PIE IN THE SKY AND OTHER FOODS TO TAKE ON THE PLANE

                                What would you like to take to eat on the plane? 1

Choosing carefully to follow airline security rules, you should be able to bring food items from home to eat during your flight. Time of day and length of your flight may determine whether you will need a snack or a meal, but in either case the food you bring should be healthy and easy to pack and eat. Keep it simple, but include a couple of items that will stick to your ribs. Avoid snacks with high salt or empty calories.

Here are a few possibilities. Many can be purchased prepackaged, or make your own packets. Use clear plastic zip-top snack or sandwich bags for easy security search, if it happens.

String cheese
Cheese cubes
Crackers
Hard-boiled eggs (shells removed)
Pack of nuts, your favorite type
Chunks or strips of cooked chicken breast
Baby carrots, broccoli or cauliflower florets
Grapes or any fruit that does not require peeling
Sandwiches that don't require refrigeration
Granola bars
Trail mix
Cookie for a treat

2

A small soft-sided insulated lunch container should fit easily in a carry-on bag. Pack your foods in the container, close, and store in refrigerator until time to leave for the airport. If some of your food choices can be frozen, such as grapes or chicken chunks, store in freezer until time to leave. Frozen items will double as chillers for your container and should be acceptable to airport security. By the time you are ready to eat, they should be thawed. Security officials may want to inspect your insulated container, so be prepared for this possibility

3

Security usually doesn't permit carry-on drinks, so this may be a place to splurge. Although expensive, drinks or bottled water usually are available in vending machines once you have cleared the airport's security gate.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids during a flight to avoid becoming dehydrated, so choose soft drinks without caffeine (caffeine adds to dehydration), juice if available, or bottled water. For variety, bring a single-serving powdered drink mix packet to pour into a cold bottle of water and shake.

4 

Bring your own moist towelettes, using one before eating to clean your hands. Napkins might be available from a flight attendant, but bring your own to be sure. Pack real napkins or paper towel sheets in the insulated container. If you happen to have single serving packets of salt and pepper, pack them, too.

While packing a suitcase, attach a sticky note reminder not to forget the lunch container in the refrigerator (and frozen items) as you leave for the airport.

Call your airline's customer service desk if you are uncertain about bringing foods that may not meet security guidelines.

If traveling with children, figure out how much food might be needed for each child and pack accordingly.

Travelers with dietary restrictions may find it necessary to bring their own food.

Any type of pointed knife or cutting tool (metal or plastic) is not permitted on an airline. Plan for food that can be eaten primarily with fingers.