NEW YORK, Nov. 14 -- This holiday season there will be
more people flying than ever before. In fact, according to the Airline
Transportation Association (ATA) an estimated 27 million passengers will
travel over the 12-Day Thanksgiving period. Knowing what are the "best" and "worst" food choices is a valuable tool for any traveler, so
DietDetective.com once again rated the best "Calorie Bargains" and "Calorie Rip-offs" at 35,000 feet.
    DietDetective.com issued the 2007 Airline Food Survey rating foods from nine airlines. The survey assigned a "Health Score" (5 stars = highest
rating, 1 star = lowest) based on snack/on-board food service offerings,
airline cooperation, variety, calories, and nutritional density.
    This year United Airlines provided the "best" choices in the sky, while
both Southwest and Northwest Airlines offered the worst, and Delta the most improved. American Airlines, JetBlue, United and US Airways all dropped in the ratings.
    DietDetective.com rated the snack food using multiple criteria,
assigning a "Health Score," picking a food "best bet", and converting the
snacks offered into their exercise equivalents (how much time it will take
to burn of the food in terms of exercise).
    Below are the surveyed airlines' "Health Scores" (Health Score: 5 stars
= highest rating, 1 star = lowest). For full survey results including full
listings of the snack/on-board food, comments, ratings, cost, calories,
exercise equivalents, and tips go to
http://www.DietDetective.com/airlinesurvey2007 or e-mail melissa@nutritonpr.com or
call 877-367-6199 ext 117.
    United Airlines
    Health Score: (**** 1/2) Most healthful offerings overall. However,
salads and sandwiches could be healthier.
    Continental Airlines
    Health Score: (****) Continental provides a low-calorie, high-impact
meal, but not much variety.
    Midwest Airlines
    Health Score: (***) Reasonably good "real" meal choices, but those
fresh- baked on-board cookies hurt at 120 calories each.
    Delta Air Lines
    Health Score: (***) The snack choices are not great; however on flights
4 1/2 hours or more there is an EATS Menu, a great improvement.
    JetBlue Airways
    Health Score: (** 1/2) Individually-packaged portion-controlled snacks;
however, you can ask for as many as you want.
    American Airlines
    Health Score: (** 1/2) The individually packaged snacks are oversized
and have mega calories.
    US Airways
    Health Score: (** 1/2) OK choices, but overall could use a health tune-up.


    Northwest Airlines
    Health Score: (**) Most choices are high in calories.

    Southwest Airlines
    Health Score: (**) Not much variety or nutritional value.