An Oregon family’s recent decision to bring pizza onto an airplane has ignited a vigorous discussion online regarding airport meal expenses and etiquette. Ali Van De Graaff, a mother of four, took to social media to share her experience after her family faced a flight delay at Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport.
Family of 6 Tackles Expensive Airport Food
During their recent trip to Mexico, the Van De Graaff family encountered a delay that left them with limited food options at the small airport. Ali, along with her husband Nathan, and their four children—two sets of twins aged 11 and 6—opted for a creative solution to combat inflated airport food prices.
Innovative Approach to Airport Dining
After learning about the delay, Nathan suggested using a delivery app to order two pizzas from Domino’s. The couple quickly placed the order and tracked their delivery to the airport gate.
- Smart use of delivery app to order food.
- With TSA PreCheck, they found re-entering security a breeze.
After picking up their pizzas outside the airport, they successfully brought them through security. A TSA agent even complimented their “genius” move.
Reactions to the Pizza Incident
The decision to bring pizza onboard, however, sparked a heated debate online. Some praised the family’s resourcefulness, calling it a brilliant parenting hack. Others criticized the move, expressing concerns about the smell of pizza bothering fellow passengers.
Expert Opinions on Food Etiquette
Flight attendants and etiquette experts also weighed in on the situation. Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette consultant and former flight attendant, noted that while bringing food is sometimes necessary, passengers should be mindful of the size and smell of their food. She recommended choosing less odorous snacks that are easier to manage on a plane.
- Consider compact and low-odor foods.
- Plan for disposing of food items responsibly.
Van De Graaff defended her choices, stating she paid significantly less for the pizzas compared to the exorbitant prices at the airport. On her return trip, she faced a harsh reminder of high airport prices, as six slices of pizza cost nearly $80.
Conclusion
The Van De Graaff family’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges many travelers face regarding airport food costs. As they demonstrated, with a little creativity, families can find budget-friendly solutions, even amidst varying opinions on etiquette. Nevertheless, the conversation surrounding what food is acceptable onboard continues to evolve.
