# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 3) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 29, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157 "2026-01-29T18:21:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 105
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2081 "2026-06-23T00:30:56Z")
Coffee on the plane if it’s early enough for caffeine; seltzer water if not. Vodka and soda or straight whiskey if I’m in a seat that includes alcohol and I feel like drinking. My “other” is wine (I don’t consider that a straight alcoholic drink), on the rare occasions I’m traveling with my wife and we’re in seats that include alcohol and feel like drinking. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2082 "2026-06-23T00:33:23Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > And I guess it’s included under the “soda” category, but ginger ale specifically is something I often ask for on flights, but rarely drink on the ground. I called that “soda”. The thing i drink on airplanes and almost nowhere else is tomato juice. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2083 "2026-06-23T00:36:19Z")
More often than not just water (not sparkling). ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2084 "2026-06-23T00:36:25Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Still, i _have_ asked for wine on flights. I’ve never asked for a beer. It depends on what the meal options are for me. And I definitely ask for beer when I’m flying on Lufthansa, because I kinda feel like I’m in Germany. Especially if the meal is bratwurst and sauerkraut, which I have gotten on Lufthansa before. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2085 "2026-06-23T00:42:55Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > And I guess it’s included under the “soda” category, but ginger ale specifically is something I often ask for on flights, but rarely drink on the ground. Yeah, same. Helps with motion sickness, which on normal flights I dont get, but… ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2086 "2026-06-23T00:50:42Z")
I rarely get a drink on a flight. I bring my own bottle of water. It’s a pain in the ass to have a drink on the tray table when I’m trying to reach something in my pack under the seat in front of me, or trying to get up to go to the bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2087 "2026-06-23T00:53:00Z")
I get dehydrated on airplanes. I pretty much always say “yes” when they are offering drinks, and sometimes ask for two, usually still water and something else. Also, i fly a lot. (I had coffee, water, ginger ale, and more water on the flight total.) ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2088 "2026-06-23T00:56:31Z")
It’s going to depend on the meal (if any), the mood I’m in, the length of flight and what I have to do when I get off, what kind of beer and of wine they have available, and probably on something I’m forgetting about. What I probably really want is my own well water; which these days, I gather, I’m forbidden to bring with me. (I have neighbors who can light their well water on fire, but I assure you, I can’t.) That’s not the only reason I haven’t flown in years, but it doesn’t help. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2089 "2026-06-23T00:59:17Z")
At Rome, this morning, they said it was okay to bring your water through security. Up to two liters, i think. So i didn’t bother to empty my 500ml water bottle. I usually bring an empty bottle and fill it after security. I’ve been hearing for years that new scanners would allow you to pack water, but this is the first time I’ve seen it done routinely. (Yes, I’m rambling on as i try to stay awake and get back into my home time zone schedule.) ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2090 "2026-06-23T01:06:37Z")
If I need to get on a plane again, I’ll check. While I’m at it, I’ll check whether I can carry my Swiss army knife. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2091 "2026-06-23T01:07:03Z")
Water always I have bottle and I’d ask for Tomato juice or v8 if available. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2092 "2026-06-23T01:29:24Z")
They usually have tomato juice, bloody Mary mix, orange juice, and apple juice. (In the “juice” category.) ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2093 "2026-06-23T02:03:43Z")
Sorry, I forgot about wine. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > The thing i drink on airplanes and almost nowhere else is tomato juice. This is what prompted my poll. Drinking tomato juice in-flight, and rarely or never when grounded, is surprisingly common. Apparently, your senses of taste and smell are suppressed while in the air due to changes in cabin pressure, and this actually enhances your perception of umami flavors. I always ask for tomato juice when flying, but I also love it while on the ground. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2094 "2026-06-23T03:42:08Z")
what is this tollbooth thing you’ve mentioned @psychonaut? Aren’t they all EZ-Pass anymore? As for the three words poll; we have five _losers_ who don’t know how to [describe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hj3U18FHgQ&t=102s) The Grinch 😯 ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2095 "2026-06-23T04:19:48Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > what is this tollbooth thing you’ve mentioned @psychonaut? Aren’t they all EZ-Pass anymore? I had to look that one up—seems to be a regional thing. The last time I took a toll road (last July), there were still booths with human toll collectors. Maybe there were also licence plate or transponder readers for frequent drivers who had pre-registered, but that certainly didn’t include us. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2096 "2026-06-23T12:43:09Z")
For psychonaut’s “disadvantages of a car with steering in the side you’re not used to” poll, I couldn’t vote, because there was no “other” option. In my experience (borrowing my brother-in-law’s car in New Zealand), the only tricky thing was me getting in the car. Several times, when it was time to get in and drive away, I opened the door, sat down, looked around…no steering wheel! I sheepishly got out, walked around the car, and entered properly. The actual driving was easy peasy. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2097 "2026-06-23T12:45:32Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > And I guess it’s included under the “soda” category, but ginger ale specifically is something I often ask for on flights, but rarely drink on the ground. Same here. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2098 "2026-06-23T12:53:23Z")
When we were in Oz about twenty-five years ago, we opted out of renting a car. The only cars available were stick-shifts, which was what I was driving at the time. I just didn’t want to relearn how to drive a right hand drive stick-shift. ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2099 "2026-06-23T13:01:39Z")
On my first trip to Ireland I was really sweating being able to shift with my left hand. It turned out to be a lot easier than staying left on small country roads with little traffic. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/2100 "2026-06-23T13:05:33Z")
I don’t know what a tainfin is; so I don’t know if I want one. And whether the ship sank or sunk depends on the rest of the sentence. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157.md?page=104) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157.md?page=106)