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July 15, 2008

What Do YOU Like to Eat on Planes? (Share Your Ideas with Us)

Filed under: Tips and Tricks — Rick Seaney @ 3:43 pm

I admit it — I like good food — but I sure haven’t had much on the airlines lately.

If I’m in coach, it usually mean buying snacks that taste like sticks; if I’m in first class, I often get a meal that tastes — beyond bland.

So I was pleased to see this piece in the New York Times, in which Stephanie Sokolove of Boston’s highly regarded “Stephanie’s on Newbury” restaurant said her solution to airline food was packing her own:

“I have learned a few things…about bringing the perfect plane provisions on board with me: homemade hummus with tiny pieces of pita bread, dried fruit and chocolate.” — Stephanie Sokolove

What do you like to take onboard for snacking or dining? Let’s get a list going, and we’ll all share our favorites. I can use all the ideas you throw at me.
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21 Comments »

  1. We did a piece on what we pack that has been widely viewed and posted elsewhere. Hope it is useful to others:

    http://beatofhawaii.com/how-to-eat-well-at-30000-feet/

    Aloha Rick.

    Jeff

    Comment by beatofhawaii.com — July 15, 2008 @ 4:05 pm

  2. I can tell you what I wouldn’t bring onboard: meat or beans. A pressurized cabin will make you feel heavy, bloated, and gassy if you eat meat or beans (ironically, it’s hard to avoid the meat choice onboard).

    My ideal airplane meal would be sliced mellon, potato fries with vinegar and curry powder, and honey-roasted carrots, all thrown into the same tupperware container. Yeah!

    Comment by bryan in sf — July 15, 2008 @ 5:04 pm

  3. 1. fresh fruits like bananas and pomelo
    2. few different muesli bars
    3. indian paratha (stuffed with potato or chicken)
    4. tea packets

    Comment by asy — July 15, 2008 @ 7:12 pm

  4. In Europe many airlines do not allow passengers to bring own food on the plane except for baby food. Only food on sale aboard is allowed to be consumed. Usually hygienic reasons quoted as excuse for prohibit passengers bringing own food. (I guess an apple and candybar will pass).

    Comment by Jan-Erik — July 16, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

  5. Since lots of us need to slim (not that I was thinking of the US particularly!) - maybe the answer is just buy an (expensive) bottle of water once you are airside of the ridiculous security “liquids inquisition” and do without the food altogether. For flight times up to a couple of hours or so that should not be a problem for most of us!

    Comment by DJD — July 17, 2008 @ 4:58 am

  6. The length of the flight guides what I pack.
    Short Hauls - Popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, cookies
    Long Hauls - Same as above but I also pack sandwiches (egg salad, egg omlet) and yogurts. I take an insulated lunch bag to keep the sandwich and yogurt cold. at Pearson Interntional Airport (Toronto) security checks for fresh fruit in bags.

    Comment by Joy — July 17, 2008 @ 7:49 am

  7. I throw a peanut butter sandwich in my bag. No refrigeration required, cut in quarters it’s easy to eat and it’s comfort food. The airline can provide the milk.

    Comment by mgb — July 17, 2008 @ 12:00 pm

  8. Fresh fruit, bread rolls, cheese, and dark chocolate.

    Comment by Mary — July 17, 2008 @ 6:50 pm

  9. I make a “plane picnic”. It starts with a red checkered table cloth (really just a cloth napkin), add olives, salami, hard cheeses, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, french bread, and any other antipasta ingredient you love. Then place your wine glass (they make plastic ones that will serve the purpose) at the corner of the display and wait to order your $5 individual bottle of wine. It changes the whole “coach” experience.

    Comment by Christine K — July 23, 2008 @ 9:26 pm

  10. Trail mix and power bars. Simple, neat and complete!

    Comment by LK — July 23, 2008 @ 10:27 pm

  11. I bring a hoagie (sub sandwich), big bag of chips, and some chocolate chip cookies!!

    Comment by MiamiSuzanne — July 23, 2008 @ 11:08 pm

  12. I like strips of red and orange bell peppers. Usually I also bring a ham sandwich.

    Comment by Amy — July 24, 2008 @ 8:37 am

  13. I don’t know how you all are bringing food. They don’t allow it anymore, unless it is bought AT the airport. I have had numerous items thrown away.

    Comment by jeri — July 24, 2008 @ 9:44 am

  14. I WOULD MAKE A MIX OF DIFFERENT CEREALS & DRIED FRUITS LIKE I DO AT HOME. THAT CAN HOLD YOU OVER UNTIL YOU GET TO WHERE YOUR GOING. HAVE FUN EVERY ONE!!!!!

    Comment by XAN — July 24, 2008 @ 10:46 am

  15. Cheese, baguette, salumi, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, cookies

    Comment by Aaron — July 24, 2008 @ 11:51 am

  16. When travels take me through MEM I have to bring on board some of the great BBQ! I wish people would eat their Burger King before getting on the plane. The smell travels like a bad disease. Until the NW/DL merger is complete I have to stop for a bottle or two of Coca Cola as NW only serves South Carolina sugar water.

    Comment by Jim — July 24, 2008 @ 12:54 pm

  17. I fly most frequently to & from Mexico, & the heat factor dictates what I bring.
    I have found these things hold up well for carry-on food when flying:

    Peanut butter (low-fat) & jelly (sugar-free) sandwiches
    Apples
    Kashi energy bars
    M&Ms
    Nuts

    I also bring an empty water bottle & fill it up at the water fountain (in USA) when I pass security, as I am tired of buying a new bottle of water with every flight connection!

    Comment by PK Doyle — July 24, 2008 @ 3:28 pm

  18. On several flights I’ve taken an EMPTY water bottle in my carry-on through security. Once beyond security, I just fill it from a water fountain. Beats paying terminal prices.

    Comment by Don — July 24, 2008 @ 6:00 pm

  19. I understand the caution about bringing food. A large jar of boutique jam, parmesan dipping oil, and pesto sauce I was bringing back from a CA winery was nearly discarded. The regulations say you may bring “food” aboard, but they look askance if your food is “watery”. Best defense?? Be friendly, understanding of the TSAs situation, and say you thought food was exempted and that you’re very sorry (you can point out it’s for gifts, expensive, etc.) and they (grudgingly) may let you through “this time”. I’ve never had any trouble with a sandwich in a purse (or computer carryon). Actually, I think they’re super-bored and just looking for something to justify their existence. Once they’ve discovered something and made their observation, it gives their job temporary meaning. I mean, can you imagine doing that day after day?

    Comment by Cindy Tyler — July 24, 2008 @ 7:48 pm

  20. OK–real suggestions. I like to bring real croissants (put them in a ziploc) plus whatever I want to put on them in a separate ziploc bag (usually ham and swiss–but chicken breast is good too) along with a few packets of mustard and mayo swiped from a local fast food place (did I say that?). Put ‘em together on the plane. I can’t wait for the plane to take off and the drinks to start. I really agree with the dark chocolate and sharp cheese (solid cheddar and parmesan top my list) along with some red wine. It’s just too bad I can’t bring what I like because that red wine on the airlines is absolute swill. Smart idea about bringing an empty water bottle and filling it after the inquisition.

    Comment by Cindy Tyler — July 24, 2008 @ 7:56 pm

  21. Hate to bring this up, but is the fountain water sanitary?

    Comment by Jan Walling — July 25, 2008 @ 11:19 am

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