Airline food has always had a reputation for being bad, and in recent years it’s become more expensive as airlines unbundle meals from basic tickets. Food at airports can be pretty hit or miss as well, with some places having great restaurants and others offering little more than fast food. Given this, the best way to get a good meal while you’re traveling by air is often to bring it yourself. Consider one of the following if you’re packing your own airplane food.
– Pasta. With a little creativity, you can pack yourself a surprisingly good pasta meal for your flight. Precook your noodles, opting for whole grain if possible since whole grain noodles hold up better during travel. In separate bags, pack Parmesan cheese and whatever toppings you want. Once you’re in the air, ask for a cup of hot water from the flight attendant. Pour it over your pasta, let it sit for a couple minutes, then pour the water back into the cup. Add your toppings and you’ve got warm, tasty pasta.
– Sandwiches. Sandwiches are great on planes, especially if you make and pack them with travel in mind. Start off with crusty bread and light toppings like olive oil, cured meat, and cheese. Then wrap the sandwich in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. If you want condiments like mustard, try to save up the little packets from takeout restaurants and bring them, too.
– Easy snacks. Chocolate, cubes of cheese, and fruit are all popular among food aficionados who travel. Cheese sticks and protein bars also work well, and if you’re in the mood for something hot, you can bring a cup of instant noodles or soup and request hot water from the flight attendant.
– Something to complement your drink. If you’re planning on purchasing a drink onboard, or if you get one free, you might want to bring food that will taste better when consumed along with your drink.