At first glance, Salt & Straw, the beloved artisanal ice cream brand, and flying might seem like two concepts with little in common. One is known for its rich, creamy, and uniquely flavored ice creams served in cozy scoop shops or sold as pints in stores. The other is about traveling through the skies in large metal tubes at high altitudes. However, upon closer inspection, there are some fascinating connections between the two that involve everything from in – flight dining experiences to the challenges of transporting frozen treats across long distances.
Salt & Straw in the Sky: The Alaska Airlines Partnership
The Birth of a High – Altitude Treat
In 2018, Salt & Straw embarked on an exciting partnership with Alaska Airlines that brought their delicious ice cream to the skies. This collaboration was a result of Alaska Airlines’ initiative to upgrade its first – class menu, focusing on west – coast – inspired foods. Salt & Straw, with its reputation for innovative flavors and high – quality ingredients, was a perfect fit.
The process of getting Salt & Straw ice cream on flights was no easy feat. Salt & Straw’s head ice cream maker, Tyler Malek, met with Alaska Airlines’ food and beverage team. They discussed the goals of the new menu and how Salt & Straw’s offerings could enhance the in – flight dining experience. Malek then worked closely with Alaska Airlines’ R&D team to select the ideal flavors for air travel. It’s a known fact that when people fly, their palates are dulled, and they often crave salty and acidic foods. Taking this into account, Malek chose flavors that would still be distinct and enjoyable at 35,000 feet.
The First – Class Flavor Selection
For the initial roll – out, Salt & Straw offered two flavors of single – serve ice cream in first class on summer flights between the west coast and east coast, as well as flights to Hawaii. These flavors included the classic Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons with fleur de sel, which combined the rich, sweet caramel with the savory kick of sea salt. The other flavor was Meyer Lemon Custard with Blueberries, a bright and tangy option that provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the caramel – salt flavor. As the summer progressed, new flavors were introduced, keeping the in – flight dessert options exciting.
Meeting the Challenges of In – Flight Service
One of the biggest challenges was developing a new supply chain and distribution process to ensure the ice cream reached the Alaska Airlines kitchens, made it aboard the aircraft, and remained frozen during the flight. The magic behind this was dry ice. Every passenger is allowed to fly with five pounds of dry ice (it’s crucial to confirm with your specific airline first, though 99 percent of TSA agents might not be aware of this rule). Salt & Straw utilized dry ice to keep the ice cream frozen during transportation. When handling dry ice, proper precautions, such as using gloves, are essential.
Another aspect was creating individual packages that could fit on Alaska Airlines’ airplanes. Once Salt & Straw came up with the right packaging, Alaska Airlines’ team knew it was the right time to add the product to its new first – class summer menu. This partnership not only provided a unique treat for passengers but also helped Salt & Straw expand its brand reach beyond its traditional brick – and – mortar locations and grocery store shelves.
Traveling with Salt & Straw: Taking Your Favorite Pints on the Go
Preparing for a Road Trip or Flight with Ice Cream
If you’re a die – hard Salt & Straw fan and want to bring your favorite pints with you on a trip, whether it’s a road – tripping for a couple of hours or flying across the country, it’s entirely possible. However, there are some important steps to follow.
First, you’ll need two essential items: a cooler and dry ice. Regular ice won’t do the trick because it’s made from freezing water, while dry ice is made by compressing CO₂ (carbon dioxide gas) using very high pressures. Regular ice stays frozen at 32º or colder, but cream, which has sugar, stays frozen at 5 º. As regular ice melts, the water it produces can actually heat up the ice cream, causing it to melt.
Find a cooler that’s about the size of your pints. If the cooler is too big, you can stuff it with crumpled newspaper as an insulator. A plastic cooler is a good choice, but styrofoam ones also work well and are often available at grocery stores, usually on top of the freezer sections.
Timing is crucial when it comes to purchasing dry ice. Since dry ice starts disappearing as it dissipates, you don’t want to buy it too early. It’s typically sold in five – or 10 – pound blocks. A five – pound block usually lasts for 24 hours, and a 10 – pound block lasts for 48 hours. If you’re flying, for example, and you pack your cooler with 10 pounds of dry ice the night before, by the time you head to the airport the next day, it will have dissipated to about five pounds.
Specifics for Flying with Salt & Straw
When flying with your Salt & Straw pints, make sure your ice cream is frozen solid. Don’t temper it in advance; it should come straight from the freezer when you pack it. Always pack the dry ice on top of your pints because heat rises, and cooling descends. Dry ice will freeze whatever it’s next to solid, so positioning it correctly ensures your ice cream stays frozen.
As mentioned earlier, you can fly with up to five pounds of dry ice, whether in your carry – on or checked luggage (again, confirm with your airline). Getting through security with dry ice can be a bit tricky as TSA agents might be suspicious, but if you cite the five – pound rule, you should be okay. If you’re checking your cooler, it can be helpful to mention that it’s Salt & Straw ice cream to the attendant; they might even give you a friendly response.
Considerations for Road – Tripping with Ice Cream
If you’re road – tripping with your Salt & Straw pints, there’s no legal limit to how much dry ice you can pack. However, you need to be aware that as the dry ice dissipates, it releases CO₂ gas. This can be dangerous if you’re in a closed – in space like a car. To mitigate this risk, crack your back windows about an inch to allow the gas to escape. If you’re parking for an extended period, it’s a good idea to put the dry ice on the roof of your car to keep the gas away from the interior.
The Significance of These Connections
For Salt & Straw
The partnership with Alaska Airlines and the ability for customers to travel with their ice cream have significantly enhanced Salt & Straw’s brand image. It has allowed the company to reach a new audience of travelers who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to try their products. This exposure has helped Salt & Straw grow its customer base and increase brand awareness on a national and even international level.
Moreover, the challenge of getting ice cream to fly – friendly standards and creating travel – ready packaging has pushed the company to innovate in its production and distribution processes. This innovation can potentially lead to improvements in other areas of the business, such as better – preserved products in grocery stores and more efficient delivery methods.
For Travelers
For travelers, having Salt & Straw available on flights adds a touch of luxury and indulgence to the in – flight experience. It provides a break from the usual in – flight snacks and desserts and offers a taste of a beloved artisanal brand. And being able to bring Salt & Straw pints on a trip means that you can enjoy your favorite flavors even when you’re away from home, whether you’re sharing them with friends and family at your destination or simply treating yourself during the journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Salt & Straw and flying may seem like an unlikely pair, their connections are both practical and exciting. The Alaska Airlines partnership has brought the joy of Salt & Straw’s ice cream to the skies, enhancing the in – flight dining experience for passengers. And the ability for customers to travel with their favorite pints, though it requires some careful planning, allows for the enjoyment of these delicious treats in new locations. These connections not only benefit Salt & Straw in terms of brand expansion and innovation but also offer travelers a unique and delightful addition to their journeys. Whether you’re savoring a scoop of Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons at 35,000 feet or packing a pint of your favorite flavor for a road – trip adventure, Salt & Straw has found its way to be a part of the flying and travel experience.
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