As much as I love to travel, being up in the air can throw my systems out of whack. From jet lag to the good old fashioned plane cry, it seems things go totally haywire when hurtling through the air. And our palates are no exception. We often find ourselves craving tastes that we may not when we’re on terra firma. Turns out, there’s science behind that. Which is why Chanelle Kuhn, the Assistant Director of Wine at Wally’s, kept the changes that occur to our palates in-flight in mind when designing the beverage program for the semi-private flights at Aero.
The pairings were so on point on my flight to Cabo San Lucas that I had to get her expert insights as to what tastes best in the air and why. From what to sip with those delicious Biscoff cookies to the science behind our cravings at cruising altitude, here’s what Kuhn had to say.
Any time we are up in the air at high elevations, our noses and mouths begin to dry out. This is especially true when minimal amounts of water have been consumed before getting on the flight. Couple this with a pressurized plane cabin and lower oxygen levels, wine’s aromatic compounds can disappear faster than usual.
So, when I put together the list for Aero, I looked for wines that are highly aromatic with a significant expression of fruit supported by a steady, underlying presence of acid and tannin to provide overall structure. Some of my favorites on the list are the 2021 Torres Pazo das Bruxas Albariño, which is bright, crisp, and floral, and the 2016 Château de Reignac, which is silky smooth with hints of spices, coffee, and vanilla.
When I travel, I always make a quick grab for chips or Chex Mix before boarding the plane. I love to enjoy this with a sparkling or a crisp white wine. Aero has an incredible partnership with Los Angeles cult-favorite Erewhon for lounge and in-flight provisions, with snacks like popcorn and Marcona almonds to avocado tartines and macrobiotic salads. My current favorite pairing is Erewhon’s butter popcorn with a glass of our 2020 The Hilt Cuvée Fleur Estate Chardonnay.
I’d recommend something sparkling to pair with Biscoff. Aero’s in-flight beverage menu includes Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” Brut for those wanting some bubbles.
Yes. Up in the air, we get dehydrated faster. Factors like cabin pressure, air conditioning, and alcohol being a naturally dehydrating beverage coupled with rising elevation can make the effects of alcohol more pronounced.
I think two-to-one is truly the way to go. Water, water, and more water!
They are a tried-and-true staple. A little bit of salt can help replenish lost electrolytes, so perhaps there’s something to be said about a Bloody Mary preventing dehydration—while following the one-to-one (or two-to-one) recommendation, of course. Aero prepares their Blood Mary with tomato juice, Ketel One vodka, fresh lemon, and olives, and custom spice levels upon request.
Drinking too much! The exhaustion of traveling already takes a toll on your body, so be sure you’re balancing nutrients and water while also toasting to your exciting destination ahead.