TSA-Approved Snacks for Your Flight!

Traveling often includes long hours in the airport and in the airplane and all of us are prone to getting cranky when hunger strikes. Plan ahead and pack smart to curb the hunger pangs so that you don’t have to spend a fortune on mediocre airplane and airport food.

You will need to abide by the TSA rule for any liquids (or foods that contain moisture). Keeping this in mind will save you a lot of unnecessary hassle when clearing Security. Anything TSA can consider a liquid or gel would need to be placed in your liquids bag. If you’re like me and want to travel with your own shampoos, soaps, and make-up, you need to save as much room as you can in your liquids bag, so try to steer away from too many items that would be considered a liquid or gel. This includes things like peanut butter, yogurt, and applesauce. This also includes things like sauces and other condiments that you may be on salads or in sandwiches.

Fruits

Fruit is a great travel snack for domestic flights, but it is usually prohibited on international flights or flights off the mainland. (If you take fruit on-board with you on an international flight, be prepared to have to throw it out or have it confiscated if you have not finished the whole thing before landing).

Pack your food items somewhere easy to pull out from your carry-on bags. Many airports are requiring additional screening of food. Be sure it’s compact and easy to get to.

Handy snacks

• Cheese and crackers or cheese sticks

• Fruit – apple, banana, tangerine, grapes, berries

• Sandwich (no condiments)

• Veggies and veggie dip (Cucumbers, tomatoes and carrots are easy! The dip would need to be packed in your liquids bag).

• Protein bars

• Trail mix

• Unsalted nuts

• Hummus (pack in your liquids bag)

Foods to avoid:

Anything that may not sit well with your stomach, anything salty that can cause dehydration, foods that may make you feel bloated or cause gas (beans, broccoli, bulgur), and – as a courtesy to your seatmates – foods that may have a strong odor. Avoiding sugars will also help reduce jet lag.

Don’t forget to pack a plastic fork and spoon, if needed!

For any liquids, they must be able to fit in 3.4oz/100 ml containers and fit inside your liquids bag. (Check for allowances regarding baby food, baby formula, and breast milk).

Check the official TSA website for up-to-date regulations.