The Nigerian Guide to Surviving Airplane Food

If you’re Kweku The Traveller, then you already have some ways you handle and survive airplane food. But if it’s your first time taking a flight or traveling abroad, then heads up because the food can come with some disappointment.

From seeing some meals you’ve never heard of before to those dishes you know tasting entirely different from what you had in mind, there’s always something weird going on. Also, your typical portion of food at home would be very different from a portion of airplane food. You’ll not be getting that massive plate of jollof rice you usually get at home.

This guide will help you secure your stomach so you don’t go hungry on your first flight or that long international flight.

Let’s get right into it.

Some Reasons Why Airplane Food Might Feel Off To You 

Firstly, Your food onboard will not be not freshly cooked like your typical homemade dish. Airplane food is mostly cooked before takeoff and is prepared for a large number of passengers. Keep in mind that the food is refrigerated and later reheated before serving, so this tends to affect the taste a little bit. 

Secondly, research has shown that when you’re in the sky, some things tend to be different, like your sense of smell, and taste buds not acting the same way it does when you’re sitting at the dining table, or in your room, watching your favorite TV/Netflix show while eating.

Lastly, and as mentioned earlier, airplane food is prepared for a large number of passengers, so to please everybody, the food is often not too spicy in terms of pepper, seasoning, and that unique homemade taste you love. 

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How To Survive The Long Flight

While the food served might feel off to you, there are still ways for you to enjoy your flight without starving or worrying much about what to eat. Here are a few survival tips for you.

Bring Your Own Food and Snacks 

Now that you know what to expect when you get onboard, so as not to be stranded, and if the airline you’re boarding allows it. 

The best choice is to bring that homemade dish the way you love it onboard, or you can take some sweet snacks like chinchin, groundnut, cashew nut or your favorite biscuits or crackers with you. 

Don’t forget that juice you love, it’ll come in handy later. 

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Drink Water and Stay Calm

When you’re onboard, the air can get really dry and therefore make you dehydrated. Water is an absolutely good choice if you’re strong enough to survive on it all through your flight.

Water is tasteless and odorless, so you don’t have to worry about the change in sense of taste and smell when in the air. A little water here and a little sleep there, you’re good to go. 

Eat Smart 

Non-perishable food or snacks are better for long flights as there’s less chance of it affecting your stomach.

But with the Federal Government mandating outbound flights to patronize local caterers, you might get some local dishes onboard, don’t put all your hope on it yet until you “taste and see that the food is good”.

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Maybe you’ve seen a new dish you’d love to try out onboard, or you brought your homemade dish along with you. Remember to eat smart, if it tastes good, do not stuff yourself up with it so you don’t end up with stomach upset or spend half of your trip in the toilet.

Now that you know what to expect onboard, it’ll be best to plan and prepare well, so you don’t end up hungry during your flight. A bonus tip is, you can eat your favorite food to your satisfaction the day before your flight. Remember to relieve yourself before the flight.

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