I was in Heaven when there was a Chick Fil A just beside my gate. I had no plan of bringing on food but it was calling my name!

Since then, I just look for something convenient I can pick up at the airport to bring along.

Also, on the chocolate idea, M&M's are the perfect chocolate to pack. Granted, there is "better" chocolate but it doesn't travel as easily.

Since we are not in a hub city, we always leave at ungodly hours of the morning. We bring cheese and crackers. Cracker barrel cheese now comes in individually wrapped cheese sticks. We also bring some yogurts and bottled water. Pretzels or chips. This will get us through to the destination. I usually put it in brown bags with a blue ice. They come in sheets now that have a few small ice blocks. I then toss them out. It is cheap enough. If I were flying to Hawaii, I would most likely bring more substantial foods.On the way home we wing it!

I ALWAYS bring snacks, because you never really know how long the trip will be. I would advise against anything perishable because, like I said, you never REALLY know. If you bring something that requires an ice pack, you need to bring that ice pack and cooler home again. I say pack non-perishable items in a disposable (grocery) bag so that your load gets lighter as you go along.

Bagels are good and generally withstand being packed, along with oranges, apples, carrot sticks. I like to bring things that last in your stomach, like proteins and whole grains, instead of junk food. Junk food doesn't fill you up like other, more substantial foods can.

This is the first time I saw this thread after I posted it. I couldn't find it and assumed it didn't stick or got erased. Thanks for all the replies.

Oh I really like the way J62 packs!!
chocolate with a little bread and water, maybe and then some more chocolate..
just chocolate if there is no bread or water :)

We always pack food because it is a lifesaver with our kids, plus our choices are usually better than the airlines. We use a softsided lunch bag, but we get these sheets of "ice cubes" from Target or the container store. You can cut the sheets whichever way works best for your packing job and the "ice cubes" (plastic ice cubes) can refreeze quicker than the blue ice packs.

I got to a local gourment deli and they do up sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit, pizzas, salad etc. I always include a drink. Even the kids like lunchables if we can't get to the deli.

For breakfast, its yoghurt, fruit, nuts, granola or bagels.

many people on planes have been begging me for a sample and it has made us much happier travelers.

Just pick up a salad at Mickey D's and get on the plane. Or a Subway. Still cheaper and better than what they sell on the plane.