flying food

[doni_dyke01]

I'm likely going to be flying to Maine come next month and since the flight is going to be somewhat long (8.5 hours with two stops before the final destination), and I'm not entirely sure if there's going to be a meal option (or if I'll want it). So, what can I take with me? Vegetarian, please.

Comments

[ipsafictura]

Personally I like a sandwich best for plane travel, because it's compact, lasts a while, and doesn't require bringing silverware. I don't know what types of sandwich you like, but as far as vegetarian options I've always liked hummus and veggies (cucumbers, sometimes roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, red onions). Also some snacky foods for mid-flight noshing, like an apple, a bag of pretzels/nuts. Stuff that's small and can be eaten with your hands is always my preference for plane travel, and things that can be consumed in bits and bites, since I find flying does something wacky to my appetite where I never really want a whole big meal.

[falnfenix]

i second pretty much everything you've said.

i usually bring granola, too, since that's easily eaten with one's hands. trail mix is another ideal option.

[doni_dyke01]

Thanks! I've never flown before, so this is going to be a whole new experience for me.

[miischelle]

You should be able to find out from the airline if they'll be offering food on the plane - but since you're stopping twice, probably not. Northwest sells in-flights meals that aren't terrible, but I don't remember a vegetarian option offhand (I'm sure there was one, but I'm not Veg, so...)

Sandwiches are good for flights - really anything that won't require utensils, and nothing liquidy, so you don't piss of TSA.

[doni_dyke01]

They do seem a bit... persnickety, huh? I'm not entirely sure who I'll be flying through, since I'm not paying for the trip, so I can't say for certain food's going to be offered, but I'll err on the side of caution and say no.

[miischelle]

More persnickety in smaller airports - I think TSA gets bored and hostile when there are fewer flights and people to harass.
Northwest sells foos, Southwest does on longer non-stop flights. Midwest bakes cookies onboard, not sure about real food though. United, US Air, and Delta....not so much, not when I've flown them anyhow.
Good luck!

[doni_dyke01]

I'm just hoping none of the airports are really fussy. And, really on Midwest? That's... actually, that's kinda awesome.

[rasputin_fish]

Bring a lot of snacks - having someting to munch helps kill the time. I like things like snap peas, clementines, apples, string cheese, nuts, etc. Basically anything that is compact and portable.

[doni_dyke01]

I'll be sure to bring plenty. What kind of containers do you suggest?

[rasputin_fish]

Ziploc baggies are the easiest. I know, I know, they're horribly wasteful but I never use them at home and convenience is key when you're trying to travel efficiently.

[jabamba]

Be careful with the nuts, though... Airline personnel can be snippy about them because of peanut allergies.

[miischelle]

They frown on yogurt.....depending on the airport. Smaller airports tend to have more uptight TSA officials.....

[loototherah]

Sandwiches, like everyone is saying.

But just FYI, if you're worried about a smooshing sandwich or something, every airport has food. It's not... IDEAL, lj-community-cooking-type food, but if you accidentally forget your sammich or other snacks on the kitchen counter, you won't be starving to death. They usually have some area that has prepackaged stuff, like premade sandwiches and salads. It shouldn't be too hard to find a veggie option there. They also, of course, have fast food. Chances are there'll be a Starbucks in at least one of your airports, and their pastries and such tend to be veggie.

Your planes will more than likely offer drink service.

[doni_dyke01]

I'll check into it, but I don't mind a smooshed sammich. Sometimes, that makes 'em better.

[rasputin_fish]

Believe it or not, I've had trouble recently finding veg food in a lot of airport terminals. You can pay $11 for a salad that consists of shredded lettuce and a packet of dressing...and it'll probably give you food poisoning. Alternatively, you can go to Chili's and ask for a black bean burger but it'll take forever and the first time it'll come out as a regular burger and the second time it will be black bean but have bacon on it. (This actually happened to me last fall. Granted, I was stuck in the Atlanta airport, but...still.)

[jennifairy11]

My pastor calls that airport purgatory, because before you go anywhere you have to go through Atlanta.