dan Cray, Founder of Phizz, an oral hydration tablets available to First class passengers on Emirates’ flights.
Dehydration and jet lag
Industry consultant Steve Harvey works with Clinova, who O.R.S hydration tablets are available for purchase on Emirates flights. He adds: “The human brain is composed of 75% water and the dry cabin air, plus the effects of tea, coffee and alcohol, can quickly lead to dehydration. Even a 2% drop in hydration levels can result in tiredness, fatigue and hangover-like sensations. We usually call this jet lag but, in reality, it is largely due to the effects of dehydration.”
“It’s all very well encouraging passengers to drink plenty of water throughout the flight but the human body has a limited capacity and passengers may be fearful of drinking too much resulting in numerous trips to the bathroom,” he adds, pointing out that oral rehydration solutions can help save airlines from spending on some of the plastic water bottles – along with associated fuel and storage costs – that must be transported, distributed and then disposed of.
Oral rehydration tablets are sold in compact, easy-to-carry tubes. Convenient for travellers to slip inside of a bag or pocket, the tablets can be easily dissolved in a cup or bottle of water to create a hydrating drink.
Rapid rehydration
Cray states that Phizz hydrates three times faster than regular water. Meanwhile, Harvey explains that hydration products, such as O.R.S, contain electrolytes and essential minerals designed to help the body absorb water faster, meaning that a glass containing a couple of dissolved tablets can have an impact comparable to drinking four or five glasses of plain water.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have guidelines for the composition of oral rehydration solutions, including the concentration of glucose and electrolytes. Glucose enhances the absorption of sodium and water. Electrolytes, including sodium, potassium and chloride are critical for their effectiveness.
Nita Talwar, Founder and CEO of Uppy!, another of the oral rehydration products currently available, explains that ingredients such as sodium, potassium and magnesium “play a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the body.”
“Hydration tablets can be a healthy option when used appropriately and as part of an overall balanced diet,” she asserts.
“While water is essential for hydration, it may lack these electrolytes, especially after extended periods of physical activity or exposure to dry cabin air during flights,” she adds and suggests that airlines could provide hydration tablets to help passengers and crew maintain optimal hydration levels, contributing to their overall wellbeing during flights.
Enhancing the passenger experience
“Offering hydration tablets as part of inflight services can contribute to a positive passenger experience. It demonstrates the airline’s commitment to passenger comfort and health, potentially improving customer satisfaction,” she argues, suggesting airlines should consider offering passengers samples of hydration tablets and adding them to amenity kits. Talwar adds this could help airlines in creating a positive brand image.
Oral hydration tablets are available in a selection of flavours. Options with and without caffeine are available, so people can consume whatever is right for their body clock and travel plans.
Estimates of the global size of the market size for hydration products vary from between $850 million and $3.08 billion a year. Predictions for growth also vary markedly: both 6% and 13% a year numbers mentioned by analysts.
While there may be no agreement on numbers, Cray confidently states: “The global market for hydration tablets is on a rapid ascent…As consumer awareness of the vital benefits of hydration during travel continues to rise, the demand in aviation and travel retail is expected to soar.”
In an age of increased awareness about the benefits of looking after bodies and minds, oral hydration tablets appear to be a simple way of enhancing the travel experience during flights.
