Snack and drink restrictions for bringing food on AC flight?

[katiesmom2]

We are flying on Saturday and I want to bring some snacks for my 4 and 6 year olds.

Is it true that you still can't bring water, unless you buy it past the security gates?

What about snacks brought from home? I was thinking some little boxes of raisins and some little packs of Teddy Grahams or granola bars.

Is that okay?

We haven't flown in 5 years and I feel out of the loop!

Thanks in advance!

 

[eaer]

HI! You are correct about the water. I fly regularly on AC ( just returned on Sat night from a flight) and you only can have beverages including water/beverages purchased after you go through security. You are ok with the other dry type snacks though. Any other carry on liquid must be in a ziplock type bag (liquid make up , sunscreen, etc) and cannot be in a bottle larger than 100ml. We saw security take a tube of toothpaste away from an elderly couple last week--so they can be very strict.

Here is a link for more info http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/liquid_rules.pdf.

Have a great trip!!

 

[michelle1]

I'm not sure about AC but we flew with Southwest a couple of weeks ago and there was a child on board with a nut allergy so we were not allowed to bring out any snacks or sandwiches containing peanut butter or nuts...if your kids eat those types of snacks pack a few different ones just in case.

 

[Cruiser1969]

I know this is not a budget question, but an idea for drinks is to bring empty water bottles and refill after security . . . maybe even add some drink mix to it if you like!!

 

[Shelebeen]

Just flew home on AC from Montreal on Monday. Any snack is fine - just no liquids - and most likely jello might be out too.

I did have a juice box in my backpack (forgot about it) and the security lady made me drink it right there or toss it. You can bring a juice box as long as it is less then 100 ml... I think those tiny kid ones might work in that case - although they do give juice on the plane.

I have had juice boxes in my backpack through Hawaii and I think LAX before, but it was good to know. Some airports are more secure then others... but NONE allow water through anymore.

Oh, and if you are flying international - fruit is a no go as well.... you could check on the government website as to what you can and cant bring

 

[abirdd]

Juice/Milk/Water is still a "buy after clearance" issue. However, we always carry our Klean Kanteens. WestJet is REALLY good about filling them up for our kiddos; either with juice or bottled water. So, you may not have to buy anything in the overprice airport shops if you're traveling on a kid friendly airline (I do NOT consider A/C kid friendly, at least from past experience )

Jello, Pudding Snacks and Yogurt are also out - since they fall into the liquid/gel type category. I've seen people sitting and eating their yogurt so they could clear, always makes me chuckle.

 

[crashbb]

Your issue isn't really with the airline but with CATSA and US customs.

CATSA won't let you bring liquids/gels greater than 100mL. As others have suggested, I bring my water bottle and fill it up after security. I've also never had a problem with getting water on an Air Canada flight.

Because we pre-clear US customs in Canada, you cannot bring any meat, dairy, or fruit/vegetables onto the flight (check the US customs website for exact requirements).

Any other snack food is fine.

I've yet to be on a flight that requested no peanuts/nuts, but it is a possibility, so I wouldn't rely only on snacks that contain peanuts/nuts.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I've yet to be on a flight that requested no peanuts/nuts, but it is a possibility, so I wouldn't rely only on snacks that contain peanuts/nuts.

I have been on a flight that had a passenger with a nut allergy. They made a pre-boarding announcement stating that they were going to delay the flight by 5 minutes in order to do an extra thorough cleaning of the area that passenger was going to sit in. They went on to say that all other passengers should refrain from opening/eating any products containing nuts while onboard.

 

[Applemomma]

Just flew AC in May and yes, you have to buy your drinks after security. Don't forget too though that they still offer a free beverage service on board (water, juice, pop) though everything else costs a ton. If you want to impress the kids bring a sealed Pringles chip can with you and show them what the pressure change does to the top! But what ever you do DON'T buy the Pringles on the flight.....unless you like to part with your money for highly over priced snacks. Pretty much all the other snacky type stuff that isn't liquid/gel is fine but I would do like the other posters mentioned and stay away from peanut stuff just in case.

Also if you haven't flown in awhile check around the internet for sites that show you by video what the standard process is for going through security. It will give you a good idea what to expect so probably lessen any anxiety you might have, and the kids will be fully prepared for it too. I used to have a good one bookmarked that I showed my kids before their first flight but I seem to have deleted it. My number one tip for security .....slip on shoes.....

 

[katiesmom2]

Wow! Thanks for all of the great tips everyone. I feel much better now.

Our flight is to Bermuda and it leaves at 8:30 in the morning, so we probably won't be needing much. If we need water, we'll purchase after security, but you are right - may as well wait to board and get water on the plane.

I packed a sandwich baggy for each child with a package of rainsins, a bag of mini Bear Paws and some pretzels. All of them are peanut-free, so that's good. I have a niece who has a severe peanut allergy, so I am very aware of the peanut issue. Glad they are getting to be good about that too!

We land at lunch time, so I wanted to be sure I had something for the kids in case we have to wait a long time for a taxi.

Great tip about a security video. We've talked to the kids about all facets of the flight, read books, etc. This morning I was explaining about security. They are going to learn so much!

Thanks again for all of the help!