AS I am going to be spending a lot more time in coach this coming year, I was wondering what people brought with them for meals, especially on the long hall transcontinental routes. I know you can buy on board, but often they run out, their selections leave a lot to be desired, and it is expensive. However, one needs to consider what you can bring through security (no liquids or gels, and I am assuming things like Mayo and Sauces count as gels), as well as how you will fit it all into your carry on assuming one is traveling without checking luggage. I don't have any ideas to add myself yet, but figured maybe I could start a thread.

So, we are looking for ideas of food one can bring with you onto the plane. Has to be able to get through security, and need to have some idea how you are going to manage this plus your bags. Let's hear them!

Please - nothing that smells! It's not pleasant to sit in a plane and smell other people's food.

Big fan of "Rise" brand protein bars. The honey almond whey one tastes good and curbs hunger very well.

I don't use them for flights, but as a mobile DJ, I'm often forced to go extended hours without eating.

My suggestion would be to have a meal before you leave home or at the airport before you depart. Purchase some protein bars and a beverage once past security for flight time snacks. Think of it as an high altitude hike and pack appropriately.

If need be, grab a bite at the airport on arrival, or when you reach your destination.

Plan around your flight, not on it, where conditions are far less than optimal for any kind of bring aboard dining.

Cheers,
Pogopossum

I usually live on a diet of different sorts of nuts. Easy to pack, never spoils and easy to eat even with 31'' pitch. Done this several days in a row interrupted by a paleo meal...

I've taken subway sandwiches through security many times. Skip the onions (because they smell), and do little condiment packets so you don't have soggy bread. I then grab a bottled drink at the gate and I'm all set.

I know this sounds funny but think about what kids can bring to school - the same stuff generally works for flights.

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. Most any airport food place will sell you a carry-on version. I try to go for stuff that carries easily and is unlikely to make a mess or be awkward to eat. That often means a burger, cold sandwich, or a small pizza. I'm also partial to the Chinese food in the segmented trays though have to be a bit careful with it not to spill and I always grab a wad of extra napkins.

If I'm leaving from home, or have a fridge in my hotel, I sometimes take stuff like store-bought pizza, bagels+cheese, or finger food ("chicken fingers") and wrap it in my wool hat (which I always travel with) to keep cool. A piece of fruit is nice. Used to carry yogurt but can't get that through security any more.

Usually I have a few nuts or one sort or another of granola bar in my bag for real emergency food.

Sushi but avoid any raw fish. I like the rolls with just cucumber. Also good for NYC-WAS Amtrak rides.

deli sandwich especially from a good NYC deli. never had a problem getting one through TSA.

+1 on the deli sandwich. If I have a domestic flight, I always stop at the Wawa near PHL, just before the parking lot where I leave my car, and get my Shorti Roast Beef for the flight!

I guess I don't get it. I can't speak to international flights, but most of my domestic USA flights are not much more than four hours, a bit more with connections. Why should anyone be even concerned about or have to plan on a meal on board?

Apologies to the OP, but why is this even a concern?

Cheers,
Pogopossum

A four hour flight inst bad. But in my case when I travel from New England and go direct, I am looking at 5 to 6 hour flights. Add in that I am an hour away from the airport, and quite frankly some airports and terminals (Ahem, PVD) kinda lack decent food options, I figure it might be an idea to take something along that I really want to eat and will break up my trip a little bit. Why not make the experience as pleasant as one can. And it seems more and more airlines are getting away from meals being offered for free on even international flights.

I do sometimes bring snacks along with me, I have tried cheese but that ends up getting all icky sitting in a bag for so long. I have always been afraid of the condiments packs, as they are technically gels. That has kinda dissuaded me from the salad approach as well (dressing). But, maybe one just has to do a little selective borrowing from the food court counters.

Cocomama is a standard in my bag along with the nuts and protein bars previously mentioned. It is quinoa cooked with coconut milk in a shelf stable pouch. Just need a plastic spoon.

Also individual serve PB with an apple or carrot sticks. Never been raised as a gel concern.

If available at airport, I will also grab the individual hummus & pretzel packs. At PVD I often grab a salad from Wolfgang Puck to go.

(1) You're based in MSP. Others are based on one coast and need to fly to the other, which is more than a four-hour flight.
(2) If I have a flight that takes off at 7 AM or some hour like that, I am not going to eat at my house at 5 AM (I need to leave around 1:45 before flight time), nor am I going to wake up half an hour early so I can eat unhealthy, overpriced airport food for breakfast. I bring fruit etc.
(3) If I have a flight that takes off at 5:30 PM and lands at 9:30, implying that I won't get to my final destination until after restaurants are already closed (not to mention I don't want to start eating dinner at 11 PM), I need to bring my dinner on the plane.

Sushi + a few minis in the Idiot Baggie.