Clarification - what foods can I bring through security at airports?

[peacefrogdog]

I had been under the impression that we couldn't bring anything but some websites mention that we can bring small amounts of things like jello and pudding.

In preparation of travelling with 3 kids under 5, with a layover during a connection (and I'm not sure we'll be able to get off the plane), what are the rules about bringing things like dry cereal/cheerios in ziplock bags? Or prepackaged rice krispie squares, or pre-packaged cereals (e.g. Corn pops or fruit loops)?

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You can bring any food that is not liquid or gel through security. Dry cereal and rice krispie treats are fine. Juice boxes are not. Remember, you can purchase food after you go thorugh security and bring it on the plane as well.

Go to www.tsa.gov to see their food restrictions.

 

[Vavasmon]

Based on my personal experience any food that is not a liquid or jell should be fine. At different time since the new rules went into effect, I have flown with Granola Bars, prepackaged crackers, bagged cereal, an apple, a banana, candy bars, the pre-packaged rice krispy treats, and cookies. On our Christmas Eve flight people also had bread, cheese, and donuts (we departed at 6:15 am - only Starbucks was open in airport). I would not bring pudding or Jello. I always buy water and soda after security - yes it is expensive but I have been stuck waiting to take-off one too many times.

 

[aribelle]

Any liquids you bring have to be smaller than 3oz and you can only bring as many 3oz packs as will fit in a quart size ziplock bag. EACH person with a ticket can have one quart size bag full of 3oz or less liquid/gel items. If you have an infant you are also allowed a small amount of sealed baby food and formula, but check the TSA website as the rules on doing this are complex and I have personally seen mom's arguing off to the side at security, so I think they are quite strict.

One way we got around the "can't bring juice boxes" and yet still not have to pay the outrageous prices of the shops beyond security......bring EMPTY water bottles (or sippee cups if your kids are that young).....fill them after security at the water fountains or in the restrooms. Bring along those flavor packets to make your drink. We use the Crystal Light copycats from Walmart, but I believe that Koolaid makes a line of them if your kids don't like the others. I found the Walmart brand "fruit punch" to be too sweet for my adult tastes, but the kids say it's just like koolaid.

Like the other poster said, food has to be non-liquid or gel (or less than 3oz), so pudding/jello is out. We brought along our homemade version of Lunchables......cheese slices, crackers, deli meats (salami, bologna, etc) pretzels, grapes (we froze them so they're not only a fun snack but they kept the cheese/salami cool until lunch time as you can't bring along Blue Ice). You can purchase peanut butter and jelly in 3 oz packets (see minimus.biz) and bring your own bread for sandwiches, but I've read of people not being allowed to use PB on board when someone has an allergy....so it wasn't worth the risk of not being able to eat it since we liked other foods. For what it's worth, I've NEVER been on a plane that announced you couldn't eat PB, but again, not worth the risk because then what do you do, you can't even run and get something expensive because you're already belted in!

By the way...if you bring your lunch items in a "disposable container" (we used a grocery sack) then it does NOT count towards your carry on allowance. If you bring it in something permanent, like a lunch box or collapsible cooler it is considered a carry on.

 

[bavaria]

There has never been a restriction on bringing food products through security when flying domestically in the United States. Somehow that appears to be a myth which has been passed around this website in the past few years.

As others have already posted, the restrictions are on liquids and gels, NOT food products.

There are restrictions on food products when flying internationally. If the OP is boarding the aircraft in Canada and/or is part of a preclearance program, they will need to familiarize themselves with those rules. CATSA rules apply for security if the first flight is boarded in Canada, not TSA rules.

 

[Disneyof3]

As the above mentioned we have different rules going to the states flying as to traveling across the border by vehicle. Coming from Canada flying you can't bring meat yet due to 3 years ago with the mad cow disease. You can bring fruit like oranges and apples and bananas but the sticker still must be on the fruit. So lunchables can come minus the meat, so buy the nacho kind instead. Now if you are driving the meat and fruit still applies also. I also found out that driving you can bring back oranges in there original bags but flying you can't.

 

[BCV23]

I don't think the myth has been encouraged on the DIS. Rather people who don't fly often ask just because they don't know the answer.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that dry cereal is not a good choice in most cases IMHO. It has a way of falling on the floor or seats. Then it's crushed. These days of low fares, the airlines don't have time to thoroughly clean between turnarounds and the next person will be sitting in crushed cheerios.