Meal Prep For Air Travel: What To Bring And Pack

what to bring for airport meals

While it's possible to buy food at the airport, it can be expensive and sometimes unappetising. It's also not always possible to rely on plane meals, which may not cater to your dietary requirements or preferences. So, it's a good idea to bring your own food to the airport and on the plane. Solid food is generally fine to bring through security, but it's worth checking the TSA guidelines as some states and countries have different rules. It's also important to note that all food is subject to additional screening. Planning and packing your meals in advance can save you money and stress, and ensure you have something tasty and healthy to eat during your travel day.

shunhotel

Salads and sandwiches

Salads

  • Pasta salad with broccoli, feta, and Kalamata olives.
  • Grain salad with garlic.
  • Pesto pasta salad with cranberries, pine nuts, and chicken.
  • Green salad with grilled chicken.
  • Vegan salad with chickpeas, onions, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and kale. You can also add black bean burgers for extra protein.
  • Shrimp salad.
  • Tuna salad sandwich (less smelly than tuna on its own).

Sandwiches

  • Salami sandwich with butter.
  • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat bread.
  • Turkey sandwich on croissants. You can also add scrambled eggs for a breakfast option.
  • Baguette.
  • Flatbread with anchovies.
  • Wrap or sub.
  • Vegetarian wrap.

When packing salads and sandwiches, make sure to follow TSA guidelines and use TSA-friendly containers. You can also freeze your food before travel so that it stays fresh and cold. It is also recommended to bring individually wrapped items to offer to hungry seatmates.

shunhotel

Vegan options

It can be challenging to find vegan meals at airports and on flights, and options vary depending on the airport and the airline. It's a good idea to bring your own vegan food when travelling, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Firstly, it's worth noting that some airlines do offer vegan meals, but it's important to request these in advance. It's also worth checking with the airline, as some will provide vegan snacks or meals on international flights, but not on domestic flights. If you're travelling on a domestic flight, it's best to bring your own food.

When packing food to bring to the airport and on a flight, it's important to consider practicality. Food should be easy to pack and transport without getting damaged or squished. It should also be mess-free and ideally, it should taste good hot or cold, as microwaves may not be available.

  • Instant noodles, soup, or mashed potatoes in a cup with a flavour packet.
  • Dehydrated foods, such as dehydrated fruit.
  • Salads in a mason jar.
  • Sandwiches or wraps, such as a peanut butter and banana sandwich, or a buffalo chickpea wrap.
  • Cookies, brownies, and other vegan baked goods.
  • Crackers, pretzels, rice cakes, and crispbreads.
  • Fresh fruit, such as apples, oranges, bananas, and strawberries.
  • Nuts and seeds.
  • Sushi rolls, edamame, and olives.
  • Oatmeal cups with raw nuts and banana slices.

shunhotel

TSA-friendly containers

Bringing your own food to the airport can save you money and give you more meal options. Almost all food can be brought through security, but it is important to follow certain guidelines. All food is subject to additional screening, even if it is allowed on the plane. Liquids, including sauces, are subject to the 3-ounce (100 ml) rule, and you can bring a quart-sized bag of these through the checkpoint.

For TSA-friendly containers, it is best to use travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. These small containers can be used for sauces, yogurt, nut butter, salad dressing, and other liquid foods. Solid foods, such as cold-cooked quinoa with chickpeas, onions, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and kale, can be packed into your carry-on. You can also bring solid meat as long as it is in a solid form.

To facilitate the screening process, pack these containers separately from your carry-on baggage. If you are bringing larger containers, they should be placed in your checked baggage. It is also important to note that food items that trigger an alarm during screening, appear tampered with, or pose security concerns may not be allowed through the checkpoint.

Planning and packing your meals ahead of time can make your travel experience less stressful and more enjoyable, ensuring you have delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly options available during your trip.

shunhotel

Snacks and treats

Sandwiches are a classic choice for airport meals. They are easy to make and can be very versatile. Some sandwich ideas include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on sturdy wheat bread, salami sandwiches with butter, or turkey sandwiches on croissants. You can even add scrambled eggs to make it a heartier breakfast option. If you're feeling fancy, you can also bring a shareable wedge of cheese to go with your crackers or bread, just remember to be mindful of your fellow passengers' preferences when it comes to strong-smelling cheeses.

If you're looking for something more substantial, consider packing a full homemade meal in a container. This could include a green salad with grilled chicken, pasta salad, or even leftovers. Pesto pasta salad is a great option, as the zingy flavour can be enhanced with cranberries and pine nuts for added texture and protein. You can also add cold chicken if you plan on eating it within a few hours. Just make sure to use a double ziplock bag and a disposable spork for easy, mess-free eating.

For those with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, there are plenty of options as well. For vegans, a chick'n wrap can be a delicious and satisfying choice. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are also available, such as cold-cooked quinoa with chickpeas, onions, bell peppers, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and kale. Black bean burgers can be added on top for extra protein.

Some other snack ideas include popcorn, chips, dried fruits, apple slices, celery sticks, candy, protein bars, or granola bars. These options are easy to carry and can provide a quick energy boost when needed. Remember to stay hydrated as well, as drinking plenty of water is essential for feeling well during air travel.

Airports: Masks Still Mandatory or Not?

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Drinks

Bringing your own drinks to the airport can be a great way to stay hydrated and save money. Here are some tips and suggestions for drinks to bring:

Water

Water is a must-have when travelling, as staying hydrated is crucial during flights. Bring an empty, reusable water bottle to fill up at a water fountain after passing through security, or bring a full bottle and finish it before going through security, then refill it on the other side. This is a simple way to avoid buying expensive bottled water at the airport.

Coffee

Coffee is a popular drink to bring to the airport, especially if you have an early flight or are feeling jet-lagged. You can bring your own coffee in a travel mug, or buy it from a coffee shop like Starbucks, either before or after passing through security.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase in airport lounges and on flights, but it's worth noting that alcohol can be dehydrating and may contribute to jet lag. You may want to consider saving the drinks until after you land and sticking to non-alcoholic options while in the air.

Smoothies

Airport smoothies can be high in sugar, so consider making your own at home and bringing it with you in a reusable bottle. Just be mindful of liquid restrictions and any issues with fresh fruit when travelling internationally.

Other drinks

In addition to the options above, you can bring a variety of other drinks to the airport. These include tea, juice, and sports drinks. Just remember to follow any liquid restrictions and avoid bringing drinks that are not allowed, such as drinks containing more than 100ml of liquid.

Remember to plan and pack your drinks strategically, and always follow the guidelines and restrictions provided by the airport and TSA.

WiFi at O.R. Tambo: Is it Free and Fast?

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Some good snacks to bring to the airport include popcorn, chips, dried fruits, granola bars, and protein bars. It's also a good idea to bring some extra snacks in case your flight is delayed or your meal isn't enough.

Some good meals to bring to the airport include sandwiches, pasta, grain salads, and chicken nuggets. If you're looking for something more substantial, consider packing a full homemade meal in a container, such as a green salad with grilled chicken, pasta salad, or a sandwich.

It's important to plan and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience. Almost all food can be brought through security, but it's essential to follow TSA guidelines and check for any state or country-specific rules. Make sure to use TSA-friendly containers and avoid bringing strong-smelling foods that may disturb other passengers.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment