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We did a piece on what we pack that has been widely viewed and posted elsewhere. Hope it is useful to others:
http://beatofhawaii.com/how-to-eat-well-at-30000-feet/
Aloha Rick.
Jeff
I can tell you what I wouldn’t bring onboard: meat or beans. A pressurized cabin will make you feel heavy, bloated, and gassy if you eat meat or beans (ironically, it’s hard to avoid the meat choice onboard).
My ideal airplane meal would be sliced mellon, potato fries with vinegar and curry powder, and honey-roasted carrots, all thrown into the same tupperware container. Yeah!
1. fresh fruits like bananas and pomelo
2. few different muesli bars
3. indian paratha (stuffed with potato or chicken)
4. tea packets
In Europe many airlines do not allow passengers to bring own food on the plane except for baby food. Only food on sale aboard is allowed to be consumed. Usually hygienic reasons quoted as excuse for prohibit passengers bringing own food. (I guess an apple and candybar will pass).
Since lots of us need to slim (not that I was thinking of the US particularly!) – maybe the answer is just buy an (expensive) bottle of water once you are airside of the ridiculous security “liquids inquisition” and do without the food altogether. For flight times up to a couple of hours or so that should not be a problem for most of us!
The length of the flight guides what I pack.
Short Hauls – Popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, cookies
Long Hauls – Same as above but I also pack sandwiches (egg salad, egg omlet) and yogurts. I take an insulated lunch bag to keep the sandwich and yogurt cold. at Pearson Interntional Airport (Toronto) security checks for fresh fruit in bags.
I throw a peanut butter sandwich in my bag. No refrigeration required, cut in quarters it’s easy to eat and it’s comfort food. The airline can provide the milk.
Fresh fruit, bread rolls, cheese, and dark chocolate.
I make a “plane picnic”. It starts with a red checkered table cloth (really just a cloth napkin), add olives, salami, hard cheeses, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, french bread, and any other antipasta ingredient you love. Then place your wine glass (they make plastic ones that will serve the purpose) at the corner of the display and wait to order your $5 individual bottle of wine. It changes the whole “coach” experience.
Trail mix and power bars. Simple, neat and complete!
I bring a hoagie (sub sandwich), big bag of chips, and some chocolate chip cookies!!
I like strips of red and orange bell peppers. Usually I also bring a ham sandwich.
I don’t know how you all are bringing food. They don’t allow it anymore, unless it is bought AT the airport. I have had numerous items thrown away.
I WOULD MAKE A MIX OF DIFFERENT CEREALS & DRIED FRUITS LIKE I DO AT HOME. THAT CAN HOLD YOU OVER UNTIL YOU GET TO WHERE YOUR GOING. HAVE FUN EVERY ONE!!!!!
Cheese, baguette, salumi, nuts, dried fruit, fresh fruit, cookies
When travels take me through MEM I have to bring on board some of the great BBQ! I wish people would eat their Burger King before getting on the plane. The smell travels like a bad disease. Until the NW/DL merger is complete I have to stop for a bottle or two of Coca Cola as NW only serves South Carolina sugar water.
I fly most frequently to & from Mexico, & the heat factor dictates what I bring.
I have found these things hold up well for carry-on food when flying:
Peanut butter (low-fat) & jelly (sugar-free) sandwiches
Apples
Kashi energy bars
M&Ms
Nuts
I also bring an empty water bottle & fill it up at the water fountain (in USA) when I pass security, as I am tired of buying a new bottle of water with every flight connection!
On several flights I’ve taken an EMPTY water bottle in my carry-on through security. Once beyond security, I just fill it from a water fountain. Beats paying terminal prices.
I understand the caution about bringing food. A large jar of boutique jam, parmesan dipping oil, and pesto sauce I was bringing back from a CA winery was nearly discarded. The regulations say you may bring “food” aboard, but they look askance if your food is “watery”. Best defense?? Be friendly, understanding of the TSAs situation, and say you thought food was exempted and that you’re very sorry (you can point out it’s for gifts, expensive, etc.) and they (grudgingly) may let you through “this time”. I’ve never had any trouble with a sandwich in a purse (or computer carryon). Actually, I think they’re super-bored and just looking for something to justify their existence. Once they’ve discovered something and made their observation, it gives their job temporary meaning. I mean, can you imagine doing that day after day?
OK–real suggestions. I like to bring real croissants (put them in a ziploc) plus whatever I want to put on them in a separate ziploc bag (usually ham and swiss–but chicken breast is good too) along with a few packets of mustard and mayo swiped from a local fast food place (did I say that?). Put ‘em together on the plane. I can’t wait for the plane to take off and the drinks to start. I really agree with the dark chocolate and sharp cheese (solid cheddar and parmesan top my list) along with some red wine. It’s just too bad I can’t bring what I like because that red wine on the airlines is absolute swill. Smart idea about bringing an empty water bottle and filling it after the inquisition.
Hate to bring this up, but is the fountain water sanitary?