Bringing food items on the airplane with you

[rbalcom]

Does anybody do this? I'm thinking about snacks that might be cheaper here like trail mix etc. Also we are going over Easter and I want to bring some treats for the kids for Easter Sunday. MY son is diabetic and we've always carried juice and soime snacks with us but I'm thinking of bringing a bit more in our luggage this time. This is also our first time travelling with no food service on board. I'm not even sure if you can purchase meals. (travelling AirCanada) Can we bring along something from Subway for example? My son has to keep to pretty regular meal times and I don't want to take chances with what might be available on board. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Northstar]

Yes, we always picnic on planes now that you have to buy any real food! Most flights DO offer a snack and beverage (non-alcoholic) for free (um...well, "included" in your fare, anyway) but it's nice to know what kind of food, and how much food, you'll get. I usually board with a half a Grande Starbucks that was too hot for me to drink (I always forget about that!) and no one has ever blinked an eye.

The one thing to watch out for... preclearance for customs! You can't take fruit or beef onto the flight into the US because you have to clear customs BEFORE the flight, in Canada, and boy those folks in the preclearance area in Toronto are strict about confiscating your precious healthy snacks. I can't speak for any other preclearance facilities. So stick to packaged items with no fruit or beef.

 

[mickeywho?]

Also - watch out for snacks that contain peanuts. There may be a passenger on your flight with an allergy - most airlines have now removed peanuts from their snack roster.

 

[polly p]

We always bring snacks. I put them in the kids carry ons. I put them in ziploc bags and usually also bring bottled water.

 

[alohamom]

I have always brought my own stuff because I love fruit and veggies, things like apples and carrots. I have had citrus fruit taken away from me so I no longer bring oranges. I always try to make banana muffins as my kids love them. They actually pack ok into a rubbermaid type container and travel well that way. Just an fyi regarding Subway: on one flight I was on, a guy across the aisle from me was eating a large sub and everyone around him could smell it. I don't know if it was the sauce of what but it was really smelly and made everyone else sick. Have a great trip.

 

[cslittle999]

I always have snacks with me when I travel. I even pack enough in my luggage for the trip home.

I would avoid trail mix just because it can get messy and is easy to spill. Snack bars are easier to deal with. You might get hassled by customs about fruit and meat products.

Bringing your own drinks will also make the trip easier. No matter how good the service you still have to wait. Something that closes is better than a drink box because you might have to stuff it in the seat back if you hit turbulence.

The only issue with larger meals is where to put them until your ready to eat. I agree with other posters that you should be polite and not bring something that smells.

 

[SplashMom]

We always bring snacks as well because both our kids are diabetic. The other posters are correct--as long as you avoid fresh fruit and meat there should be no problem. We have found that items such as Vector bars (high in protein) are good to have in a pinch, and of course juice boxes. My kids also like dry cereal so I usually buy some of the small boxes to take with us. Some of these are sugary so they are not their usual snack items but I like to have a few handy in case of flight delays. I usually have quite a few snacks packed--some in each carry on.