Your own food on board?

[dosborn]

Has anyone had any experience with bringing your own food on board a long haul flight?

I have a QF flight coming up, MEL - LHR, with two small children with food intolerances. I have been told that with some prior arrangement with Qantas that you can bring some food on board and they will refrigerate it for you until needed. I would be interested in any other's experiences?

Many thanks

 

[harvyk]

They should (The food I've brought along in the past hasn't needed a fridge)... Just watch the liquids (LAG's will still apply) and remember quarantine rules and regs along the way.

Just quickly, have you spoken with QF and asked if a special meal could be provided to your kids, as I've found them quite good at providing special meals when requested. It may be an easier option.

 

[jamesatfish]

My mother (who is very particular about what she eats) does this every time she flies, regardless of class, and has no problems whatsoever.

As mentioned you just need to be mindful of liquid restrictions, but in terms of solid foods you shouldn't have any issues.

 

[737]

From a crew's perspective, you may find that there are some crew that will not be able to refrigerate it for you. I can not find it written anywhere in our manuals (doesn't mean its not there though), but apparently we are unable hold onto or refrigerate food because of the risk of contamination, even though in a fridge. This works the same way with hot meals, there is only so long that we can keep them if you don't want to eat before they are unusable.

This works both ways, a passenger's food may contaminate ours, and ours may contaminate yours, both being liabilities we would rather avoid.

That's not to say not to try, but of course, we cannot guarantee that your food would be safe in the refrigerator.

Good luck though, I hope it works out whatever you decide to do

 

[harvyk]

My mother (who is very particular about what she eats) does this every time she flies, regardless of class, and has no problems whatsoever.

As mentioned you just need to be mindful of liquid restrictions, but in terms of solid foods you shouldn't have any issues.

Making sure of course that any sauces used don't go over the limits either.

See Substances covered by liquids, aersols and gels restrictions

 

[JohnK]

Just going off-topic from the OP but on some long haul flights it could be a good idea to bring some snacks along just in case the airlines catering is not desirable or not adequate.

Am I right in thinking that there is no restriction in bringing things like fruit, noodle cups, potato crisps etc on board as long as the fruit is not taken in to the foreign country.

 

[harvyk]

None what so ever (When I flew back from MIA - CBR my aunt gave me a "care package" for the flight which had chips, noodles cakes and other foods), provided you declare it or bin it at the other end if required...

 

[NM]

Am I right in thinking that there is no restriction in bringing things like fruit, noodle cups, potato crisps etc on board as long as the fruit is not taken in to the foreign country.

Correct. Though common courtesy obviously suggest not to take fruits such as durian or other items that may have offensive or pungent odours.

Now why I have this vision of Mr Bean making a sardine sandwich and "flask" of tea in seat 63E on a Trans-Atlantic flight?

 

[Alanslegal]

Correct. Though common courtesy obviously suggest not to take fruits such as durian or other items that may have offensive or pungent odours.

And the common courtesy applies to BO. It is BO and not meant to be BYO. :mrgreen: