Can you bring food into the airport??

[kteesmumma]

I really thought this wasnt allowed...but I have been told by a few people that you can.

Could I actually make my kids sandwiches for lunch for our plane ride? And bring it with us through our carryon items?

 

[vicki_c]

I thought you couldn't take any food past the security check point. Even water bottles are not allowed, last I knew -- there's always an entire garbage can there filled with things like water bottles.

 

[kteesmumma]

Thats what I thought...but I have been heraing people bringing snacks in with them for their kids...and my brother flew to seattle 2 years ago and was able to bring Subs(sandwiches) into the airport through security and onto the plane

 

[DisneyWorldbuff]

You can take food, just no liquids or gels. My son has allergies and I always pack my own snacks for him on the plane; no problem. There might be an issue with items like applesauce, jello, pudding etc...(because they're liquidy). Sandwiches, fruit, crackers, pretzels, candy have always been hassle-free for us. Good luck!

 

[kteesmumma]

Thank you so much.

What is the best way to pack snacks for security. Should I have all of them in their own ziploc baggy? Both my children will have their own backpacks and I was planning on just putting their own snacks in their own bags. Should I let the TSA know that we have food? What kinds of sandwiches are good to pack?

We will also be taking Meds with us. Liquid and pills. Should I put it all in a ziploc baggy so that its easier for them to examine it all? Does this need to be taken out of our carry ons and shown to the TSA?

Oh and do they actually take your laptop out of the bag to inspect it?

 

[tjmw2727]

I really thought this wasnt allowed...but I have been told by a few people that you can.

Could I actually make my kids sandwiches for lunch for our plane ride? And bring it with us through our carryon items?

Yes, definately - fwiw you can bring whatever you want into the airport but only certain items are permitted beyond security. You can also pack items in you checked bags that you can't carryon.

All the info you need to know can be found at http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

I always check that site frequently before I fly.

As for lunch on the airplane you can bring food through security but not liquids or jels. If it can't hold its own shape out of the container than you can only bring 3 oz or less and only what can fit into a 1 qt ziplock, one per person.

So yes you can bring food, sandwiches etc. You can bring a bagel and cream cheese but cream cheese alone is subject to the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring a ham & cheese with mustard but mustard alone would have to go in the3-1-1.

I always pack a "lunch" in a soft sided cooler for my kids when flying. In the morning bagels and pb or cream cheese, mid day or dinner its sandwiches and healthy snacks. I use frozen grapes as an "ice pack" as ice packs aren't allowed. Then I purchase drinks after security and add them to the cooler so we have what we like when we ant and don't have to wait on the FA's for snacks and drinks.

 

[tjmw2727]

Thank you so much.

What is the best way to pack snacks for security. Should I have all of them in their own ziploc baggy? Both my children will have their own backpacks and I was planning on just putting their own snacks in their own bags. Should I let the TSA know that we have food? What kinds of sandwiches are good to pack?

We will also be taking Meds with us. Liquid and pills. Should I put it all in a ziploc baggy so that its easier for them to examine it all? Does this need to be taken out of our carry ons and shown to the TSA?

Oh and do they actually take your laptop out of the bag to inspect it?

Security doesn't care about snacks so they can go in the kids backpacks and you don't have to let the tsa know about snacks. They only care about liquids, electronics and other "dangerous items". Plesae read the TSA website I linked above. Any sandwich your kids like is fine but some flights will ask you not to eat peanut butter if there is an allergic passenger onboard so have an alternative.

Pills are fine in the carryon but liquids should be "declared" so put them in their own ziplock and send them through separately and tell the agent you hav them.

Laptop - yes you need to take your laptop out of the carryon and place it in a bin by itself.

You will also have to remove your shoes and jackets - every member of the family even the kdis. I also place all my valuables in my backpack, watch, jewlery etc so I know where it is and don't set off the alarms.

Again - look at the link above to the TSA, there are clear descriptions as to what you can and can't pack in your carryon and checked luggage as well as what to expect at the aiport and at security checkpoints.

Also - NEVER, ever pack anything valuable in your checked bags including meds. In addition pack anything you will need for the first 24 hours with you in your carryon.

 

[vicki_c]

Thanks for all the good info everyone- we've never yet been organized enough to bring any food from home on plane trips - but now I know. We always end up just buying something (usually gross or bad for you) near the gate and taking it on!

 

[Debbie-TN]

It's ok to bring sandwiches if they are already made. Just don't bring an open jar of peanut butter-they will take it away from you. We know from experience.

 

[NOLA_Tink]

Food is definitely allowed. Last year, the guy across from me on a SW flight took out his Burger King bag & started munching on burger & fries. Come to think of it, we also brought a few snacks from AKL (hummus, pita, & zebra domes) on the plane too. No drinks allowed through security, but solid foods are permitted.

 

[ScubaCat]

I've brought a stuffed pizza and an entire chocolate cake back travelling MDW to ATL once. I can't leave Chicago without bringing back some of its delicacies!

 

[Muhlenberg]

I have sent frozen Philly steak sandwiches, Tasty Cakes, and a frozen loaf of bread with my son, in his carry-on, when he flies back to Florida.

Enjoy your lunch!