Foodless Flights: The End of the Airline Meal

Rick says he almost passed out on his fight from Los Angeles to Chicago when he realized how expensive it was to purchase crackers on board his U.S. Airways flight. "I couldn't believe it: seven dollars for a meal, if that's what you can call it."

The day of the free in-flight meal is only a recent memory and it isn't likely to return according to industry experts. Many would say you're probably better off; at least gastronomically speaking. However, for others it was a convenient way not to have to worry about one more thing to pack.

There was a time when competition for passengers between the airlines and railroads resulted in a head-to-head match up, so food became one of the deciding factors. When Congress deregulated the airline industry in 1978, Southwest Airlines lead the way with no-frills flights demonstrating that customers preferred low ticket prices without food.

Now with the dramatic rising cost of doing business, airlines have seen fit to jump on the bandwagon and sell even the smallest perks for a profit.

According to the DietDetective.com November 2007 Annual Airline Snacking and Onboard Food Survey the airline food offering the best overall nutritional value comes from United Airlines. In second place is Continental. Midwest Airlines comes in third. And JetBlue, American and US Airways follow in fourth. Finally, Northwest and Southwest round out the top five spots.

So what should you do to avoid over-processed, heavily salted or sugared snacks that can leave you feeling bloated or drained? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Remember the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not allow you to bring drinks past the check in points; however, you can bring food from home. Naturally, you can also purchase your liquid refreshment after you pass the security point.

• Bring food that is resilient. That is, it can hold up for a few hours - depending on the length of your flight -- without refrigeration. Sliced apples or a banana might be great; yogurt not so much.

• Barry White may have "Staying Power," but so should your food. That means you might want to stay away from snacks loaded with sugar. They can leave you feeling hungry quicker. Nuts, beef jerky, even a peanut butter or meat and cheese sandwich can be filling for a longer period of time.

• Stay hydrated. You can still get water on the plane - though some airlines have hinted they may start charging for this item. Unfortunately since you can't bring your own from home, you just may be stuck paying high airport prices.

• Order in advance. You may or may not be aware of this, but most airlines have a separate menu for people on special diets. They can be costly; however, they are infinitely better. These include vegetarian and diabetic meals.

The important thing is to consider your comfort. Bring something easy to carry and eat. And don't forget that you are in a confined area with several other people, so keep the smell factor to a minimum. Have a great foodless flight!

And if you have any other suggestions about the best way of making a foodless flight more enjoyable, please share.