Novak Djokovic's drink is now on Qatar Airways' US flights. Here's what we know

Flying Qatar Airways to or from the United States? Your drink cart now has a tennis star's name on it.

Qatar Airways says passengers on its US routes can now get SILA Hydration, a product sold under Novak Djokovic's name. The airline announced it in a post on X on August 24, tagging Djokovic and telling passengers to "stay hydrated throughout your journey with every sip." It posted the same message on LinkedIn.

The X post drew more than 110,000 views and 360 likes, well above most of Qatar's routine updates.

What is SILA?

Qatar's posts call it "SILA Hydration" by Djokovic, but they do not explain what is in it. One passenger who flew Qatar from Kochi to Chicago via Doha in late August described it on LinkedIn as Djokovic's electrolyte brand. She said she was served it on board and that watermelon was her favorite flavor.

That is one traveler's account, not an official product sheet. Qatar has not published a flavor list.

Which flights have it?

Qatar's own wording is "one of our US routes." The airline has not said:

• Which US cities are included.
• Whether it is offered in every cabin or only in some.
• Whether it is free or part of a paid menu.
• How long the partnership will last.

If you want to try it, ask the crew once you board. We will update this story if Qatar shares a route list. Qatar also did not say exactly when the drink first went on board, beyond the date of its post.

Why airlines do this

Long flights are dry. Airlines have long looked for ways to make the trip feel healthier, from menus to sleep kits. A tie-up with a famous athlete is also good marketing. The numbers on Qatar's post suggest the idea landed with travelers.

Qatar has not said whether the partnership goes beyond the drinks cart, such as events or other products.

Other things that have changed on Qatar's US flights

SILA is the latest of several updates for Qatar flyers in the US this year:

• Free Wi-Fi. Qatar has been fitting Starlink to more of its fleet. See our story on free Starlink Wi-Fi on 150 jets.
• More Philadelphia flights. Qatar's Philadelphia route moved to daily A350 service with Qsuite. Read our Philadelphia story.
• New York lounge delay. Qatar's planned lounge at JFK's new Terminal One has slipped to 2027. Here is our JFK lounge story.

Staying hydrated on a long-haul flight

You do not need a branded drink to stay hydrated. A few simple habits help on a 14-hour flight:

• Drink water often, not just with meals.
• Go easy on alcohol and coffee.
• Bring a refillable bottle and ask the crew to top it up.

Your connection in Doha

Most US flyers on Qatar connect at Hamad International. If you have lounge access, our guide to Hamad International lounges covers the Al Mourjan lounges, the Platinum and Gold lounges and the Oryx lounges you can reach with some lounge memberships.

For more on the airline, see our Qatar Airways page.