A Warm Meal
 

Since were no longer getting meals on flights, what would happen if I brought on a self-heating meal from www.heatermeals.com? I tried one on a whim for deer hunting, and they work great. 14 minutes and a warm meal!

I think that is a great idea!

correct me if i'm wrong but isn't the mg/fe reaction in the food pouch a redox reaction? And if so, wouldn't it fall under a class 5 IATA dangerous goods category?

Good luck trying to get that thing on a flight.

The product web site claims that people have brought them on to airplanes (based on a single customer comment), although no other details are provided. They do have a toll free number, so it's easy enough to get more info.


------------------
Michael Steinberg
Editor
BizTrip
http://www.biztrip.com

The MRE heater uses the same technology as the Heatermeal. The MRE heater releases hydrogen gas and lots of steam; not desirable characteristics in an enclosed space like an airliner.

I've never had or seen a heatermeal but I've had a few MREs. My guess is that activating an MRE heater might cause an alarm and possibly some quick and decisive action like and emergency landing!

Further, many of the troops know how to make a bomb or a reasonable facsimilie out of the heater!

Not a good idea for inflight meals IMHO.

Jim

d'you think it's the same type of reaction? My impression is that it's a chemical reaction between some sort of Magnesium salt and Ferrous solution (once you add water)? But what do I know... it's all freshman chemistry from over 10 years ago!

However, if it is a redox reaction, I wouldn't want that on my plane!

All their web page says is:

"The patented environmentally friendly, water-activated food heater is made of food-grade iron and magnesium, like
the over 200 million food heaters we have made for the U.S. Army since 1990."

You add salt water to this.
I ordered a variety pack of 6 in any case, this is clever enough that I gotta try it!

I sent AA an e-mail asking them about their policies regarding this product.

It will be interesting to see their reply...

Edited to add:

Found this on the DOD wedbsite (No)

http://www.ddc.dla.mil/Programs/pop/announcements.htm



[This message has been edited by birdstrike (edited 12-11-2002).]

The first and last posting on the DoD page you referenced would seem to make it very clear that these items should NOT be used on commercial aircraft, at least by a passenger at their seat.