Easy. I am diabetic and have to pre plan. If there is a delay and I can't get proper food for my condition, i could be in serious trouble. My levels rise after a certain period of time with no food.
I carry nuts, protein bars and maybe a sandwich.

Maybe someone doesn't want to pay $10.00 for a prepackaged average sandwich during a layover or you are changing planes at your home airport (MSP) and only have 40 minutes to get across the terminal. From DTW to SNA through MSP that scenario happens frequently and if I were to have an appointment an hour after landing in Orange County it's going to be an issue.

When flying cross country, I find it harder and harder to get direct flights and with tight connections, sometimes grabbing something in the airport isn't viable so I generally end up packing myself a lunch and some snacks. There are lots of things you can pack if you are a little creative -

1. Sandwiches - these are a no brainer - pack the lettuce an tomato and condiments separate (and yes, those condiments go in the liquids bag but I always find I have room for them).
2. hummus - it goes in the baggie as well, but a small container doesn't take much room - i bring some pita bread, cucumbers, carrots, a piece of fruit and a granola bar.
3. Salads - kale, brussel sprouts and any "slaw" type salad works great - stick with an oil and vinegar dressing - I add in nuts, dried fruit, etc. etc. These will hold for a pretty long time. Pack in a small disposable plastic container. Grain salads (couscous, quinoa, etc.) and pasta salads are also good choices as they don't get soggy.For ideas, check out Whole Foods - they have a lot of these types of salads for inspiration. If you need to keep something cold, freeze grapes to use as a cold pack!
Instant soups/oatmeal that come in those cardboard containers. Sprouts and Whole Foods generally have a pretty good selection and some of them are fairly tasty. You generally can get hot water (for tea) on the plane. Just add it to the container and bring a spoon!
Individual packets of almond butter (goes in the baggie too, but those packets are pretty flat) crackers, Babybel cheese, string cheese, nuts, small tangerines/oranges and bananas are also good choices.

I travel carry on only and put my lunch/snacks in my "personal bag".

I keep one of these in a carryon, just in case:

I'm a vegan, and I can't remember the last time I relied on airplane food. Also, I can't eat any salty foods, so that eliminates virtually all of the free snacks that are provided. So, I always pack my own food. Usually I cook something myself (or make a salad with some added protein), and pack it in a plastic container with some plastic silverware. If it is my return flight home, I stop at a salad/hot bar of a natural foods store for a healthy meal. Once in a while I find healthy food at an airport, and though that is getting better, it is far from a sure thing.

Do they give you any hassle if you bring a plastic bag with a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and maybe some chips or a candy bar with you in addition to your laptop bag and roll aboard through security?

If you like this,
The instant type ramen soups
(Cup o Noodle etc)
Just ask an attendant for hot water.
Crudités work well too
Sandwiches
Nuts
Bagged snacks
Power Bars
Maybe some chicken fried or otherwise in ziplock bags
Maybe even a paper plate for sanitation issues

Never been an issue for me. When I have to fly any length of time in coach (5+ hours), I pack a sandwich or two. As others have said, avoid anything that will develop much of an odor as it may be a couple of hours before you eat them and they won't be refrigerated.

I've also taken protein bars as well.

When I take the morning ORD to LHR flight, I'll often pack a lunch because I find two salty, carb-heavy coach meals on AA leave me feeling horrible by the end of the flight. Among some of my favorites, all of which can be packed the night before:

• Poached chicken with a side container of tomato chutney (presliced)
• Baby carrots and grape tomatoes
• Sliced apples
• Mini chocolates
• Unsalted almonds, cashews or pistachios
• Pre-packaged string cheese
• Energy bars (I prefer the Zone variety, because I find them more palatable and lower in calories than many of the protein bars on the market)
• Beef or turkey jerky (watch the sodium, but can be a good option if you're worried about being able to get enough protein while on the road, however, be careful if you're crossing international borders and there are meat restrictions)

I have to ask for my own curiosity and to see if the TSA is as stupid as I think they are - do condiment packets have to be in your liquids bag?

first, i find tsa agents to be much more intellegent and courteous than the majority of FT posters. quit insulting tsa agents they got a job,and i find them doing a decent job of it.

since my door to door flight time is usually over 6 hrs,i usually bring yesterday's leftover dinner. i have never been stopped for green currys, or pad thai. or pizza or subway sandwiches.

I'm not insulting the agents, I'm insulting the asinine policies that they have to enforce.

Why bring food through security. There's enough to remember as it is, but I travel with a family with 2 small kids.

I'll purchase something at the terminal kiosk past security before boarding if I have time. The services are setup to package food to board planes usually.

Obviously, if you have lounge access, you can bring a few items from there to board the plane.

[QUOTE=MojaveFlyer;21922718]Given delays, sometimes needing to run for a connection, etc., I usually keep myself fed, and that often requires eating on board. I'm sorry for my neighbors who may smell my food and have none for themselves, but that's not really my problem.

this says it all about you....you are a .........

Sometimes I take durian as a snack. It is fulfilling and keeps the hunger away for a long time.