Ice Packs - keeping food cold during flight

[disneygrandma]

It was my understanding that ice packs (all kinds) are not allowed on the planes. However, the other day I was watching Martha Stewart's show on traveling, & she was talking about how she takes food on the plane. Martha said she uses disposable Chinese take-out containers to put her food in. She then places the food in an insulated lunch bag along with some small ice packs. Martha said that the ice packs are OK with TSA & you won't have any problems getting thru security.

Does anyone have details on this? I would really like to take food on board, but would want it to stay cold.

Thanks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Don't believe everything Martha Stewart tells you.

Use frozen vegetables. Frozen peas work well. So do zip-top plastic bags of ice from home, provided you empty them before security and can find a restaurant near the gate that will allow you to refill them.

 

[goofy4tink]

Nope, as they warm up, those ice packs become a gel and are thus against TSA guidelines..unless you can find some that are smaller than 3.4oz.

 

[tjmw2727]

In this case I think Martha is mistaken and the only time ice packs are allowed is when you are traveling with medicines or baby formula.

The TSA is pretty clear and all the restrictions are on the website.

I do bring a "lunch" when we fly but like a pp said I use frozen carrots, or frozen grapes for an ice pack. Just a few sandwiches, (nothing stinky smelling) granola bars and favorite snacks if we are flying during a meal time. I purchaes beverages after security so we don't have to wait on the FA and so that we have our preferred brands.

 

[YYC_Mommy]

I am not sure how long you are flying but I have flown up to 8 hours with my little ones so I always bring a sandwich for them. I make the sandwich with frozen bread, so that will allow some chill and by the time we are ready to eat it on the plane they are defrosted.

I too buy a drink after we are through security just so that I can have it when we need it rather than waiting for the drinks to be served. I add it in to where I have the sandwiches and snacks to add more cool. I LOVE the idea of the frozen grapes! I might have to try that one this week.

My brother does need to travel with an ice pack for medical reasons, he always travels with a letter from his doctor stating that.

My cousin, when flying with twins, asked once on board the plane if she could have some ice to keep her baby bottles cold and they had no problem giving her some ice for that.

Happy flying!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I am not sure how long you are flying but I have flown up to 8 hours with my little ones so I always bring a sandwich for them. I make the sandwich with frozen bread, so that will allow some chill and by the time we are ready to eat it on the plane they are defrosted.

Someone should give you your own television show. You offer better advice than a self-proclaimed "expert" (okay, granted, one with her own magazine, line of home linens, multiple estates, criminal record ... but still... ). Frozen bread. Brilliant. Seriously.

 

[disneygrandma]

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking about taking an easy to eat pasta salad with some veggies & protein. The one we like is mayo based, so it's important that it stay cold.

 

[SDSorority]

I'm going to bring frozen grapes into the parks!!! GENIUS!!!

 

[dioxide45]

I am sure she has no problem taking those ice packs on her private plane; however, I am sure she has very little experience traveling like the public does. So I wouldn't trust her advice as gospel.

 

[justplaingoofy]

We always bring a couple of zip lock bags. You can get ice past security (as other poster mentioned).... we've done this because my husband's back acts up sometimes so this way he can ice it down.

Also.... uncrustables are pretty good for the kids. Just grab'em out of the freezer before you leave and they are good by the time you are inflight