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Chili served at airports raises concerns about inflight comfort

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Chili served at airports raises concerns about inflight comfort
Research
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View from the Wing | View from the Wing

There is one food that should never be served at an airport, especially before passengers board a plane where their stomachs will be subject to the vagaries of air pressure. Despite this, a decade ago Washington’s National Airport opened a Ben’s Chili Bowl, and now the idea is spreading.

“I’ve had some terrible ideas but never ‘chili restaurant in an airport’ bad,” tweeted Midge (@mxmclain) on August 5, 2024.

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a DC institution. It has been around for over 60 years, hosted civil rights leaders in the 1960s, and President Obama ate there the month he took office in 2009. The Pelican Brief and State of Play had scenes filmed there. It is a tourist destination, but its chili is not highly regarded.

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Nevertheless, United Airlines thought it was a good idea to offer chili at their club in Denver International Airport (DEN).

“The @united club at the @DENAirport used to have these bizarrely huge uncovered bowls of chili available as soon as you walked in,” tweeted Emily Witko (@witkoochocinco) on August 5, 2024.

Instances of flatulence have caused significant issues on flights before. Flatulence from goats once caused a Singapore Airlines aircraft to make an emergency landing. Similarly, hot cows caused issues for a Boeing 747 near Heathrow. A passenger's gastrointestinal issues led to a British Airways flight turning back to London. There was also the infamous Delta diarrhea flight.

“Someone had diarrhea on a delta flight from Atlanta to Barcelona forcing the plane to land early,” reported Ding News (@DingNewsCorp) on September 6, 2023.

While such incidents rarely reach the point of declaring an emergency, passing gas on planes happens frequently due to changes in air pressure causing increased gas production.

An average person passes gas ten times daily. This multiplies across passengers on long-haul flights without considering altitude changes.

The odor primarily results from sulfur compounds and is exacerbated in cabins with leather seats (traditionally first class). Fabric seat covers are more absorbent.

To mitigate this issue inflight, passengers are advised against consuming beans or fried foods before flying or while onboard. Cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts should also be avoided.

At Washington National Airport and elsewhere:

Consider taking Gas-X or Beano if prone to excessive gas production. Excusing oneself to the lavatory can help alleviate discomfort for fellow passengers; however, waits are common in economy class. If seated next to someone who passes gas, try ignoring it to prevent escalating tensions within the confined space of an aircraft cabin.

Organizations Included in this History
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