How to Pack Snacks for an Airplane

Chex Party Mix is on my list of guilty pleasures--so downing a bag on an airline flight is cool--but it's a slippery slope. I'm not satisfied with one (the bags are so tiny), then the salt starts to cause the bloat, then thirst sets in, then I have to go to the loo--it's a vicious circle. I'm much happier when I pack a few snacks. Here are the ingredients to a happy meal for the airplane trip.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small shopping bag
• Snacks
• Napkins, plastic cutlery, paper placemat, disposable food containers
• Sigg (or other reusable) water bottle
• Small games and prizes

1. Make a list of your family members' favorite snacks--you'll need a road map for the store--or you know what will happen--too much food! Think little bites of deliciousness!

2. Stop at the grocery store or deli before the stress of packing sets in, so it's more like an artist's date (you are the creator of the moveable feast) rather than a big to-do!

3. Take along some finger foods. When the bites are small, everything seems like a treat. Finger sandwiches, spring rolls, sushi, empanadas, dolmas, cheese and baguette, cut fruit, bite-size cookies are all great finger foods.

4. Make sure you bring along some stuff to keep your family occupied. Eating out of boredom is an easy pattern to fall into on an airplane. Load each family member's bag with their snacks, as well as small games and prizes. Think sudoku, mad libs, tattoos, stickers--and go old school here--this is not the place to compete with PlayStation!

5. Use recyclable bags, plastic cutlery and anything you can toss into the recycle bin (hopefully the airline recycles) and walk off the airplane with your carry-on luggage, your water bottle and a happy belly!

Tips & Warnings

• The prepared food you buy at a deli or grocery store will be less expensive than anything you can buy on board, and much tastier!
• I like to bring a reusable water bottle (like Sigg) on board and ask the flight attendant to fill it instead of asking for water a million times. (I hate it when it comes in those tiny glasses or mini bottles.)

[AllanaBaroni]

on 9/16/2008 oh yeah, the pen is crutial! Thanks.

[khali321]

on 9/5/2008 great tips

[showpup]

on 9/3/2008 Great tips. And don't forget the pen. The lady at the airport gift shop shared with me last week that she can't believe how many people bring sudukos and such and forget their pens. :)

[Desula]

on 8/12/2008 What a fun idea for packing snacks for an airplane trip.