I have not bothered to do that yet and have never been pulled over for it (they must see it in there when they xray the hand luggage bag). However recently there was a one item of hand luggage rule from the UK (can't recall where I was going) so I had to put my handbag into the other bag - a bit of a squeeze if you aren't expecting it, so watch out for that.
My friends fly to and from the US all the time with Virgin and swear by Premium Economy or Business Class. They say it is essential for long haul flights so I'm sure you won't be disappointed. (And I suspect Economy ticket holders don't get to use the clubhouse.)
I've always brought snacks like falafel wraps and sandwiches in my hand luggage without problems. If the meal is okay I take them off the other end too!
You could also bring back cakes and pastries from New York last time I went. (The first time I did it they announced you could not bring anything containing dairy in - I had about 8 slices of cake with me so was sweating about it all the way home, imagining trying to convince them there was no dairy in my luscious looking cakes! Only as we were landing did they add "except cakes and pastries" to their announcement! )
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