Extra Munches on Airplanes

Hi,

I should of mentioned we were flying American Airlines.

Theresa

Of course it is. You just can't bring on liquids bought before security but any type of food is fine.

Nine out of ten Rick Steve's contributors recommend bringing munchies. Not sure what the tenth contributor recommends though.

But seriously, airline food ranges from poor to average in most cases to reasonably decent. But generally not enough and it may not suit a growing boys' needs.

You will be served food twice during your international flight on AA but a teen will definitely need more than that.
I would suggest either putting the stuff in individual portion packs or buy them that way. I've seen people pull out big bags of stuff and spill it all over the floor.

What about Fruit? Is it okay to bring fresh fruit, as long as you eat it before landing?

Yup, same with other perishable products such as Meat or Cheese. For example, on our flight back from Paris last summer my family brought on some sandwiches and pastries we had bought at a patisserie near our hotel before we left for the airport. MUCH BETTER than airline food!

Several years ago, my wife brought a pear onto our flight from Paris to Philly. She intended to eat it during the flight but forgot. Well . . . .

The little Agriculture beagle didn't let her get away with that. He busted her cold. But seriously, it is a big deal to bring anything like that back into the US or from here into any other country.

Thanks for all the replies! I appericate it. I do plan to pack him several small munchie packs for the plane. At this age, all he seems to do is eat and grow LOL!

Theresa

Absolutely do not bring fruit or seeds. The agricultural checks are extremely important because exotic plants and the associated fungi can be very destructive. I've read several admiring stories about Alice Waters, the founder of Chez Panisse, and how she once "smuggled" European vegetable seeds home for her garden, as if it was just a charming caper. I just cringe. In fact, the importation of exotic plants and seed, no matter how well intentioned, has been extraordinarily destructive to North American ecosystems. So the USDA check at immigration is one federal border control I'm glad to see.

That's my sermon for the day.

Amen, Doug!

"Nine out of ten Rick Steve's contributors recommend bringing munchies. Not sure what the tenth contributor recommends though."

I'll be that 10th contributor. I recommend a sleeping pill (with consultation from your physician, of course). Then, you wake up hungry and ready for a huge Flemish breakfast, courtesy of your mother-in-law. At least, that's what I do...

I think it's smart to be pro-active and carry a few portable snacks with you. It's good to plan ahead. But if you've forgotten to stock up or are still feeling a little peckish...You could always ask an f/a if there is anything snackish available.

I never mind when a Pax asks for an extra snack. Chances are there is a little extra of something kicking around. We have to dispose of any left overs anyway. I hate to see food thrown out but that's procedure. I'd much rather some of it be eaten rather than wasted.

The caterers are pretty good at calculating what will be used but there is almost always something left. I'd dare to say that there is always something left. That happens all over the world, regardless of where the a/c was catered. So please don't hesitate to ask for a little something if you're feeling hungry after meal service has been completed.

Safe Skies...

f/a

Hello Theresa, Does your son like peanut butter type snacks? If so, I would like to suggest you get Natural Selections peanut butter bars. They are a great source of protein, very tasty and can actually fill you up, which can be a good thing for a growing boy. My husband and I always take snacks on the plane and I recommended my younger sister do that on her visit over here as airline food isn't always that great (although many others my disagree).

Hmm, I'm not sure I agree with the post about 'there's always something extra around' on a flight. Bring your own stuff....anticipate your needs, and plan accordingly!

Regarding the something extra comment, I have seen f/a's refuse people a second bag of pretzels or other snack. I have also seen them be extraordinarily generous. I wouldn't count on generosity, particularly with teenage appetites to deal with, so I would bring trail mix or something else that's easily transportable.

No harm in asking, but I would pack trail mix or the like just in case your f/a isn't as wonderful as our F/A. :-)

I packed several protein bars for the plane and in case I got hungry in the hotel at 2am. Frankly, between the tylenol pm, the time change, and the dinners I had, I was full when I got off the plane and, being in Italy, wasn't hungry again until I got back home a week later!!

I would be reluctant to take any peanut-based product into the cabin of the plane as many people have severe peanut allergies and even the scent of a peanut could send them into shock. There is quite a movement to ban any peanut from planes for this reason. Keeping them wrapped inside your carry ons would poise no problem, however. However, this would not solve your snaack needs! Suggest you find an
alternative goody to munch on.