Days long airplane trip- what to eat?

[zech13_9_goforgold]

Here's my problem: I'm taking a three day long airplane trip. In other words, we get on one airplane at 6:30am on one day, fly all that day, get on an overnighter, fly all night and all day, land in one city at bedtime the second day, sleep at hotel, get back on a plane the third day, and get to final destination at lunch time the third day.

So, I know that my domestic flights won't give me anything to eat, so I'll need food for the first day. Then I'm assuming that I'll get something to eat on the international flight, but that's sketchy. I'm sure that we'll be able to get food at the hotel for dinner and breakfast the next day and for lunch, I'll finally be with family.

What I'm wanting to ask you guys is: what would you pack? I don't want too many salty things since my water on the plane will be limited. I have no problem with making things myself before we leave (only if they can be made a week in advance). So, hit me with your ideas, especially for meal-type foods.

Thanks.

[Irishmommy]

First check what the airports will let through security. You may be stuck with buying food in departures.

[Jaxinator]

I've noticed that the food in the departures area is A: overpriced beyond belief and B: not very good. Even the fresh fruit is terrible.

The last time I flew (also international) I went to the bulk section of a grocery store and filled bags with carob energy bar-type things, sesame sticks, candied ginger (I get queasy sometimes, and this helps a lot), granola (which, if they have milk on the plane as a beverage you can ask for an extra plastic cup and have it like cereal), almonds, dried fruit...

I don't know if you need to limit water for a specific reason, but drinking on airplanes is really good. You could bring an empty water bottle through security, then fill it up in the gate area, or buy bottled water in the gate area.

Ask about bringing fresh fruit, I've done that before, especially for the first leg of your journey. Once you go international, I would try to get rid of it before you go through customs. I haven't flown since the newest wave of flying issues, so asking before you go is a really good idea. Ask your airline, and the airport. Answers can really differ.

[velochic]

You know, airport security is changing day to day right now. You should find out what you are going to be allowed to bring on, as Irish said. Are you going by yourself or will you have children with you?

Our trips back home (to dh's family, that is) are a two-day trip. I usually try to pack whole grains such as granola, dry proteins (nuts), hearty fruit (oranges, apples), fruit leathers, crackers (I know you said nothing salty, but you almost can't get away from it if you want something that will keep for a couple of days). I wouldn't even know how to transport a meal for 3 days. Any kind of sandwich is going to go bad in 24 hours, unless it's just a peanut butter sandwich that is tightly wrapped. Or a bean sandwich? You're probably stuck with just biting the bullet and eating in/buying at the airports.

We take a TON of water with us. Yes, I realize it's ridiculously expensive to buy once you've passes security, but it's worth it. When you're thirsty, there's nothing more miserable than waiting 30 minutes - 1 hour for the attendant to get back to you with a tiny little cup of water.

Have a safe trip!

[zech13_9_goforgold]

no kids.

Thanks for your tips- keep them coming!

[annethcz]

I guess from your location that you're flying to Southern Africa? When we flew to Ethiopia a few years ago, it felt like all we did on the plane was EAT, EAT, EAT. They fed us every few hours, it was almost overwhelming. If you're worried about what the food will be like, it's usually possible to ask for a vegetarian meal.

I'd bring a few snack foods (but check first about what will be allowed through security!), and lots of water.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Not about food but wanted to tell you that you and any family flying with you to get up at least once an hour and move around. Make sure to move your legs a lot as well. It isnt a common thing but sitting on an airplane so long can cause blood clots that can break loose and cause nasty stuff. The way to prevent it is by doing what I said above.

I learned about it watching Dr. G medical examiner who was doing an autopsy on a man who died of a blood clot after a plane trip and she mentioned that it happens more than what you might thing.

Not meaning to be a downer for your trip but something I thought you should know if you didnt already.

I hope your trip is uneventful.

[Ola_]

I usually do some nuts from the bulk store (almonds are my favourite), a bag of baby carrots (since I think these are pretty sturdy at room temp for a while), some dried fruit. I also bring my stainless water bottle, which I pack empty and fill up after getting through security. I usually bring some snacky "junk" type food since I get miserable sitting on the plane for a long time so I consider it a special occasion.

As a pp said find out what the international flight's food will be. When I've flown overseas there is typically a meal plus a smaller snack-type meal later on. I'm sure this depends on the airline though.

[noobmom]

I always ask for extra water on airplanes. I bring my Klean Kanteen pour it into there so I'm not having to balance open cups of water on my tray all the time. I also fill it up at a water fountain after I pass through security.

I normally bring nuts, dried fruit, and granola bars for plane trips. Whenever I bring fresh fruit it always ends up bruised and uneaten. I also like to bring some candy as a treat.

I don't know what airline you are flying for your international portion, but I have never gone hungry on an international flight. I think they feed you just to keep you entertained.