Instead of paying extra for a flight with meals or grabbing fast food in the airport, save your money and health by packing a lunch.
Today's air travelers are spending more and more time in airports. Waiting in line to check in; waiting in line to go through security; waiting for the flight to board; and at the larger, busier airports even waiting on-board for the plane to take off. All this time spent in the airport means more and more air travelers are eating a meal in the airport or on the plane.
Some airports have been trying to provide healthier, more affordable alternatives but the selection of food available in most airports still consists largely of fast food, snack shops, or bar food. Not too healthy for the traveler's body nor the traveler's wallet. In addition, with the rising costs of air travel, many passengers are opting for one of the cheaper no-frills flights that do not include a meal service.
So, why not save your money and your health by packing your own lunch?
In packing your lunch for the plane, the first thing to consider is your carry-on bag. Is it small enough to store under the seat in front of you? A carry-on bag that fits easily under the seat will make your lunch more accessible than a larger bag that needs to be stored in the overhead compartment. Is your carry-on bag made out of a material that is easy to clean? Even when you take every precaution, food items do sometimes spill in your bag. A sturdy carry-on bag made out of an easy to clean material will recover from spills and stains better than that gorgeous suede bag you couldn't resist buying. A bag with more than one storage compartment is also useful. You can put your lunch in one compartment and the rest of your carry on items in another, keeping your tickets safely away from potentially damaging spills. Many carry-on bags come with a handy mesh pocket on the outside, perfectly sized for a water bottle or travel mug.
No matter how long or short your flight may be one of the most important items to include in your lunch is water. The air on planes is very dry and passengers can become dehydrated without realizing it. A couple drops of water turns a dry napkin into a much better tool for cleaning a child's sticky hands after a meal. A splash of water can rinse out an accidental stain on your clothing or even help clean a small injury in an emergency. A cold water bottle placed on the neck of an overheated passenger can help cool the passenger. Water is a multipurpose tool no traveler should be without.
If you can't get by without your daily coffee, look for a good travel mug or mini thermos. Many travel mugs come with spill-proof, leak-proof lids as well as insulation to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold. However, you might want to test the leak-proof feature at home, over a sink, before you travel. Some leak-proof lids are more difficult to properly attach than others.
When preparing your travel lunch, remember that you will have limited space in your seat and in your carry-on bag. A compact, easy to eat, easy to clean up, lightweight lunch will serve you best. An ideal lunch for the plane is a plastic zipper bag full of homemade trail mix. This meal is quick and easy to assemble, highly adaptable to each individual's dietary needs or preferences and does not spoil readily. It can include anything from your grocery store's bulk food bins, for example: nuts, seeds, popcorn, granola, pretzels, snack crackers, raisins, dried fruits, wasabi peas, yogurt covered pretzels, maybe some M&Ms for those with a sweet tooth and more. It is a lunch that is easy to eat in the confines of the average airplane seat, even during turbulence. Clean up is as simple as closing the bag and wiping your hands on a napkin.
For those who desire something more substantial, like a sandwich, be sure to consider how long your trip may be. You will want to avoid foods and condiments that may spoil without proper refrigeration. When packing a sandwich for the plane, consider skipping the zipper bag in favor of a more solid plastic-ware container. A plastic container will keep your sandwich from getting squished beyond recognition by your other carry-on items. Also remember that the air on the plane will be re-circulated, not fresh air. Your fellow passengers will appreciate your consideration when you prepare your meal, especially if you leave that stinky blue cheese at home.
