An Oregon mom, Ali Van De Graaff, caught attention online for a clever way to handle airport food costs during a flight delay. While traveling to Mexico with her four kids, she decided to grab two pizzas from Domino’s before going back through security. With limited dining options at their small airport, she knew airport food would be expensive.
In her Instagram video, which went viral with over 13 million views, Ali shared how easy it was to bring the pizzas along. “Airport food is just so insanely expensive,” she explained. When her husband suggested the pizza run, it turned into an adventure for two of their kids while the others stayed with him.
Thanks to TSA PreCheck, they breezed through security with their pizza boxes, and even the TSA agent admired their choice. Onboard, the kids were thrilled—their first time eating pizza on a plane.
However, not everyone saw it as a great idea. Critics raised concerns about the smell of pizza bothering other passengers. Some comments on social media labeled it “rude,” while others defended it, stating that pizza isn’t the worst food to bring on board.
Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and former flight attendant, suggested that travelers should be mindful of the size of food items. “A full-size pizza box can create unnecessary inconvenience,” she noted. Nonetheless, she encouraged bringing snacks, especially since many airlines don’t provide substantial meals anymore.
Interestingly, a survey from the International Air Transport Association found 55% of travelers are now packing their own meals to save money or satisfy dietary needs. This trend is growing as airlines cut back on food services.
Ali echoed this sentiment, recalling a time when she spent $80 on only six slices of airport pizza. “If I can avoid that, I do,” she said confidently. Domino’s even chimed in, calling her pizza run “just plane delicious.”
In a world where travel expenses can quickly add up, Ali’s creative solution—not without its debates—highlights both the challenges and innovations families face while on the go.
Source link
