With a little foresight and know-how, you can actually get a healthful'and edible'meal in the sky.
Call your airline at least 24 hours before you fly and order a special-diet meal at no extra cost. Vegetarian, Hindu, kosher, low-salt and sugar-free options are usually available. A special-diet meal doesn't guarantee that the food will be good, but at least you'll get some special preparation.
Pack a meal, if you have the time. Bring food that travels well and that requires no cutting, cleanup or permanent containers. Steer clear of foods that will bother other passengers, such as items with too much crunch or odor.
Bring an energy bar or some other meal replacement in case the in-flight meal is a travesty or your flight is delayed.
Eat in the airport if you don't want to entrust your airline with your culinary fate. Large airports have the usual variety of fast-food franchises, so pick what you know to be the most healthful.
Follow any alcohol or caffeine consumption with plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
