But this isn't my first time in the air. It's impossible for a schnitzel to be fried so crispy in these tiny airplane galleys that the breading flakes perfectly. There's probably just a little goblin heating up ready meals in the microwave.
Fortunately, I'm prepared. While my seatmates bravely tear open their aluminum containers, I contentedly pull out my zip bag of sliced apples. Admittedly, that doesn't sound like a culinary highlight, but it's quite well thought out: Apples aren't just healthy, they're also the perfect snack for traveling.
They provide hydration (without constant bathroom trips), vitamins, and a small energy boost. Add a self-made whole grain sandwich and I'm not only saving money but also doing something good for my health.
The only thing you need to consider when bringing your own food is, of course, security control. I recently had an amusing encounter there: Standing somewhat nervously at the scanner with homemade muffins in my carry-on.
The security worker examined the box on his screen with raised eyebrows and said dryly: "I'm afraid I'll have to confiscate these." When he saw my shocked face, a slight smile crossed his lips: Gotcha! The muffins must have looked too inviting.
What many don't know: You can take surprisingly many food items through security. However, you should be considerate of your fellow travelers when making your selection.
Hard-boiled eggs, for example, theoretically the perfect protein snack for travel, can quickly become a point of contention in the cabin due to their distinctive smell. The same goes for tuna sandwiches, as I can report from painful experience.
Sometimes it's just simple planning that makes the difference — even if the airline marketing departments with their glamorous pictures of in-flight meals want us to believe otherwise.
Oh, and did I mention that you're even supposed to pre-order these culinary delights at cruising altitude? As if that would transform the little goblin in the galley into a star chef.