When to get lunch/a snack on this trip?

Question

In a few weeks I will be flying from DC to Buffalo, and then have a 2 hour drive to where I will be meeting up with my family on vacation. This trip will have me leaving the airport in DC around 10am and arriving at my final destination around 2pm if there are no delays. 

Given the nature of the logistics, my lunch options are a) to bring food with me from DC, b) pick something up in the Regan airport prior to the flight, c) pick up something in the Buffalo airport (there's no option to stop somewhere outside the airport). 

Getting from my apartment to the Regan airport in DC in July combined with the flight I think will be harsh on a meal I bring from home (though I am planning on bringing a few snacks). I'm not necessarily sure if there's any food available in the Regan airport that's necessarily worth getting compared to what I can find in the Buffalo airport (i.e. there's no Prete a Manger in Regan). None of the airport dine-in options in Buffalo will really be an option for me either. 

Whatever decision I make, this will clearly not be the best meal of my life and that's ok. But any thoughts on what option would be preferable I'd appreciated.

Answer

I'm not sure why picking up something in Buffalo outside the airport isn't an option: there's a Hortons on practically every street corner. The Buffalo airport used to have a place that served passable beef on weck, but that went away in the last remodel. The Anchor Bar has an outlet in the airport (though their food does tend to be messy) and there's a small food court tucked away near the lower numbered gates that has some adequate sandwiches, small pizzas and similar.

Answer

Buy something at the Buffalo airport. I'm sure there won't be anything mind-blowing but (a) that is also true of DCA and (b) the timing will be better for lunch.

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Four hours without food can be harsh.

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I would eat before you go . Chill , and have a cocktail in the airport bar with a snack before departing. Sounds like your on vacation . Cheers .

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Look at what terminal you're leaving from then check the Regan airport website for something that appeals. Pick up something for the plane.

Answer

Taking food on a plane can be tricky because of safety regulations about liquids, etc., but it can be done. I have traveled with a little dry meal pack that included a can of sardines, some crackers, dried fruit and a packet or two of dried soup (like chicken noodle or tomato) from Campbell's that can be rehydrated with hot water from the waitstaff on the plane. Knorr-Swiss chicken/tomato cubes are also quite tasty and can help to tide you over. It is a good idea to check well ahead of time with the airline to see what you can carry. Of course a few pieces of hard candy are always handy. There are also peanut butter and cracker kits and even those pre-packed kid's meals available at the grocery. Not great cuisine but it will get you through. If the airline will not let you carry a good old ham and cheese sandwich and an apple maybe some of these things would work.

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I would probably bring something from home that will be fine for a few hours at room temp. A muffaletta sandwich or something along those lines springs to mind. Wrap it well and it will be delicious on that car trip.

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Reagan's offerings:
http://reaganfoodandshops.com/directory/categories/6-eateries

Buffalo's offerings:
http://www.buffaloairport.com/Guide/Shops.aspx

I'm betting that the DC options will be more appealing, even after a ride in the overhead. Some nice sandwiches offered.
===

And that said, I totally don't get why some people here need to be snarky, or insist on offering suggestions clearly not available per an OP. The OP is looking for helpful suggestions/perhaps people with experience at these airports.

Of course she could wait a few hours to eat. Of course she could pack a lunch. But isn't this a foodie/foodist/chowhound site? Doesn't a snack make things more enjoyable? Doesn't a tasty bite help reduce stress?

Answer

I'd make a couple of sandwiches at home. If you like soggy things like tomatoes slice those and put them in a separate plastic bag. TSA is all over liquids and gels but I've never seen a problem with something clearly food like a tomato.

Answer

If you can think of food as just fuel for this day pack a PBJ, some gorp or dried fruit and call it day. Sandwiches like that travel well. Step it up with almond or cashew butter and some fancy jam on "good" bread. Worried that your seat mate is allergic? Make it sun butter or soy butter.

Answer

I don't see what's so complicated. There are sandwiches everywhere. Bagels with cream cheese. Pre-packed salads. Energy bars. Airports specialize in these things...

Answer

I'm thinking make a pb and j the night before on hearty bread and freeze it. Bring with and it will have defrosted by the time you want it. 
If you get lucky and find something tempting for lunch in the airport then just have part of the pb and j as a snack and save your non perishable snacks for another day.
But if airport selections are lousy then you're ok too. 

Ever since my epic unexpected seven hour layover incident i overpack non-perishable snacks that i keep for another day if /when I don't need them. Instant oatmeal packet (get free hot water from coffee vendor), trail mix, snack sized protein bar, etc, usually an apple and baggie of baby carrots too. 
And an Empty plastic water bottle

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off topic but are you having stops because when I flew that route recently it didn't even take half that!

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Are you quite certain that you'll be able to eat in the car which is picking you up at Buffalo?
If you are not, then I'd recommend purchasing something at Regan, which you can eat on the plane. Bring your own sealing container, napkin and cutlery. I had trouble on one flight, when a very nice, fresh, healthy wrap leaked out of the disposable paper box provided by the deli. My traveling companions might laugh at me, but I pack a sandwich container, cloth napkins, chopsticks, and bamboo spork into a ziplock bag in my cabin baggage.

Answer

I'd pick the ones from Duchess Nukem's link you like and call a few days ahead and see if you can pre-pay an order to be waiting at the gate so you don't have to juggle it through security as well. 

as in so many aspects of life: if you have this problem, so do others and a smart business sees that as an opportunity to make a buck. me, I'd be calling Taylor Gourmet, Legal Seafood and Matsutake.

Answer

I'll leave aside consideration of any of the advice you've already received and simply explain what I'd do in your shoes:

* The day before, procure some cured meat, a piece of cheese, and a little dried fruit. Whatever combination I happen to be fancying at the time (cappicolla, a triple creme, and figs sound good at present). 

* The morning of, stop on the way to the airport and grab the best loaf of bread/roll I could get to without significant trouble. Maybe grab a cup of coffee (for now) and a plastic spoon (for later).

* Eat wherever and whenever the pangs strike (except, perhaps, while boarding). More than once is not out of the question.

* Enjoy my vacation with family to the best of my ability without my first words to them being, "I'm starving. Whaddaya got to eat?"

Answer

I'd go to Potbelly and get a sandwich or wrap for the plane (they even have steel cut oatmeal if you want breakfast). I need something to break up the boredom of a flight, plus I always find myself w/ too much time between check in and the flight. The way they can package it, if you don't eat it on the flight, at least you can eat in Buffalo. The other thing I'd consider is see what food they are selling on the flight. That way, you can wing it, eat if you need, or wait until Buffalo.

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When to get lunch/a snack on this trip?

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