Crew members have a unique perspective when it comes to traveling on a plane.

Crammed seats, bad food: A 14-hour flight in economy is miserable, even if your fellow passengers are on their best behavior. Throw in a neighbor without boundaries, and you have a nightmare trip.

That inflight meal or snack might be tempting when hunger strikes at 30,000 feet, but according to airline professionals who spend their careers in the sky, certain food and drink choices could turn ...