Food for flying: You need a meal plan

— -- Anyone who flies coach knows that U.S. airlines have been steadily cutting back on their catering budgets. Some airlines are shrinking or even jettisoning their galleys. So what's a hungry traveler to do? You definitely need a meal plan.

A few domestic airlines haven't given up entirely. Midwest Airlines, for example, offers complimentary chocolate-chip cookie service. And each month a different selection of Northwest wines and microbrews are available on Horizon Air at no extra charge. (Horizon Air also provides complimentary morning coffee in the gate areas in Seattle, Portland, Spokane and Boise.) And while some airlines dole out a complimentary doll-house-sized nibble with the beverage service, JetBlue's complimentary snacks include a seven-item menu with cashews, Lorna Doones, chocolate chunk cookies and other treats. Hungry travelers can try them all: according to an airline spokesman "There's no wrist slapping if you want to grab another bag of cookies or blue chips."

The folks at super-no-frills Columbus, Ohio based Skybus Airlines take an entirely different, and somewhat bizarre, approach. Like other airlines, Skybus sells beverages and snacks onboard ($2 for M&M's; $10 for a meat loaf plate with mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and a roll) but it strongly discourages customers from bringing their own food on board. A note on the airline's website says: "Oh, and don't sneak food onboard unless you brought enough for the whole plane." That conjures up images of flight attendants passing through the cabin making folks spit out their gum and passengers hiding in the bathroom to gobble down take-out sandwiches. At least the airline makes exceptions for "passengers who will need food that we're unable to provide, for example baby formula or baby food, special food for those with a medical condition such as diabetes or severe food allergies, or those with dietary restrictions (Kosher, Halal, etc)."

So what's a hungry traveler to do? You definitely need a meal plan. Consider these options: