Avoid Airport Restaurants and Gift Shops

If you’re someone who loves snacks, you’ll definitely want to take some food along with you to the airport.  That’s because gift shops and restaurants at most airports are notoriously overpriced.  Paying $13 for a tuna sandwich or $2.50 for a can of soda is outrageous.  There might be a time in the next 20 years when these prices are reasonable, but now is not that time.  Buying best-selling books and fashion magazines is also a rip-off.  So if you’re into saving money (which is presumably why you’re exploring medical tourism in the first place), bring your snacks and reading material with you.   

Cheap Flights

Assuming that you don't mind spending $4 for a bag of chips, you might still find yourself disappointed.  There are many airports whose restaurants and gift shops close after a certain time.  Imagine having an 18-hour flight to Thailand that leaves at 2:00 in the morning.  It’s quite possible that you won’t be able to buy any types of snacks or beverages, no matter what the cost.   

If you do decide to bring food with you, just know that certain items are not permitted past the security checkpoints.  At most airports around the world, you cannot transport beverages and liquids to the gate.  Notable exceptions include certain types of medications.  Even still, you might need written permission from physicians, airport security, and other authorized personnel in order to clear your baby formula, prescription cough syrup, and other essential health-related items. 

Snacks Come in Handy on Board

Snacks are not only handy during pre-boarding, but they also prove quite useful during the actual flight. This is especially true if you have certain dietary restrictions (like peanut allergies).  For whereas many American airlines try to design their menus and meals for the masses, some international carriers have yet to follow suit.

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