Anyone who is planning on jetting off this Easter or beyond is being urged to avoid eating a very common airport snack before they take off. Plane food isn't to everyone's taste, and it's not always available on shorter flights, so fuelling up before you travel is essential.

However, travel experts at Ski Vertigo have warned that one type of food can make long flights feel even longer, causing a lot of trouble. They say the biggest culprit is the "grab-and-go" salty snack many people buy at the gate, such as pretzels, crisps or salted nuts, because it can leave passengers feeling bloated, thirsty and uncomfortable once the cabin doors close. Plane cabins are very dry, and that can add to dehydration.

Low humidity at cruising altitude can dry you out, which is why water is often the best choice in the air. But salty snacks can make that worse, since foods high in sodium can lead the body to hold onto fluid, which can contribute to puffiness and swelling, especially in the feet and ankles on longer journeys.

That "tight shoes" feeling is common after sitting still for hours, but diet can play a part in how uncomfortable it gets. NHS advice linked to swelling often points to cutting down on salt as part of managing fluid build-up.

Alex Dyer, Head of customer success at Ski Vertigo, said: "People buy a salty snack because it's quick and it feels harmless, but on a flight it can leave you chasing water and feeling heavy. If you already get puffy ankles or feel rough when you fly, it is worth skipping it."

Airports also encourage last-minute shopping, and salty snacks are everywhere near the tills. A packet eaten just before boarding is more likely to hit when you are strapped into your seat with limited chance to move around, especially if the seatbelt sign is on.

Experts say the better approach is to drink water before and during the flight, and keep caffeine and alcohol lower if you can, as dehydration can make travel feel harder.

For passengers who want something to snack on, the experts suggest going for options that aren't so salty, like a banana or a cereal bar. Reading the label can help, because many snack size' items are still loaded with salt.

The pros added that the goal is not to ban treats, but to avoid the kind that makes the cabin feel harsher, adding: "If you want the easiest flight, skip the salty snack before take-off, choose a sealed drink, and you will usually feel better by the time you land."