Food for the Airplane Ride

[jana616]

Those of you that are bringing drinks - are you on flights that dont provide free beverages? I never understand why anyone brings drinks on an airplane....food? yes! Drinks? No. (With the exception of formula when DC's were babies)

To answer the OP's question.....we bring lots of snacks on board. I know my kids are too excited to actually eat a lunch so I usually bring things that I don't cringe at them eating as a meal...:lol I bring things like Cheez Its, small boxes of cereal, I brought cheese sticks for my daughter last trip....DH and I usually just grab McDonalds or something while we are in the airport. We bring snacks more to keep the kids occupied and not running up and down the aisles....LOL

I know for us, I have a 4 year old and 2 year old. My little one is not old enough to understand that he has to wait if he is thirsty. He also does not know to time his desire to drink with when they happen to be at our row handing out drinks, and sometimes delays happen and it can be a long while before drinks are offered. Personally, I would rather carry a juice box or two than deal with a tantrum because my son is thirsty and we're sitting on the tarmac for 5 hours waiting to take off (this did happen to us and they did not offer drinks that whole time). Just my opinion!

 

[tjmw2727]

"Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint."

This is what it says on the TSA website about traveling with infants and small children. My kids are going to be 26 months and 4 when we go. I "should" be able to bring a juice box for each of them, correct or no?

It depends on the TSA agents "interpertation of baby or toddler". IMHO a 2yo is certainly a toddler so you should be able to bring juice for the 2yo. Probably enough for both but I doubt the tsa agent is going to allow juice for a 4yo, so just declare it all as for the "baby"

Alternately, just bring a few empty sippie cups and purchase what you need after security. Its a little more expensive but IMHO much more convenienet.

Honestly - when I hit that security line all I am interested in is getting through as smoothly as possible. IMHO its worth a an extra dollar not to have any hassle as to what I should/shouldn't can/can't have.

As for the poster who asked why we carry drinks onboard - I like to have my brands and don't want to wait on the FA. They can take a long time and don't always have a variety. Especially when traveling with kids its nice to have a resealable bottle of juice so you can pour a sippy when you need to. So I purchase what I would like for the flight after security.

TJ

 

[wlfans]

We have a child with a peanut allergy. I really get teed off with the arrogance and ignorance of people. While we can't control what I child touches while in public when you 35000 feet up and your child has an allergic reaction and could die its not that amusing. An aircraft cabin can be controlled somewhat. We are flying Southwest and they've more than helpful to accomandate us. They will not allow the plane to be supplied with peanuts. They will allow us to board and clean the seat and surrounding area. They will not ask people not to bring peanuts on the plane. Which I can understand and have a no problem with( sort of). The aircraft is a confined space as is a classroom or lunchroom. Try running your child to the ER in a rescue as they gasp for air. NOT FUN. And please say something dumb like we shouldn't fly...

 

[NotUrsula]

Just FYI about juice boxes: they ARE affected by the cabin pressure on the aircraft. It is very possible that when you insert that straw, the contents will shoot several feet because of the pressure. If you are going to open them on a plane, be sure to hold a napkin around them in case of pressure squirting.

As to peanuts, my advice to folks traveling is not so much never to bring anything peanut-related, because for most flights there is no problem. What I do tell people is never to *depend* upon being able to eat peanut products on the plane. Bring them if you want them, but bring something else as an alternative as well, in case you are asked not to open peanut products on board.

 

[disneylove69]

Alright, I'll bite (pun intended). No peanut allergies in my family but I have to say that the interior of an airplane is not quite like any other "public place." If something offends you there is really no way to escape.

I was a flight attendant for many years and smells, good AND bad, linger in the recirculated air of the cabin. So for all of those who like to travel without showering for a week, doused in your favorite perfume/cologne, reeking of cigarettes, or with your pungent food of choice, please know that you are sharing that smell with pretty much everyone 10 rows ahead and 10 rows behind you.

In a nutshell (there I pun again), common courtesy is EXTRA important in the air.

I know allergies and food issues. I am semi-vegetarian by choice. My son has seasonal allergies and asthma. I have fairly severe seasonal/environmental allergies. Fortunately, my food allergies are mild--certainly not life threatening when I ingest them ( soy, some fish) However, try avoiding soy--its in MANY processed foods as oil and so much of vegetarian/vegan options. While I don't have a peanut or treenut allergy, I'm empathetic to the needs/risks of those that do. While peanut butter & almonds and cashews are a fair part of my diet, I think twice about eating them in public places. Perhaps my background as a teacher affects my perspective.

I believe that most peanut allergies are NOT at risk for airborne particles and the risk for skin to skin contact reaction was very low for most... (I'm no expert). However, one school I taught in had a child with an anaphylactic reaction. The parents believed she was only at risk upon ingestion and were fine with her being around peanutbutter. When students were doing a project nearby with peanut butter (pinecone birdfeeders) she began to react.

Would I take almonds or peanuts onto a plane because its an easy, protein snack for my vegetarian family? No way. I'll gladly go without for one plane ride to prevent the small risk of sending a stranger for medical care. I'm really surprised the PPoster said they got peanuts on a plane recently. I thought they'd all gone to pretzels?

There are many theories on why so many peanut and other allergies today.
There was recently a study released on the treatment/"curing" with methods similar to allergy shots. I hope something works--it must be very scary for those parents of peanut-allg. kids.

I just want to thank you guys for this thread. I have not flown in years and this is new to my kids. They will probably need something to chew on during the flight.

I have a Q... I understand that you should bring a 6 oz drink per person. What is packaged in only 6 oz? It looks like most juice boxes are 6.6 oz.
Besides no drinkable liquids anything that is texture of cream cheese, peanut butter in a cup, jello, yogurt, etc is allowed.
Thanks

Those of you that are bringing drinks - are you on flights that dont provide free beverages? I never understand why anyone brings drinks on an airplane....food? yes! Drinks? No. (With the exception of formula when DC's were babies)
SW gives free drinks and you can ask for the whole can.

Just FYI about juice boxes: they ARE affected by the cabin pressure on the aircraft. It is very possible that when you insert that straw, the contents will shoot several feet because of the pressure. If you are going to open them on a plane, be sure to hold a napkin around them in case of pressure squirting.
So are jelly/salsa packets. Flying to an interview in my suit and found out the hard way.
As to peanuts, my advice to folks traveling is not so much never to bring anything peanut-related, because for most flights there is no problem. What I do tell people is never to *depend* upon being able to eat peanut products on the plane. Bring them if you want them, but bring something else as an alternative as well, in case you are asked not to open peanut products on board.

I have been on flights that state they won't be serving peanuts but never told we couldn't have them out. I do feel sorry but flying 6 hours and PBJ last.
To bad they couldn't just tell you not peanuts in the front or back of the plane. Having braces I can't eat the packs of peanuts so it doesn't matter but I do love the honey-roasted.