Flying with food...carry-on or checked bag?

[momogintz]

Starting to pack for the trip and wondering what to do with breakfast/snack foods! We'll be taking pop-tarts, crackers, jerky, cereal, peanut butter, bagels, etc, and I don't know if I should pack those things in carry-on or in checked bag. Seems like I remember seeing something about peanut butter causing a fuss in security?

Should I carry-on or check this stuff?

Thanks, Lisa

 

[sam_gordon]

Starting to pack for the trip and wondering what to do with breakfast/snack foods! We'll be taking pop-tarts, crackers, jerky, cereal, peanut butter, bagels, etc, and I don't know if I should pack those things in carry-on or in checked bag. Seems like I remember seeing something about peanut butter causing a fuss in security?

Should I carry-on or check this stuff?

Thanks, Lisa

Where do you have room? Peanut butter could cause issues on the plane, but that would only be if you open it up (someone with an allergy could have an issue). It shouldn't be a "security" issue.

These things all add weight. Because of that (assuming I didn't want them to snack during the flight), I would put them in my checked bags. If I didn't have room (or weight), I would ship them down a couple days ahead of time.

Actually, unless I was doing ME, I'd arrange for a grocery stop (either through a car service or a rental car). Another option is Garden Grocer (I think that's the name). You place your order online and they deliver to your resort.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Where do you have room? Peanut butter could cause issues on the plane, but that would only be if you open it up (someone with an allergy could have an issue). It shouldn't be a "security" issue.

Peanut butter is indeed a security issue. You cannot take it in your carry-on, unless it is one of those 3 oz or smaller containers packed in your 311 bag. This info is right on the tsa.gov website:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/holiday.shtm

OP - you might want to read the rules regarding what can go through security here:

http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

 

[momogintz]

I've got room either way. We are only checking 1 bag, but can do 2 with no charge (2 passengers on SW). We have plenty of room, packing-wise, and will be using the bag with food to bring back Disney shopping!

Will unopened boxes/bags be okay? I remember bringing home an opened bag of cereal once and it had been re-opened and spilled all over! I don't want the whole bag smelling like Uncle Mike's Beef Jerky, lol!

 

[momogintz]

Thanks for the links!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I've got room either way. We are only checking 1 bag, but can do 2 with no charge (2 passengers on SW). We have plenty of room, packing-wise, and will be using the bag with food to bring back Disney shopping!

Will unopened boxes/bags be okay? I remember bringing home an opened bag of cereal once and it had been re-opened and spilled all over! I don't want the whole bag smelling like Uncle Mike's Beef Jerky, lol!

Yes, these are fine. I find it handy to pack some gallon sized ziploc bags when traveling, just to keep what you mentioned from happening.

 

[SnyderD]

Some of this is a surprise to me. I've not tried to take any food from the "outside" through security, but did see a woman be told she had to throw away an unopened container of apple sauce. I figured food coming in was a no-no unless specifically for babies. Hmm.

 

[Alesia]

Some of this is a surprise to me. I've not tried to take any food from the "outside" through security, but did see a woman be told she had to throw away an unopened container of apple sauce. I figured food coming in was a no-no unless specifically for babies. Hmm.

Applesauce isn't allowed because is a liquid. It has nothing to do with it being food.

OP - I would pack to food in your checked luggage. Save the space in your carry on for the things you're really going to need in the first 24 hours. Why carry more onto the plane than you have to?

Oh, and the peanut butter will definitely have to go in your checked luggage, as well as anything else that doesn't hold it's shape outside of it's container. You should be aware, though, that peanut butter may cause your bag to be searched. It tends to look like an explosive when it goes through the xray machine.

 

[sam_gordon]

Oh, and the peanut butter will definitely have to go in your checked luggage, as well as anything else that doesn't hold it's shape outside of it's container. You should be aware, though, that peanut butter may cause your bag to be searched. It tends to look like an explosive when it goes through the xray machine.

That's what got me. To me, peanut butter is more of a solid than liquid. It's not like you plop PB on a plate and it spreads out on it's own.

The other reason I thought it was allowed was all the threads about people bringing PB on the plane and how you shouldn't because of fellow travelers with peanut allergies. If the TSA is stopping PB, how is this even an issue?

 

[LWQuestie]

That's what got me. To me, peanut butter is more of a solid than liquid. It's not like you plop PB on a plate and it spreads out on it's own.

Depends on the type of peanut butter you have. The really oily kinds ooze out. It is in that middle-ground - viscous; not solid, not liquid. That's why they include GEL in the restricted category.

The other reason I thought it was allowed was all the threads about people bringing PB on the plane and how you shouldn't because of fellow travelers with peanut allergies. If the TSA is stopping PB, how is this even an issue?

Those conversations have been about peanut butter sandwiches, crackers, peanuts, etc. Not whole bottles of peanut butter.

I may pack some of these in the future - Jif Peanut Butter To Go. I don't think I'd ever use an entire bottle of peanut butter on vacation, but these little 1.5 oz cups can be carried on in the 3-1-1 bag and would be the perfect size for me!

 

[Alesia]

That's what got me. To me, peanut butter is more of a solid than liquid. It's not like you plop PB on a plate and it spreads out on it's own.

The other reason I thought it was allowed was all the threads about people bringing PB on the plane and how you shouldn't because of fellow travelers with peanut allergies. If the TSA is stopping PB, how is this even an issue?

You can bring peanut butter, cream cheese, jelly, and other things like that if they're already on a sandwich. If they're not, they're considered liquids and are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.

 

[momogintz]

Thanks for all the help! I think I'll take the 'dry' stuff in carry-on, just to be able to get to it when we land/arrive...but peanut butter and the sort will be in checked bags. Now, to get the grocery list made!