Eating on an airplane
From the lunch box to the airplane…
Do you bring your own meal when flying?
More and more airlines are not providing a meal during flights. This being said, there are a couple of options open to you. Either you eat prior to boarding a plane; either you bring your own lunch or a snack you can eat in-flight.
All three options are good, but the two last options find themselves to be very limited. When flying to a destination within the United States, bringing your own food onboard could be problematic. First of all, not all foods are permitted on a plane. With all the new security procedures put in place, your food will be inspected before you are given the O.K. to board the plane with it. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables have to be Canadian grown, if not, they will not be allowed on the plane with you. If you decide to bring your own food on board, make sure you verify the CATSA’s website to learn more about the do’s and don’ts for the ingredients you’re about to bring. If you thought about bringing yourself a sandwich, be aware that eggs, cold cuts and meats are forbidden. Also, for other passengers’ wellbeing, avoid foods with strong odours. There are less restrictions when travelling to a destination other than the United States.
According to statistics, eating a meal prior to boarding the plane is the most popular option. Airport restaurant facilities growing more sophisticated, most passengers choose to eat before taking flight.
With Air Canada, economy class flights do not include meals when your destination is in North America, the West Indies or Central America. With Air Transat, it’s when you’re flying to Florida. United and American Airlines do not offer you a meal if travelling to continental destinations or to the West Indies.
For more information on what foods you can bring along, consult this site: http://www.catsa.gc.ca/whatcanIbring.
See related article: http://seniortravel.about.com/od/airtravel/a/Take-Your-Own-Food-On-Your-Next-Airplane-Flight.htm.