Travel Food for Long Flights
Get Through a Long Flight and Save Money with Great Travel Snacks
Nov 4, 2009
Travel prices are rising, and food prices at airports are rising, too. Fewer flights offer complimentary meals, so airports are capitalizing on their passengers’ need to eat while traveling. Still, It’s easy to beat the cost and caloric onslaught by planning some smart snacks that are satisfying, nutritious and very easy on the pocketbook.
Nutrition Bars Make Great Trip Food
Pack a protein punch by taking nutrition bars that have at least 7g of protein and at least 4g of fiber. This combination will help combat hunger by giving the body a good dose of sustainable energy. These hefty snacks are very easy to travel with since they can be stuffed into the nooks and crannies of carry on bags. Plus, at about a dollar a bar, they are an affordable meal replacement option.
Fruits that Travel Well
Great options for fruit are apples and oranges. Apples can bruise when dropped, but generally they hold up well when going through security in a tightly-packed bag. Plus, they can be easily washed and eaten, or washed and kept in a plastic bag. They are also virtually scent free, which is an added courtesy to fellow passengers.
Oranges are considerably smellier, but in a pleasant, citrusy way. Their tough outer skin provides excellent protection against damage when traveling and they are very easy to eat. Plus, since juices and other beverages from home can’t make it past security, oranges are a great juice substitute.
While bananas are nutritional superheros, they don’t travel well. Unless they are kept from touching, well, anything, they can be easily beaten and bruised. They’re handy, but in general it’s best to eat the bananas on the way to the airport instead of trying to carry them along.
More Great Travel Snacks
Perhaps the best travel food is the tried-and-true fruit and nut mix. Either buy it pre-mixed or make it by combining a variety of nuts and dried fruits. Great trail mix additions are peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, dried cranberries, raisins and apricots and of course, little pieces of chocolate. These mixes are also high in protein and fiber, which will keep hunger at bay for a longer period of time.
Other Great Snack Ideas for Long Trips
For some variety, consider packing granola bars, beef jerky (though be sure to drink lots of water, jerky tends to be very salty!), wheat crackers and/or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The good old P.B. and J. stands up well to travel, especially when dense bread is used, like sourdough or a heavy duty wheat.
Here's a hot tip for making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches travel even better:
- Spread the peanut butter on both sides of the bread and then spoon the jelly in between.
- The peanut butter will act as a barrier between the jelly and the bread, helping it to not get soggy.
Beverage Ideas to Get Through Airport Security
Staying hydrated while traveling in and out of airports can be tricky and expensive. Outside beverages are not allowed through security, so most travelers must purchase costly bottled water, juice or sodas once inside the terminal. To reduce this cost and extra waste, bring an empty reusable water bottle through security. As long as it’s empty, it will pass inspection. Once through, find one of the many drinking fountains and fill up the bottle with water.
With the cost of travel continuing to rise, passengers shouldn't have to spend a lot of money staying hydrated and fed. By bringing snacks that travel well and an empty water bottle to fill up later, it will be easy to resist all of the expensive foods at airports and on the plane. Put the money towards something else, like buying the plane ticket!
For those who travel frequently, find out how to earn more frequent flyer miles!
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