Flying vegan, how to survive the ride

[Guest guest]

Airline food on domestic flights is a downright joke these days, $3 can of

disgusting potato chips, high fructose corn syrup filled 'snack box' $7, the

list goes on. Needless to say, you have to be prepared for anything and

everything when you are traveling by plane.

An hour layover can easily turn into a 4 hour one due to maintenance, so even

the shortest flights can span 2 meals. Airport food is hit or miss on finding

the vegan goods, and then still do you really want to spend $12 on a hummus

sandwich on a dry roll?

My kids each carry a backpack as their personal item, in their packs have a book

or two, sketch books and twist-able colored pencils (a must!), small toys, and

an insulated lunch bag with their own snacks.

What to pack so you can actually kick back and not hunt around for food at the

airport:

1. Empty stainless steel water bottles: My family and I carry our empty Sigg

bottles through security and fill them up at the nearest water fountain once we

are done with the security check. Carrying your own bottle with you will save

you money since you will not have to buy water bottles while waiting on your

plane.

2. Lara Bars: Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Cashew Cookie, flavors galore. These raw

bars contain simple ingredients and are very satisfying. You can find them all

over the place locally. We pack 2 per person just because again, you never know

how long that short plane ride might be.

3. Fruits and Veggies: Carrot sticks, jimica, cut apples, bananas, clemintines,

cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, edamame, these all travel well for a day

trip. Pack a lot of cut snacks, it is amazing how fast you can plow through

these when you are wishing your feet were on the ground.

4. Oatmeal/Instant hot cereal: Sounds weird, right? Well individual oatmeal

packs have come to my rescue more times that I can count. While you probably

will not be able to prepare them at the airport you can ask for hot water on the

plane. Cup of hot water and a packet of oatmeal, instant meal and happy kids.

Just don't forget to pack a spoon from home.

5. Dried Fruit/Raw Nuts: A true vegan staple, takes up little space and it is

full of the good calories. While at home these are not usually the things I

first reach for first, but for a plane ride this snack is perfect.

6. Muffins: Who doesn't love a muffin? Muffins are the cupcakes of breakfast and

the cookies of lunch. Muffins make my kids feel special and when they have a

muffin in their backpack they are less likely to ask for junk while walking

through the airport. Susan at Fat Free Vegan has a great selection of recipes

for muffins.

7. Sandwiches/Wrap: You might be flying out at 6AM with an arrival time of

10AM, but don't think you are above packing a sandwich or wrap. A sandwich at

the airport will set you back at least $8 per person. Better to be too prepared

when it comes to air travel. Chickpea TuNO Salad, Hummus and veggies, PB & J,

whatever your favorite is - pack it, you will not be sorry.

8. Special Snacks/Goodies: Why not make the trip a little more special with an

extra special treat? If you are looking for a treat check out Navan Foods or the

Organic Food Depot. You are sure to find a little something to stash away to

present at that midnight travel hour. Tings, vegan jerky, vegan gummy bears,

Green and Black's Dark chocolate, pick up something out of the ordinary.

Do you have some excellent vegan travel tips? Please add to the list in the

comments. I would love to hear any and all tips you have.

 

 

Author: Deva Brockett