In Heathrow last month they opened my little ziploc, took out my hair stuff, and tested it to make sure it wasn't... something. Then the guy (clearly a military guy) took the sample and rubbed it through his hair. An... odd... experience.

We hate the food in most airports and even if a meal is served on flight, find it terrible. A long time ago, I started packing food. A great staple is a sandwich on french bread - the bread is sturdy and stands up okay against crushing. My favorite to bring on a plane is proscuitto and cheese; it's really satisfying without being messy. I'l also bring sliced apples and cheese, or grapes and cheese. (I find I need to eat protien with fruit or it makes my blood sugar too crazy.) Also, raisins/craisins and chocolate chips together are good; so are pistachios (especially for boredom). Sometimes I pack crackers, hard salami or braeseloa, and grape tomatoes. All of these things are easy to assemble and not too smelly.

A long time ago, Amanda Hesser wrote an arcticle about bringing food for travelling, it might be worth searching out on nytimes.com.

Let us know if you come up with any great combos!

This is a great topic. Here is thatNY Times articlerecommended by messycook.

chgoeditor wrote:As to the prior poster's friend who packs liquids/gels of any size and gets away with it...as long as s/he is putting them through the x-ray machine, s/he will eventually get caught. I've inadvertently packed some liquids in my regular luggage. At times I've been stopped, and TSA has insisted that I fit them into my quart-sized bag. Other times, nothing has been said. I've also heard TSA agents tell travelers, "You didn't pack your liquids in a quart-sized bag. Don't do it again." It's a ridiculous rule.

We may consider it silly, but remember the event that prompted the liquids ban. Granted, even the small amount we're allowed can be combined into a threat, but for a few weeks, no fluids were allowed in carry-ons. I just check my luggage when traveling no and avoid all that hassle, or I just buy what I need at a CVS or Walgreens where I'm going. (another reason I'm glad my road warrior days are done; my last flight was 2-3 weeks before those guys carried the liquid mixin' onto the plane)

I agree the food is overpriced but most times I am in such a rush I have to get something at the airport. I get to the airport early, after rushing LOL. I don't get salads because they are too messy and could drip, too many pieces though I prefer them. So I will get a baked product or a sandwich and hope for the best.