Do you dread flying because of the terrible food? Are you always starving by the time you reach your destination? To put it mildly: airport food makes brown bag lunches seem appetizing! But, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you really want to fly like a foodie, here are a few travel tips that may make your journey a wee bit more palatable.

Eat Light

Flying is seldom an easy experience for the average customer, and your cheap international flights will fly by that much easier if you’ve eaten a light, healthy meal. Sugars and greasy foods can leave you sluggish and prone to jitteriness. Healthy snacks and fruit are great options for frequent flyers. Sealed packets of dried fruit or snack bars are never a bad idea, especially if you have dietary restrictions. You can buy them in bulk at Whole Foods and save on airport prices if you remember to pack ahead.

Don’t Experiment

Experimenting with new foods is not advisable when you travel, simply because you never know what your reaction may be. Finding out how you react to sashimi 30,000 feet above the air is not a good idea! That said, err on the side of comfort and familiarity.

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Don’t Forget to Reserve That Special Meal

If you need that certain dietary restriction addressed (kosher, vegetarian, vegan, etc.), don’t forget to reserve at least 48 hours in advance, or else you may not receive it on time. Reserving a special meal ensures that not only do you get your appropriate meal, but you’re also likely to get it first on the plane — ahead of everyone else.

Research Your Airport’s Restaurants Ahead of Time

You have three options for choosing a great place to eat your meal based on convenience. First, the upgraded airport dining experience, some with celebrity chef options, can be an excellent option for choosing your best meal. Secondly, the streets food outside the airport offers many opportunities to order a mouth-watering satisfying meal. Finally, popular airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and many more offer a check out the menu for all their restaurants. This way, you can pick and choose what you want to eat before even setting foot in the airport.

Bring Your Spice Kit for Your Inflight Meal

Do you love spicy food? Are you worried about the blandness of your inflight meal? Bring your spice kit. It’s easy to make and so worth it. For each leg of a trip, fill up a little plastic container with some salt, pepper, hot sauce, and whatever else will excite your taste buds. You can even include sugar packets if you’ll be flying in economy class. If you like things sweet instead of salty or spicy, pack what suits your fancy. However, be sure that the containers are no bigger than 100ml since this is the size limit most airlines have and put them in a clear ziplock bag. And of course, make sure you bring spices that won’t give you a bad reaction!

Pack a Flavorful Picnic of Mini-Meals

If you’ve ever been on a long flight with only expensive food options available, then you know how vital traveling with snacks can be. Plan your snacks and pack before your departure to ensure that you have plenty of tasty and affordable options. You should choose foods with solid flavors to keep your taste buds entertained. Spicy peppers, tangy olives, and sweet raisins will all help wake up your palate. Consider packing trail mix made from nuts, seeds, and dried fruits that are healthy and delicious. If you want something heartier, try packing up roasted chickpeas or whole-grain crackers instead of loaves of bread or pastries. Also, bring along a special treat such as a small dessert or candy bar.

Don’t Be an Obnoxious Eater on the Plane

Have you ever been on a plane next to someone who eats as they’ve never seen food before? It’s the worst. Here are some tips for avoiding being that person on your next flight. Be sure to avoid eating pungent foods and snacks like onions or garlic. They’ll make your neighbors wish you’d never boarded the plane. Also, avoid bringing foods that have a crunchy effect. Nobody wants to hear your chips or cereal for hours on end. Moreover, avoid fizzy drinks or messy foods like curry sauce or spaghetti bolognese. You’ll be lucky if you make it to your seat without making a mess. Eat those kinds of things at home where you can be as messy as you want. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to have a pleasant flight without offending your fellow passengers.

Do you know how to fly like a foodie? Tell us how you fly with food in the comments section below!