Barb, you are a smart lady (we already knew that!) I have a trick that worked years ago, I do NOT eat anything that ever had feathers, including chickens, pillows, etc. and just for spite all the airlines, besides not checking for loose engine parts too frequently, also serve the cheapest food, which seems to be CHICKEN, unless they get a good deal on mouse burgers. I just told the nice stewardess (they were still called that, last time I flew ) that I was allergic to fowl and she said she'd see what she could find. and came up with a beautiful filet mignon, which was the envy of all the folks in the "lousy seats cause the company paid the lowest price" section! Since then I always call in advance and request a vegetarian meal, and get 4 peas, a piece of lettuce and an apple core, but NO FEATHERS! So I am a happy dude, and even more so if "slight turbulence" doesn't crush my skull, or sever any limbs during the flight! To be fair I think I got the whole apple, and the core was just an extra special treat! ken B