Airport food. The only thing more annoying than standing in a never-ending security line and being strip searched for the one bobby pin is having to buy the overpriced dreck that passes as food. And you know that you have to buy food now because most domestic flights don’t serve food in economy class anymore.

Four dollars for a bottle of water?  Six dollars for a dry bagel? You already have to mortgage the house before even starting your trip! The best way to avoid a total meltdown is to pack your own food. Follow a few simple rules, and you can eat quite well on even the longest flight.

Temperature

Do not choose foods that must be served very cold or piping hot. Remember that you may not eat it until a few hours into the flight. Foods like hard cheeses, charcuterie, nuts, crudités, dried fruit, and bread can all be eaten at room temperature.

Utensils

This is not the time to enjoy gazpacho. You don’t want to bring a bunch of utensils, most of which would probably be taken away at security anyway. Finger food is the name of the game here.

Smelling & Dripping

Be considerate of your fellow passengers. Your homemade garlic bread and chili might be delicious, but no one wants to smell or worse, wear your meal. Focus on foods that have no odor and little chance of spilling.

Make It Fun

You are packed in like a sardine for at least 6 hours—food is going to be part of the entertainment! Go beyond boring PB&J, and make an interesting sandwich with pate, mustard, and French baguette. Choose your favorite dried fruits, and treat yourself to an outrageously expensive chocolate bar. When the kid behind you is screaming bloody murder, that chocolate will come in handy.