This Christmas was my first experience traveling while being gluten free. I had packed myself a bag of chips (Jalapeño Kettle Cooked), and set out to the airport with a lot of hope in my heart.
Surprisingly, flying cross country on Christmas Eve was not my worst decision ever. Lines were quick and people were being very nice to each other.
My worst decision regarding this trip was not bringing anything more than chips, because there is almost nothing to eat at the airport for a gluten free jetsetter like myself. The Starbucks in the terminal did not carry the normal arrangement of prepackaged Starbucks brand snack kits, instead both the front load fridge and a second side fridge were filled with sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups, and yogurt cups that already had the granola on top which I didn't trust.
Continuing to wander the terminal, I noted that none of the miniature restaurants appeared to offer any gluten free options. If you're on a layover in PHX, expect to find very little to eat besides snack foods and the random banana I got at Starbucks. Yes you can buy chips and candy at the small convenience store, but unfortunately meals will be scarce in the airport. Most of the restaurants in the airport are sports bar/grill types and those have few gluten free options besides salads.
We are so done with salads though aren't we?
Once on the flight, Southwest offers you a choice between peanuts or pretzels. Obviously we can't have the pretzels, but further investigation shows that their honey roasted peanuts contain wheat starch (but hey they're kosher!). Yet another easy snack option foiled. The flight attendants were not sympathetic; I received a very nasty look when I handed them back and said I couldn't have wheat. I think this is because the flight attendants are exhausted this time of year.
I ended up eating 75% of my chips, a banana, and a grande Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks. Lovely snacks but I was highly disappointed with my options.
Airports allow you to fly with one carryon and one personal bag; they do not count outside food or your coat. Based on my terrible foraging results, I would suggest that gluten free fliers bring a small meal and a few snacks to ensure that you have something to eat while traveling, or eat a good amount before leaving home. (No liquids!)
Happy holidays!
Love,
The GF GF
Surprisingly, flying cross country on Christmas Eve was not my worst decision ever. Lines were quick and people were being very nice to each other.
My worst decision regarding this trip was not bringing anything more than chips, because there is almost nothing to eat at the airport for a gluten free jetsetter like myself. The Starbucks in the terminal did not carry the normal arrangement of prepackaged Starbucks brand snack kits, instead both the front load fridge and a second side fridge were filled with sandwiches, wraps, fruit cups, and yogurt cups that already had the granola on top which I didn't trust.
Continuing to wander the terminal, I noted that none of the miniature restaurants appeared to offer any gluten free options. If you're on a layover in PHX, expect to find very little to eat besides snack foods and the random banana I got at Starbucks. Yes you can buy chips and candy at the small convenience store, but unfortunately meals will be scarce in the airport. Most of the restaurants in the airport are sports bar/grill types and those have few gluten free options besides salads.
We are so done with salads though aren't we?
Once on the flight, Southwest offers you a choice between peanuts or pretzels. Obviously we can't have the pretzels, but further investigation shows that their honey roasted peanuts contain wheat starch (but hey they're kosher!). Yet another easy snack option foiled. The flight attendants were not sympathetic; I received a very nasty look when I handed them back and said I couldn't have wheat. I think this is because the flight attendants are exhausted this time of year.
I ended up eating 75% of my chips, a banana, and a grande Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks. Lovely snacks but I was highly disappointed with my options.
Airports allow you to fly with one carryon and one personal bag; they do not count outside food or your coat. Based on my terrible foraging results, I would suggest that gluten free fliers bring a small meal and a few snacks to ensure that you have something to eat while traveling, or eat a good amount before leaving home. (No liquids!)
Happy holidays!
Love,
The GF GF