Peter Greenberg: Snacks on a Plane

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-01-29

Haven't flown for awhile and am getting different answers to this question:  Can you bring any food or snacks on the plane, either in a suitcase or carry-on?
–Julie, Kaukauna, Wis.

There does seem to be quite a bit of confusion on this matter, so let me settle this for you, Julie. The short answer is yes, you can bring your food on the plane. The only exception here might be if some of your food is a 'liquid' as defined by the ever-mercurial Transportation Security Administration. I'm thinking refreshments such as smoothies, yogurt, and soft drinks. In some cases, the TSA has even banned Jello from flights! But generally speaking, if it's solid, you can fly with it.

Remember to be respectful of others with your food choices. A heap of spicy Chinese food or a Big Mac and fries can make the entire airplane cabin smell like grease, especially after an hour of sitting on the runway. In addition to being healthier, salads and cold sandwiches make for better seatmates. Also, avoiding peanuts if possible is a nice gesture for those in the cabin who might be affected by peanut allergies. My advice is to go ahead and bring food on the plane, but cold, not hot, food is better.