Don't Get Fat While Waiting for Your Flight

Feb. 3, 2008 Special to ABCNEWS.com — -- While waiting for a flight recently at Reagan National Airport, Katherine Tallmadge found herself checking out pre-packaged nut mixes, which are loaded with healthy fats but can contain as much as 1,200 calories per bag. The registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association knew that boredom was driving her impulse to eat, but she still struggled to resist temptation.

"I had to shake myself out of it," says Tallmadge, who is also the author of Diet Simple: Shed Pounds Without Even Trying.

Adding to fliers' airport boredom--and likely poor food choices--is the growing percentage of delayed flights. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, delays have been increasing since 2004. Then 16.1 percent of U.S. flights were delayed; in 2005 it was 17.4 percent; 2006 was 19.6 percent; and 2007 was 20.5 percent.

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Fliers also have fewer choices on board: Many major airlines have stopped serving free meals and have instead replaced them with pre-packaged, nutrient-deficient snacks. What's more, travelers face the daunting challenge of navigating outlets offering calorie-dense comfort food that dot terminals nationwide.

It is possible, however, to adopt a healthy approach at the airport. Airport management companies have taken note of a growing consumer demand for fresh and nutritious menu options. Heeding customer preferences can be especially lucrative in the airport concession market. According to the Airport Revenue News 2007 Fact Book, fliers spent $3.2 billion on food and beverages in 2006. Management companies are also increasingly catering to business travelers who expense meals and want gourmet, brand name experiences. With the variety now available at most airports nationwide, even the most harried traveler can satiate his or her appetite without going for the double-cheese hamburger.

Many airport food courts have a decided advantage over the customer: A choice must be made from a small selection. The options improve at a major airport like Chicago O'Hare, which features eateries ranging from Panda Express to Starbucks to Goose Island Beer, but small-