With the same knack for writing and cooking as the late Anthony Bourdain, Samin Nosrat can compose a sentence just as delectable as one of her dishes. Her background proves it: she trained under chef Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, worked with food writer Michael Pollan, and wrote a column for The New York Times Magazine. So it was no surprise—least of all to Waters or Pollan (the former calling her “America’s next great cooking teacher”)—when Nosrat became a best-selling author with her James Beard Award–winning, 480-page cookbook, Salt Fat Acid Heat. Its eponymous Netflix docuseries soon made her a household name. Now she’s back with a highly anticipated follow-up, Good Things. To celebrate its publication, the chef details how she lives well at cruising altitude.
What do you wear to the airport?
Comfort is king on my travel days. I tend to get cold on planes, so I’m adamant about wearing layers.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
I’m a fan of a big buffer, allowing myself not to be in a rush. Airport snack runs are vital to me!
Check bags, or carry-on only?
Usually check because of all of the curly-hair products and hair dryer.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
Snacks, a good book, and a Bluetooth adapter so I can watch movies using my own headphones.
TSA PreCheck, or regular?
PreCheck!
What do you buy in the airport terminal?
I love a good terminal that has actual stores, like Muji. I might not buy anything, but it’s fun for browsing.
What do you do while waiting to board?
I might be scrolling for something giggle-worthy, or checking in with friends.
Item you can’t fly without?
My Rachel Comey sweatshirt is a go-to throw-on for flights. It’s very cozy. And I still feel put-together wearing it.
First class or coach?
Delta One for long-haul flights.
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
Who chooses the middle seat? Window for short flights; aisle for long.
How do you pass time in the plane?
If I can, I love to spend flights reading or writing. It’s a brief pocket of time where I’m alone and focused.
Do you buy Wi-Fi?
I do—but only when I have to get some work done. Ideally, I’m able to put in some hours writing.
Do you eat plane food?
While it is frankly miraculous that we can prepare food at 30,000 feet in the air, I can’t say [plane food] is my favorite food. I do love a Biscoff cookie, though!
Best drink to get on a flight?
Just water. It’s so easy to get dehydrated on a flight!
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
It’s important to me to say a quick hello to whomever I’m sitting next to—just a brief interaction to kind of acknowledge that we’re about to spend however many hours in very close quarters!
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
Shoes on! And comfy socks are non-negotiable.
What do you do when turbulence hits?
Put on noise-canceling headphones and a movie.
Worst part of the flight?
Boarding.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
Check in on my dog, Fava, back at home. I usually ask whoever is watching her for daily photo updates, to lift my spirits while I’m away.
Advice for travelers?
Be adventurous with your fruit! There are such delicious varieties of fruit around the world that you can’t try at home.
