Airline food, even if it’s offered, is usually not very appetizing and generally comes with extra fees. If you have even a little bit of time, you can take enough food to help you make it through even a fairly long flight. But knowing what not to take is almost more important than what to take. Follow these simple rules.
DON’T TAKE
- Anything that has a strong odor – for example tuna fish, pastrami, and kimchi – you get the idea. Not everyone will enjoy the aroma of what you’re eating.
- Messy items like pasta with red sauce or a sandwich with lots of delicious things that may leak out – you’re in a tight restricted area. Keep things simple. Be judicious with really juicy items – that whole peach may not be so great if the juice runs down your arm.
- Foods that require mixing or silverware. I’m not a fan of taking salads on a plane – they’re not easy to transport and you have to deal with containers, lids, silverware, etc. Keep things easy and bring items you can put in a bag.
- Gas producing foods – especially on long flights. Not only will you be uncomfortable, those around you … enough said.
- Avoid things like sushi – anything that can spoil at room temperature – no sense in getting sick from your own food.
DO TAKE
Before you start planning on taking a full meal on the plane, know that you don’t have to dine. Keeping yourself full enough so that you’re comfortable is enough. Wait until you get to your destination to enjoy a lovely meal.
- Dried fruits and nuts. Buy a mix, or better yet, make your own – that way you get just what you like. The fruits are sweet and the nuts provide protein for energy for that long flight.
- Hard cheese and crackers. It’s easy to eat and easy to transport. It keeps for a reasonable amount of time at room temperature.
- Fruit and veggies. Pre-cut and put them in a bag so they’re easy to eat. You can take those mini containers of hummus, but sometimes it’s difficult to manage dipping while crowded in a middle seat on the plane.
- Simple sandwiches with peanut butter or hummus or cured meats. Just be careful to make it easy to manage.
- Energy bars, candy, chips. They may not be healthy, but you deserve a treat when you’re on the plane. Just be sure to drink enough water to counteract the extra salt.
Make this Mountain Trail Mix from AllRecipes.com. This snack recipe contains all the basic food groups – fat, salt, sugar, and chocolate. (with a little protein and iron thrown in) Mix it together in a few minutes before you head to the airport.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cashews
- ¼ cup peanuts
- ¼ cup almonds (optional)
- ½ cup raisins
1 (2-ounce) package candy-coated milk chocolate pieces
