Another flying question

[LindaBabe]

What do you feed your kids on long flights?

We're flying non-stop coast to coast - southwest's idea of food is not the same as my family's. Apparently PB&J is forbidden.

So - What do you bring for the kids? (BIG and small)

 

[ducklite]

Best bet is to have a good meal before you get on, and not worry about a full meal during the flight. Instead plan on snacks such as cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, pretzels, dried fruits, trail mix, etc.

Anne

 

[bavaria]

I don't know if PBJ is actually forbidden - there are actually parents here who asked for an announcment on the flight re allergies and the airline didn't help...

I have a challenge because I'm veggie, book flights last minute and can't transport food through Customs and Immigration, which I preclear before my flight.

Some suggestions include

- granola bars
- trail mix
- Nutella and banana sandwiches
- fruit
- someone suggested frozen grapes as a 'coolant' - great idea!
- buy on board if your airline provides it (United has a great RiteBite with hummus, pita chips, crackers, Toblerone bar, cheese, and tuna for $5)
- check out your airport website to see if they have buy on board or restaurants in the gate area and plan to buy something if you have time

 

[LindaBabe]

I don't know if PBJ is actually forbidden

Apparently Jelly is a GEL and thus forbidden by the TSA.

 

[bavaria]

Apparently Jelly is a GEL and thus forbidden by the TSA.

Food in packets yes, food on bread is subject to interpretation. SOME TSA agents were denying cream cheese on bagels, others were not. Jam I believe should be ok so long as it's already on the sandwich ie don't bring the individual packets along, smear your items on the bread at home.

 

[bavaria]

Here is the list on the TSA site as of today relating to food items. If it's not on the list, it should be ok, but as always it is subject to interpretation by your local TSA

Food & Drinks

Carry-on
Checked

All beverages
No
Yes

Baby formula and food, breast milk and other baby items - These are allowed in your carry-on baggage or personal items. You can take these through the security checkpoints and aboard your plane. However, you must be traveling with a baby or toddler. All items including formula or breast milk will be inspected. Learn more on traveling with children.
Yes
Yes

Canned or jarred goods such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables and jellies No Yes
Cheese in pressurized containers
No
Yes

Duty free alcohol and other items (Please see our section on Duty Free Items)
No
Yes

Gel based sports supplements
No
Yes

Jell-O's
No
Yes

Pudding
No
Yes

Whipped cream
No
Yes

Yogurt or gel like food substances
No
Yes

 

[Tara]

Yes, peanut butter is forbidden, it's a "no" on the carryon list. But as Bavaria said, when condiments and such are applied to a food, TSA seems to be very inconsistent with regard to what they'll allow.

A couple of weeks ago I had a Jif To-Go (I LOVE these things!) in my purse for a flight home with my son. I didn't know at the time if PB was allowed, so I intended to ask at security. However, I injured my wrist at the airport, and that threw me off and I totally forgot about the PB until my son said, "Mommy, I'm hungry." We were an hour into our flight by that point.

 

[bavaria]

The key is the 'packaging'. Jars, packages - no. Smeared on bread - yes. Just like the salad dressings - in packets next to the salad - no, squeezed onto the salad - yes.