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Comment by toomanybeersies | Hacker News Reader

> There wasn't room in the budget for comfort items like food on the plane, which back then was free

Are you allowed to take your own food on the plane in the USA?

When the airline doesn't give me free food, I'll often just pack my own. It's usually nicer than what they'd give me anyway. I'd rather a nice homemade bacon and egg sandwich than the shit they serve you on a plane.

Departing from New Zealand I've never had an issue bringing my own meal. Obviously I can't bring something to drink, but I can buy something after security.

The one that annoys me more than food is charging for luggage. Especially since some airlines will add a luggage fee for every leg of the trip, which can add up to be very expensive.

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Obviously I can't bring something to drink, but I can buy something after security.

You can bring empty (plastic) bottles through security and fill them up at the next bathroom.

May not be a good idea at airports in countries where tap water quality is not up to scratch (or in Flint, MI).

You definitely can bring your own food — except I guess maybe not something yogurt that's a "gel"? That's what I do and it's always better than what they're serving, as long as you don't mind it not being hot.

Not sure how much food you can bring through security control. I've never tried more than a pack of gum.

You can buy food once you're in the secure area, of couse, but it's generally quite expensive.

I have frequently brought a full meal through. For my last trip I had a to-go box in my hand as I walked through security (so it wasn't hidden in my bag).

The only time I ever had a problem was when my meal was a burrito wrapped in aluminum foil, and there I just got a secondary search.

You're allowed to bring an amount for "consumption during your trip". I've brought fast food from outside and eaten it on the plane. TSA had no issues. I regularly pack a few bags of chips/fruit when flying on short trips.

I also bring a refillable water bottle.

I just made a special meal request, at the bottom of the page:

> If you can't find a suitable meal from the options we offer, you're welcome to bring your own food. Please ensure it doesn't require heating or refrigeration. Also remember to plan your meal around the security screening restrictions on liquids, pastes and gels.

So go wild!

last few flights i've taken:

- leftover pizza - a sushi box from the grocery store - sandwich i made at home - chicken fingers

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