9 TSA-Approved Snack Hacks Airlines Don’t Want You to Know! (Avoid this mistake and SAVE BIG!)

[@PortableProfessional]

*TSA-FRIENDLY SNACKS & RECIPES:* bit.ly/AirportSnacks-PP

[@RoxxyVoxxy]

Thank you!

[@valerieminer299]

THANK YOU!!!!

[@daustinrichards]

A tip for the frozen water bottle: drink the melted water off right before going through security

[@PortableProfessional]

Genius! Love this.

[@christine-ny]

Does it have to be in a clear plastic bag or can it stay in your personal item bag?

[@daustinrichards]

@@christine-ny the ice? Just in your personal bag

[@barrydraper]

Very informative. Whenever I pack hot food into a thermos, I usually prefill the thermos with hot or boiling water for 1 minute, then pour out and refill with the hot food, to keep it hotter longer.

[@PortableProfessional]

That's a great idea!

[@risitascositas1699]

🤯🤯

[@cs4849]

I do this with coffee in an insulated cup - really does help.

[@suesewall274]

When I am planning to take a flight, I start saving plastic containers that things like blueberries and strawberries come in. If you line them with a napkin or parchment paper, they make perfect lightweight disposable containers to hold and protect things like sandwiches, mini charcuterie or cut up veggies. I also save ziplock bags that are "used" but not really "dirty" to take along as a leakproof garbage bag for while I am flying.

[@rnguyen2516]

Great tips!

[@JC-sf2qm]

Dollar Tree has a wonderful assortment of single serving snacks.... chips, trail mix, candy and more! My problem is ... if I buy too many snacks too early.... sometimes, I am only left with one for my flight 😂

[@PortableProfessional]

Great idea!! I LOVE Dollar Tree!

[@sunflowerfields4409]

🤣 Exactly.

[@jaypee5633]

I buy divided containers at the dollar store and fill it with protein (chicken breast, deli meats, etc), fruit (berries), cheese (non smelly!) and crakers. Twice as much food as the prepared food for sale in some airlines, twice the taste, with exactly what husband and I like (we're under very strict diet) for half the price. We toss the containers when we arrive to our destination. **if you want cut apples, i dust it with cinamon. not only does it add lots of taste but they don't turn brown, also works at amusement parks**

[@MaraMara89]

apples should not turn brown also if you sprinkle them with lemon juice

[@shinomiya89]

so much wasted money, also that plastic will land in the sea or hills of garbage... just buy some silicon ones which can be folded, so they won't take much space once empty, and re-use them...

[@dandfawesome3611]

I tried to bring apple slices when flying from Canada to USA. That was a big no. I was taken to a different room and scolded. I had to throw them out on the spot

[@MrCho14]

I slice and freeze cheese the night before. If I don't them it's almost a mush by the time I get to the airport and onto the plane ready to eat it. It still may be a little soft, but it's so much better. This way I don't deal with having to pack ice with it.

[@krisvanallen]

@@MaraMara89 or Sprite/7up

[@renamccully1462]

I do a fritatta instead of a scramble. It bakes up solid and goes into a baggie, so no thermos needed as it tastes great at room temperature.

[@PortableProfessional]

That's a great idea! I might just have to try that!

[@MsSkipperkim]

If you put it in a cupcake pan they're really portable.

[@nicolethompson2399]

And probably smells less eggy

[@hollish5915]

Besides passing through TSA, some states may have Agricultural Inspections Stations at the airport and may not allow certain foods to be taken on planes. For example, fresh fruits are not allowed to be taken on flights out of Hawaii to the continental US, although they would pass TSA.

[@cs4849]

If you travel all the time, I understand saving money by bringing food. I always count the cost of airport food as part of the vacation and actually enjoy settling in at a restaurant in the airport for a meal once I’m through security. Especially since you have to get there so far in advance of your flight! Other than some light snacks like trail mix or a granola bar, I don’t lug food with me, though. Either it’s a short flight so that I don’t really need food, or it’s an international flight and I’ll be given a meal.

[@TOPHOLM04]

Most of the time the quality of the in flight food is so poor that I prefer bringing my own 😂

[@julius_the_python]

But the food at the airport is shit - so why pay double for low quality food? Ew.

[@cs4849]

@ if you eat at the food court it’s terrible, but I’ve had decent meals at airports. And since you have so much time, I’d rather sit in the restaurant and have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and relax than sit in the waiting area with my brought-from-home food.

[@Cathy_4Birds]

I packed peanut butter and cut up apples and sat in the corner at the airport and had a guilt free snack. Easy and inexpensive

[@sunnyscott4876]

There's so many restaurants and snacks available once you're through TSA, I have never felt any need to bring snacks with me. When I do throw a couple of granola bars into my backpack 🎒, they usually make the round trip and I discover them when I am unpacking! "Oh, look! A snack!"

[@shinnam]

With the prices at airports, I always pack snacks. Singapore, Changi Airport is the only fairly priced airport I buy snacks at.

[@sunnyscott4876]

@@shinnam I just plan on paying airport prices.....💣

[@renamccully1462]

With food allergies, Chrones, or Celiac, I can see why a lot of people want to bring their own. I need to feel my best if traveling for work or vacation.

[@markmyers5881]

Food isn't always available, especially if you're making a tight connection or traveling at night when airport restaurants are closed.

[@ekdaufin1485]

You are blessed to be able to afford it, travel in airports that have what you like, that are open when you get there, enough time and short lines!

[@696969bold]

Having celiac requires strong planning, meal preps, and backup meal options for emergencies or delays.

[@luanneneill2877]

I got pulled out of line and spent a half hour waiting for them to test my Vital Proteins collagen peptides powder and flavored ground coffee for explosives. Evidently, at least one of the ingredients is also on the list of bomb ingredients, don’t know about the coffee. I told the TSA officer that they should warn us on their site, as I’d checked and nothing was said. He said no because not all protein powders trigger the search because of different ingredients. They tested it and had to get clearance from on the phone to let me carry it through, otherwise there was a chance that they’d confiscate it. Needless to say, I started mailing it and the coffee ahead of time and then just bought a container to keep at my son’s house, since I visit several times per year.

[@travelingnana13]

I was stopped for pancake mix. They tested a bit and then I was able to go.the tsa man was not friendly, but the bomb tester was super nice.

[@resiliencedoctor]

I just used your hack for putting hot food in a thermos! It worked great and now I have a hot dinner that I know I will digest well because I made it. I asked the TSA officer if I should take the thermos out of my bag and run it separately with my electronics. He nodded and I didn’t get stopped after the xray. Thank you so much for this tip!

[@jenharvey8360]

Also, if you replace many of your liquid toiletries with solids (shampoo bars, toothpaste tabs, etc.), you'll have extra room in your liquids bag for things like individual packages of jam or condiments, honey straws for your tea, etc. You can also bring a collapsible cup and spoon, along with single serve soup packages, and a thermos to fill with hot water after security. I love hot miso soup on a winter flight.

[@ruth2nice0769]

NEWSFLASH! It is NOT up to the TSA agent whether you can bring a frozen water bottle. Ice is NOT a liquid. In addition, the TSA website allows this as long as it is frozen when you go through TSA.

[@rgeraldalexander4278]

Good to know, thanks.

[@campagnollo]

“It’s going to be up to the TSA agent….” Very dreaded words!!!!

[@PiNkSpRinkLe1]

The best hint I got from this was the protein powder. I already have it. I could put it in the bottom of my empty water bottle amd just fill and shake on the other side. Game changer idea as I am diabetic and need access to food for glucose control.

[@travelingnana13]

Be careful as I was stopped with pancake mix that they called the bomb tester.

[@luanneneill2877]

I fast on my flight days in order to be able to be light on my feet and move quickly without getting bogged down from a full stomach. It’s usually not more than a total of about ten hours door to door, so very doable.

[@beckyholbrook7253]

Me too 👍

[@darcydiamond8645]

Same. 😊

[@hleed7578]

that's a good idea!

[@darlenelove7425]

I agree! The less I eat the better I feel… but I drink a ton of water especially the day before!

[@manny7886]

The same here. I will be flying to the Philippines in two weeks. I planned to sleep during my 13-hour plane ride.

[@carlosa.sanchez896]

Good tips! We take sandwiches, wraps, hummus & pita chips, cubes of cheese, walnuts, dates, Sam's Club Milk Chocolate Toffee Truffles, trail mix, protein bars and uncured jerky or beef sticks. I've never been hassled by TSA. One trip from Miami to Frankfurt (Germany) our nephew was dying to eat plantain chips and asked me to bring him a big bag. I put it at the very top of my carry-on backpack and was careful not to crush it. No one gave me any trouble in German customs, especially since the bag was unopened. It was a PITA, but our nephew was very grateful.

[@DeanDecoursey]

Thanks for the tips, Megan! I leave on Monday for another trip to my house in Chiang Mai. I fly to LAX on SWA, then PAL to Bangkok, and finally, the 13 hour train ride overnight to Chiang Mai. I arrive there at noon on Thursday. Both checked bags are are 49.2 and 49.5 pounds (I trust my portable scale and will have it in my pocket if I have any problems at check in at MCI and LAX). My carry on is at 7 kilos exactly. My one problem is that my wife at the last minute decided to send 3 large bags of Hersheys miniatures, weighing 9 pounds total. I am carrying a small backpack, which will have my 8 prescription medications in it. I assume that the medications don’t count toward weigh problems with the backpack. I am wearing a coat with large pockets on it and may try to put one bag in it and the other 2 bags in the backpack. The only place that might weigh the backpack is at LAX gate and Manila gate. What I do know is that I won’t be paying $200 to check my backpack. I’ll toss the candy first and look to replace it at either Manila airport duty or BKK airport duty free on landing. Otherwise, I’m good to go to a city whose daytime temperatures reach 100-105 F and still has problems with smog. Wish me good luck.

[@markomarten]

If you can spend a bit of time preparing ahead get yourself a “ picnic in a bag” while you’re on your way to the airport eat the stuff and then dispose of the bag when convenient, I call it a “picnic in a bag” as you can put almost anything you want in there, the only rule is that you have to eat it before arriving at the airport. Airports try to make you spend when you don’t need to. If you’re not hungry when you arrive at the airport you won’t be buying a McDonald’s or similar. If you save a few podcasts you have something to occupy you while waiting. Airports have to make money but don’t feel compelled to buy stuff because it’s there. Most airlines will give you a meal of some sort so you’re not going to starve as it were. In most cases when you arrive at your destination you can find shops to buy stuff, find a local store and support them as will probably be cheaper and be grateful for the trade. Planning is always important and something folk overlook, don’t leave stuff until the last minute. The more prepared you are the better the journey will be in the end. I don’t see any sense in getting stressed about travel, if you get free samples of shower gel or something like that keep them for travel purposes. I have a bedside table in the spare bedroom with things I collect and keep, you never know when they will be needed. Every time you go out look for free stuff and don’t decline samples in stores as you can always find a use for them. Remember coupons can be a benefit too, the free stuff you got recently might be just what you need too, Always plan ahead and make things work out for you.

[@cynthiachazen3420]

frozen cheese cubes, salami, crackers. Bag of nuts, raisins in a trail mix w m&ms, grapes. Candy bars or granola bars or those breakfast cookies in small pouches. Perfect mix, and plenty even for a cross-country flight. Stays good for 4 hours, tastes good to the end. Put it in a Starbucks paper bag, noone will ever stop you.

[@bethl]

Oh man, I just threw away a Starbucks bag! I rarely go there

[@melaniejf4191]

@@bethl Just go in Starbucks and ask for a bag. Offer to pay for it.

[@RobUKTH]

Love the "No Durian Fruit!" signs with Asian airlines / hotels. You would understand if you smelt it!😅 Keep up the great work!

[@PortableProfessional]

Durian is the worst! 😂

[@CK-vp6hh]

I bought a tuna sandwich at La Guardia NY for a flight to London, I opened it before takeoff. The lady in front of me had a holy s***fit, demanding that the airline steward make me move. They suggested they could move her. I felt bad and have never done that again… but she was over the top creating a scene!

[@Reed-2big]

Jelly and butter used to be common sandwiches too.

[@affeaff]

Yeah, if you are traveling to a EU country you can save the durian and eat it in that country because durian is allowed to bring into the whole EU without restrictions

[@Reed-2big]

@@PortableProfessional Durian is prohibited in taxis or buses too! However, it does come freeze dried!

[@HR-wd6cw]

For most flights, I just go to the grocery store beforehand and pick up some things like a bag of trail mix, or nuts, or other snacks (just keep them sealed and don't open them until you get through TSA or you will probably have to throw them away at TSA). Although most airlines I fly on do at least offer some sort of free drink (water or soda) and a few snacks, depending on the length of flight, but it's nice to have your own just in case they don't (or if they can't serve food/drink due to turbulance which has happened a few times, and made a long flight, seem even longer). Then I just bring an empty water bottle and fill it at the airport. So if you eat lunch or dinner before you get to the airport too, and you bring snacks with you (that you bought elsewhere) you can avoid paying for overpriced airport food and snacks). But normally when I do this I do make sure it fits within my backapck (which is my personal bag) or can fit into a coat pocket as a coat doesn't count as a personal item and can be a life saver at times when they deem your carry-on to be too big for example (I've emptied things into my coat pockets and gotten on the flight before, because at least when I had this happen years ago, if you're wearing it, they don't count it towards your personal item or carry-on limits. The frozen item thing is a good hack, as my friend would sometimes freeze soda or juice and get it through TSA but he would also use a smaller container, like something that was maybe 8 oz, as to not draw too much attention to them. Some of these though I think depend on the specific TSA agent you're going through, as some may not allow certain items that may fall into a "grey" area like frozen fluids. One ting about the thermos idea is that if you DON'T have time to make food ahead of time, buying something like a burrito and then emptying the contents into a thermos can be quick way to make a snack that you can get through security and can be easily eaten out of the thermos with a fork. (I have used the thermos idea for getting food into things like conventions where outside food has not been allowed, never had any issues, but have not tried using it going through tsa). Your last point about additives is very important, especially if you are flying to another country, since they may not have the particular sweeteners or additives you like to use, so if you are traveling overseas, I would bring these just in case, although they may NOT be legal in some countries (just how certain foods and additives are not legal in the US; I'm saying this from the perspective of a US citizen though).

[@PortableProfessional]

Wow, thank you for sharing all of this! So much good information!

[@MaraMara89]

Big pockets in my coat were lifesavers more then once. Not only I can squeeze there whatever I couldn't fit into my backpack (personal item), but also I can use them for things I want to have close (like phone, water bottle, snack, book etc) and go through airport hand free - which is really useful if you need to handle your ID and boarding pass :)

[@relentlesspursuitofshade1234]

I bring carrots, turkey jerky, stevia packs, protein bar, hard boiled eggs, apple. Never thought of doing a thermos to have hot food. Also I like the bento box idea. Thanks!

[@TheScratchingKiwi]

Hard boiled eggs are probably not the best idea. They have a distinct odour and after-effects!

[@SweetAzSugar111]

How do you bring along French Vanilla coffee creamer and regular sugar? Will powdered creamer and the sugar pass in a clear plastic bag?

[@dougowens2686]

Good subject on snacks normally peanut butter crackers , protein bar , anything I can put in my pockets as I am a man and I don`t carry a purse and often have to check my carry on due to the airlines overwhelming incompetency to purchase air craft that can handle a carry on or lack of monitoring passengers carrying on excessive and taking up all the space.

[@patriciasimpson7054]

Thanks for the snacks and meal ideas. Since we usually fly the first flight of the day, many food vendors are not open that early. So, I always try to bring a meal with us, like a sandwich, not peanut butter, a fruit and a protein bar. This has gotten us through so many times when we’ve had flight delays, not to mention the money we’ve saved. Thank you for your valuable and numerous posts.

[@rob.w.t.3356]

Use solid shampoo, solid shower 'gel', solid toothpaste, solid lotion (if you need any) instead of the liquid version.

[@PortableProfessional]

That is certainly one way to avoid the liquid restrictions and most are easy to find!

[@roberthunter6927]

Occasional fasting for a day can be good for you [check with your doctor first]. You are not going to burn many calories during your flight. So eating on a plane is basically for entertainment. Generally speaking, the more you eat means the more you will have to drink. Dehydration and a full stomach is definitely not going to help with jet lag. There is an exception to this, your vulnerability to STRONG turbulence on an aircraft or boat. Certain routes at certain times of the day and year can almost guarantee moderate to extreme turbulence. So this means the possibility of air or sea-sickness. The secret is neither eating too much or too little. If you are going to throw up, it is good to do it with some food in your stomach. I sat next to a guy, and he loved his food. Not only was it a flight with three meals, but he snacked as well, and was sick as a dog when some moderate turbulence happened. I am never air-sick on an aircraft [so far], but I was sea-sick on a vessel, and that was after HOURS going through a severe storm, where the waves were larger than the vessel. Everyone is different of course, so find your own balance. Australia has very strict quarantine laws, and as a result, we have fewer exotic pests. So if you are heading there, check what you are allowed to bring in, or eat it before you get off the aircraft. The food confiscated or thrown away could feed thousands.

[@Fiona2254]

For many years we had a boat. We always told people to eat something before boarding and always gave each other a knowing look when someone said they skipped breakfast or lunch in order to not get sick. Those people were always the first one to hurl… only those who took Dramamine and didn’t eat were more likely to get sick. I’ve been on boats all my life, I’m almost 60, and in my experience going with an empty stomach is a recipe for disaster.

[@CandiPinki]

I take a packaged bowl of Caesar salad. It has a little cup of dressing that I don't separate for TSA and I haven't been stopped for it yet. I eat it in the airport usually at bars where I buy a drink. I used to always take grapes which would trigger an additional search. So I started putting it in the tray

[@incub8]

This Celiac appreciates your posts addressing these issues. Thanks.

[@SM-jb8jf]

The hack of putting your food separate through security scanner is a great hack!! I do it all the time. I travel with almonds and other nuts and when you have a bag of that. the security scanner can’t see through and the security always has to take it out to see it. This way they don’t feel through all your stuff to get to the bags of nuts and food.

[@nykole720]

Please do a video on how you travel gluten free!!! I have the same issue and have so much anxiety about eating at restaurants!!! Or airport food...

[@tammypearson4500]

Great lesson on carrying homemade food with a thermos! I have been afraid the thermos would be taken. I, too, have problems with my diet that most airlines don't have a meal that matches my needs. I definitely will be packing my own for my next international flight! Thank you for your information.

[@PortableProfessional]

Awesome to hear, Tammy! Enjoy!

[@jenharvey8360]

In the week between Christmas and New Year, those ubiquitous Hickory Farms stores that pop up in November in pretty much every mall in the continent mark all their leftover baskets down 50% to clear the out before the end of the month. I always buy a few, so that I have slightly luxurious shelf-stable charcuterie items for both power outages and travel. They will normally stay good without refrigeration for 6 months to a year. I pack a small travel bento box with sliced meat and cheese (remember that you cannot bring a knife through security, so cut them up at home!), protein crackers, dried fruit, small individual serving packages of olives, pickles, artichokes and asparagus that are packed without liquid (World Market is the best place to get these, Meijers also has some of them), and other goodies. Tiny Lindt chocolate bars are a nice treat for flight days. Other great airplane snacks are protein balls (I like the mixed boxes of 365 ones from Whole Foods), freeze dried cheese from Trader Joes (this can stay good without refrigeration for over a year because there is no liquid) - they pair very well with Trader Joes teriyaki flavoured nori seaweed - and freeze dried berries. And, of course, protein bars. Just don't bring any nuts with you - so many people have allergies, and if someone declares on a form that they have a nut allergy, flight staff will sometimes confiscate any nut based foods other passengers are carrying. Besides, who would want to be responsible for another passenger dying from anaphylactic shock!

[@Studentspeaksout]

Careful with the Lindt dark chocolate bars, they are full of lead.

[@ruthkringle1353]

I use Stasher bags to store and separate my stuff. They’re waterproof, see through and come in a lot of sizes.

[@bd111906]

“Sometimes that bag of baby carrots is not going to cut it” 😂 Keeping’ it real 💯 Awesome video! 👏🏼

[@neilcharles2520]

No such thing as baby carrots...it's large carrots that has been blended,shaped into small carrots with added preservatives..very bad for your health..

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you liked it! Safe travels, it's great to have you here ☺

[@kathyledger1278]

I haven't traveled in 10 years and a lot has changed since then. I am preparing for an all-inclusive trip. I have grab a bunch of snacks for the hubby and I to take on the plane as our flight is over 5 hours. I grab stuff from dollar tree like nut packages, granola bars, pepperoni sticks, and Pringle chips. I do have some almonds that I bought in a large package and don't want to take them all. Can I use a zip lock bag to take some of them? The granola bars are 5 in a package, Should I take them out of the box? Any suggestions are helpful. I have water bottles that I will be filling after I get thru security. I am flying Sunwing for suggestions that you have experienced. Thank you

[@elnamayberry]

I usually just use a plain white plastic grocery bag for my snacks, and I have never had anyone look through it, even when some were opened. As long as they are not liquids and are consumed before you land (if you are traveling internationally), no one seems to care.

[@hollish5915]

I suggest that you explain what TSA defines a "liquid" as. It might help understand why ice cubes are allowed but not water or explain why ice cubes that melt while standing in the TSA line is not permitted.

[@marysmith5891]

I am also celiac and have been bringing my own meals and snacks for years. I also travel with a wide mouth thermos, an immersion heater so I can boil water at airports or with water I bring onto plane or bottled water from plane using outlets under seat. I bring various snacks but also dehydrated meals as I have been caught out when my "special meal" was either not loaded or inedible. Fruit, veg, granola bars, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, drink mixes and whatever meal replacements I might want like oatmeal with fruit and nuts or a dehydrated Mylar bag with a full meal in it are essential. I just bought a freeze dryer which is a complete game changer. While mostly for food storage and remote camping trips it is awesome for plane travel. Just don't overdo it with the food as you may have to toss it upon arrival in a foreign country😁

[@colleenbrown3366]

I haven't flown in years and had just assumed that you couldn't bring food on your flight. Great information 👍 thanks!

[@PortableProfessional]

You can! Not sure how I would manage without my own food or snacks. Glad you enjoyed the video Colleen!

[@TracyKMainwaring]

You can take it on, but if you’re going to another country, you might not be allowed to bring it in. Check the custom rules of the country you’re going to. There can be very high fines

[@justlittleolme7977]

Thank you for your comment about allergens. ☺️

[@PortableProfessional]

My pleasure 😊

[@marycharleson3320]

I pack Larabars and individual snack baggies filled with my why protein powder and put it in my shaker cup. Actually take enough white protein for each day that I’m gone. Individual almond packets too

[@veronicanolastname2467]

3 peeled hard boiled eggs fit in a snack size zip lock bag. I pick up some pepper from a fast food place a couple of days before I go. Those eggs plus two pieces of Ezekiel Toast and some raw bell pepper slices serve as breakfast for the early morning flights we often use to start our vacation.

[@kevinadams9468]

Just don't sit next to me on the plane, please.... lol

[@krissy012p]

I'd recommend eating those in the airport only, not the plane. I love eggs, but the sulfur smell is strong in confined spaces and makes people nauseated.

[@veronicanolastname2467]

@@krissy012p Properly cooked eggs do not smell. The sulfur smell is the result of overcooking eggs. Place eggs in a pot of cold water that covers the eggs by at least 2 inches. Rapidly bring to a boil. Set a 10 minute timer. Prepare an ice bath. After 10 minutes immediately remove the eggs into the ice bath until cold. You may have to add more ice. No sulfur smell. No green line around the yolk.

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

Love the idea of the bento box. I am going to purchase a sandwich I love from a nearby place and add more things to my little bento box. Thanks for the great video.❤

[@PortableProfessional]

You are so welcome!

[@power4things]

Thanks Megan! The scrambled egg (or any hot food) meal in the thermos is a great idea. I also love the idea of flying your extra carry-on food container under the radar as duty-free ... I am diabetic and usually prepare my own in-flight food for meal or snacks, particularly for shorter flights with no or poor meal service (bread, sugar, carbs). Longer flights have enough choices so I can pick apart meat and veggies and non-carbo/sugar items from the meal offerings (The diabetic "special meal" on most airlines is not worth your time). You can often ask the crew for a second (meat) dinner or (egg) breakfast to assemble one decent healthy meal out of two. Snacks can be no-sugar crackers or other low-sugar snacks you like. Crispy veggies are great, but likely won't fill you up ...

[@laurensweeny4513]

We always bring protein bars, Cheese, carrots, celery , instant soup packets and oatmeal packets. I get hot water (for my double walled steal thermos ) from restaurants past the TSA checkpoint. Early morning flights we bring hard boiled eggs and pre buttered bagels . Hubby likes jerky and summer sausage ( need not be kept cold)😊Several times the airport shops had been closed due to the awful time we arrived or had a layover. Our snacks helped others with diabetic needs.

[@deliacall4826]

Egg bites and quiche are great in a bento with fruit n ham n cheese cubes or bacon

[@Helen-xv7ot]

Great idea about the egg scramble ☺️ I suffer from Celiac disease... traveling anywhere is complicated...the airport lounge's don't even accommodate anymore 😐

[@stevehafke3614]

If you need to bring ice pack for medicine or baby formula those items will most likely go through secondary screening. Also, make the tsa agent aware that you have those items.

[@PortableProfessional]

Love this. Great tip, Steve!

[@giannalafronza8698]

My go to flight meal is a bagel sandwich with a just egg patty and smoked gouda. It it is easy to throw together before leaving for the airport, never gets smushed in my personal item, and does not get flagged at the security check point.

[@PortableProfessional]

Simple and yummy! My kind of snack! Thanks for watching!

[@janinecroteau5946]

With the food handlers strike on a major Cdn airline, I couldn’t get my non-dairy meal. I bought a vegan wrap after security at YYZ for my outgoing flight and a made to order turkey club at MCO after security for my return flight. If there is still a strike on my next trip, I’ll try to bring something from home for the flight out.

[@power4things]

You know you're a hit with TSA when they pop open your monster hash, sniff and then ask for the recipe!

[@PortableProfessional]

Haha! Happy travels!

[@jerryrohr5096]

Oscar Meyer lunchables are very packable and cheap at the grocery store by the airport. It makes for enough sustenance to get out of the airport and home or to my hotel.

[@sunnyscott4876]

I don't eat those on the plane, but I love them for a late night snack when I am exhausted from traveling, and I just want to collapse in my hotel room.

[@MaoTheMage]

For a domestic flight with a group I was living with, I once brought a box of like 10 burritos through airport security 😂 It was allowed. I've also more recently brought a bag of pizza slices and a container of leftover Chinese food. It's usually fine, especially if it's consumed before you land. I also tend to bring raw veggies and granola bars.

[@rondini2]

The whole liquid/gels thing is total security theatre, and does nothing to improve security. Neither does taking off our belts and shoes. Total farce

[@luvmyrecords]

Thank you for reminding people that some food smells can be unpleasant to their fellow passengers. I don't know whether or not I have a peanut allergy, because I never have been able to get near enough to one to try it. Merely smelling peanuts or peanut butter makes me terribly nauseated. I traveled monthly back when they served them on airplanes, and I just accepted that for about 20 minutes every flight, I would be plunged into my own, private hell.

[@stevedunlop9623]

Watch out bringing food and plant items into some countries as they often have a hefty fine too. They are trying to keep plant and animal diseases out. If you are not sure declare it as you won't get fined. Declaring items says you are not sure and lets them decide.

[@lemonlime1920]

When I take a morning flight, I bring single serve containers of protein oatmeal and get hot water from whatever coffee shop I pass. We have also picked up subs on the way to the airport. I learned my lesson with soft cheese after having to throw out a full pint of it. I told the TSA lady to feel free to put it in the break room but she said they aren’t allowed to. She suggested that I could go eat it in the lobby and go back through the line afterwards but there were 50 mph wind gusts that day. There was no way I wanted to have a full belly of cheese with a bumpy takeoff! Also, hot dogs have some ingredient in them that triggers security checks. I buy and freeze them when I visit my hometown and carry them on the plane with me. I’ve never had to throw them out but regularly get an extra screening.

[@desiv1170]

Yeah, the allergy bit caught us once. Our GoTo snack had been Peanut M&Ms. But on a trip recently, they announced that someone on board had a critical peanut allergy and asked us all to refrain from any products that had any peanuts in them at all... And we hadn't brought anything other than our peanut M&Ms that time. (It wasn't a super long flight, just three or so hours.) So now we also bring pretzels and/or similar, just in case...

[@julieduree9210]

Depends on where the person with the allergy was sitting,peanuts, especially peanut butter doesn’t go walking about on their own,and that person would have to digest it to have the allergy affect him/her..sounds like over kill,but then I’am not an expert on peanut allergies.

[@desiv1170]

@@julieduree9210 Yeah they were very clear that this was a significant peanut allergy and they asked everyone on the plane to refrain. I know that they can be severe, but that seemed extreme. But better safe than sorry...

[@0459RanRan]

No, allergens don’t usually get up and walk, but the very smell can trigger some people, if only with a panic attach. Many, many allergens, however, go air borne and can give people a bad flight, if not a life threatening one. And if you haven’t experienced an epi-pen, you have no clue how nasty they are or that you should be medically supervised thereafter.

[@danaboatman954]

Another question, what do you do for the return trip home?

[@magietagie]

These are great tips! On a recent trip, I spent $36 on two bagels with cheese and a chocolate bar 🍫! So this is very helpful!

[@PortableProfessional]

Oh geeze, what a rip-off! I've spent waaaaay to much on food while traveling too, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! Hopefully this video helps you for future. 😊

[@Kim-SCUSA]

Got delayed in Charlotte airport for 4 hours and spent $76 on 2 burgers and 2 iced teas. That was a year ago and I’m still mad about it.

[@dorothygrantham4370]

Dang! It’s not even ME, and I’M MAD ABOUT IT!

[@kathryncashner3294]

In my experience, the problem can be less a matter of what the rule says and more of how the agent decides to enforce the rule. For instance, I grabbed the unopened container of cottage cheese from my fridge (it would be spoiled by the time I got home, so no loss if I had to toss it). Yup, that had to be tossed. I even offered to open it and eat some in front of the agent. Nope. The next time, I emptied a small cottage cheese container into a larger plastic container and added some fruit--it went right thru. Same brand of cottage cheese, except that the one with the fruit added had been opened and repackaged. Wouldn't that make it more likely to be tampered with or somehow hazardous? My logic is that I take either things that I 98% know will get thru and/or things that I really don't care if they get tossed because they won't be good if left in my fridge while I'm gone. NOTHING is 100% guaranteed thru TSA. Another hint--I had severe skin burns from radiation treatment for cancer. The doctor had recommended 2 creams available over the counter, but one came in a 4 oz tube (technically too big.). Get the doc to write a prescription that you can carry with you, even though it is an OTC product. That way, if the agent questions it, you have documentation. It took a year for the burns to heal, and I made several flights during that time.

[@suecampbell4811]

Wishing you continued improved health - and fewer hassles from TSA!

[@jimmijames1]

Thanks for the great tips! I usually take a mix of nuts and dried fruit. Enough (quart ish) that it lasts the whole trip Aloha

[@PortableProfessional]

You’re very welcome!

[@Vegas_Mel]

THIS 11:30 is the MONEY tip I always use. And the reason I hold on to a couple of Starbucks bags at home! 🎯

[@lindatyler4331]

Your suggestions are amazing! I appreciate all the options for leaving from home to travel. Do you have suggestions to obtain food to travel from overseas back to the US to avoid over spending!. I love your channel and you have encourged me to travel more to the point where I have just planned my 1st overseas trip. I am excited. Thank you!

[@terrifromm5085]

Tail mix is our favorite snack to bring. The Costco big bag is the best and we put 1/2 cup of the mix in baggies.

[@markdavis3539]

what kind of animals do they use to make the mix? lol.

[@Nor1961]

TRAIL, surely?? LOL

[@markdavis3539]

@@Nor1961 of course, I was just havin' a little fun.

[@2000det]

I always use zip lock bags for my food.....Hudson news bags are great for a carry on...& frozen water bottles...I never starve at the airport

[@toddkight7643]

The problem with ordering No-Salt (etc. & so on) Meals ahead of time to guarantee early presentation is that it oftentimes is of a lower quality than what is regularly at your disposal 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@vb4567]

I like taking oranges; they have lots of liquid in them and are enclosed in a strong peel that is reasonably easy to open; but bring a napkin or paper towel with them.

[@lexijay4766]

Thank you so much! This is a gamechanger for me, as we travel with 3 preteen kids.

[@FLPeach00]

OMG I’ve been hoping for a video like this. This will save me so much money on airport food. Thank you so much!!

[@PortableProfessional]

LOVE to hear it, Carol! Enjoy your next flight, so glad to have you on the channel.

[@neilcharles2520]

When flying coach on short flights,i pick up a packaged sandwich at my local grocery store,they are sealed and kept in the cold section..the night before my flight..

[@AbigailGerlach-zt1sh]

I like an onion bagels, cream cheese, lox, and red onion OR a plain bagel, mayo, deli chicken, havarti cheese, bacon, and garlic aoli. I have numerous to go packets of crystal light, splenda, bone broth, and non-dairy creamer. In a pinch, I usually have a zip lock bag of m&m's, raisins, herbed cashews, pretzel straws, and parmesan goldfish.

[@iknowheis]

Flew last week and it was the first time I took a sandwich and a bagel with me on the plane. I was concerned that I would feel self conscious but my seat mate pulled out her sandwich so I got mine. I made it very simple, no lettuce and tomatoes, but the mustard and Mayo were good with my bread and lunch meat! I ate the bagel on the second flight. No butter or cream cheese just plain toasted bagel. It hit the spot!

[@rgeraldalexander4278]

Thanks again for all the helpful information and tips. Heading to Taiwan on a long haul flight on Sunday. I'll take along single serving coco packs to add to coffee or hot water, as well as laundry soap sheets to use if needed on route or for quick in-sink laundry in hotels during my travels.

[@saltyroe3179]

Beef Jerky! High protein that I need, factory sealed bag. Fits easily in my oversized purse.

[@PortableProfessional]

Love it, we would travel well together!

[@SharonRepici]

Just remember to finish it before landing if traveling internationally.

[@saltyroe3179]

@@PortableProfessional my wife would object to me traveling with a good looking young lady

[@Mr.DJones]

@@saltyroe3179 I hope she didn't read what you just said. :)

[@danaboatman954]

Megan, do you use a plastic thermos vs a stainless one so it can be xray'd easier?

[@HistoryRepeats101]

All good idea but there’s no way I’m putting my ziplock food bag directly in those nasty contaminated bins! I don’t even put any clothing (jacket, blazer etc) Orin those bins. Before security I put in my carryon until I’m thru, same with my personal bag it goes in a garbage bag in the bin which goes in the trash after security. Dirty shoes doesn’t and food, clothes doesn’t work for me.

[@PortableProfessional]

Totally understand! Thanks for sharing and it's great to have you on the channel. Safe travels!

[@Robnord1]

You make a very valid point about the bins. I NEVER see agents sanitize them, and if the even do, it probably doesn't happen often. Imagine the bacteria and viruses from the previous user's shoes! Maybe the restroom or outdoors stepping in bird droppings was their last stop. 👀 Thanks for the bag tip.

[@mkmariak]

I save the gallon ziploc for my airplane seat pocket. I've seen people put dirty diapers there, and who knows how often they get cleaned.

[@Silastobias1]

Glad to know I’m not the only one… We use a gallon size Ziploc bag held to the seat pocket with a clip which holds things that we need throughout the trip…. power cords , phone , lipgloss etc. Anything that goes on the floor goes into its own large plastic bag which we then recycle. And of course when we get to our destination all of our luggage is wiped down with disinfecting stuff. Clothes are washed and sanitized.

[@csueconner9711]

I have a feeding tube so have to carry boost (formula). Yes, I can bring several bottles with me because it is for medical reason but I must leave extra time for my boost and medical equipment checked. I also carry a doctor’s note in case I am questioned.

[@yaowsers77]

I'm sorry about your condition. It does make things a bit more challenging. My favorite gluten free dish is egg fried rice. Cold day old rice bright to room temp, eggs, scallions, green peas. I like Spam ham but i grew up on it and it's optional. Make sure the rice is loose. In more oil you think you need, scramble the eggs seasoned with salt until about 80% done. Move it to the side a bit and throw in the rice. Mix rice with eggs and cook for a bit. Add salt to taste. Put in peas and add chopped scallions. Cook a little longer and it's done. You can add whatever proteins you'd like.

[@LesliePatko]

I have been enjoying your videos for a while, and just learned from this one that you have Celiac as well! I was diagnosed recently and find it very stressful to travel with that condition, especially when a long delay caused me to be rebooked onto a different international flight where my gluten-free meal request was not honored due to the short notice. Any additional tips specific to traveling gluten free would be greatly appreciated! Love your videos, thank you.

[@RoxxyVoxxy]

Thanks for providing the pdf of prepared food, which I've downloaded. ❤

[@dougowens2686]

Beware FYI the Raleigh Durham airport TSA does not allow Ice at all this week my daughter was harassed and forced to throw our her travel water container that had ice but no water !!! I will add this TSA and Friendly should never in the same sentence they are far from friendly often I find them rude and obnoxious

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Good video. If the airline isn't going to feed me, I'll have a meal at the airport. The only flights that ever caused me to fill my thermos with hot water, and to have a few sachets of soup in my jacket-pockets, were ........ Chinook flights in Afghanistan.

[@dorothygrantham4370]

Bawhahaha! I hear ya and CAN RELATE! Taji, Balad, Al Asad, Baghdad, Kandahar, ETC AND ETC

[@ReyOfLight]

I don't have any food allergies myself, but do have other allergies... On behalf of those who have food allergies which at times also can be airborne, which is the case with peanuts and sometimes nuts generally, for the love of airplanes, kittens and baby penguins, do NOT bring snacks with peanuts in it (like trail mix with peanuts, snickers bars etc etc etc) or nuts in general to snack on in a public space such as a busy airport (or other busy public space for that matter) or airplane (or any public transportation), you could seriously put someone in danger due to your choice of snack! If you want to have peanuts or nuts, eat it at home or in your own car or when hiking... I also really want to see the day where all airlines abandon peanuts and nuts as a snack onboard. Allergies can be extremely severe, so it would honestly just be easiest to ban peanuts and nuts from airplanes and airports, than for airlines to try to accommodate (which they often can't even promise) if a passenger calls them to let them know about allergy (in which case, said allergic passenger would still have to spend time at the airport where people are snacking on their pre-flight peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and whatnot...) Just do away with those worst, potentially airborne, edible allergens from places like major travel hubs and vehicles of mass transit

[@dorothygrantham4370]

Verrrrrry interesting! THIS should be a PSA ( public service announcement) I, personally did NOT know they are airborne! Thank you for this and I WILL be telling anyone who will listen!

[@NorthHoustonCityLimits]

I love taking left over Chinese food with me sometimes!

[@birbluv9595]

Thank you so much, Megan. These are great ideas. I appreciate your generosity with information. I must have a perfectly bland diet and cannot eat most tasty foods or prepared foods. I’ve found that very few airlines offer a bland diet option for special meals. Your tips have opened my eyes to ways i can fly again. I also have hypoglycemia and it’s extremely hard to make it through delays, when you are about to faint from not getting food quickly enough.

[@tanyah.9131]

I try not to eat too much and stick to foods i find easy to digest because I'd rather be a little hungry than bloated and 💨💨 😝. I have a flight to Scandinavia from Seattle next month and I'm planning out the airplane food (& not buying an online meal).

[@JBishop25]

I’m a security professional; I absolutely enjoy messing with the security theatre at TSA checkpoints. I love how a jar of peanut butter is a liquid because it doesn’t hold its own form without the jar, but it’s ok on a sandwich. I once emptied a jar of peanut butter into a disposable pie tin, no pie crust, just the tin.

[@NorthHoustonCityLimits]

Wow so many great tips it’s crazy! Thank you as I travel a lot! Just genius! 👍

[@heatherframpton9693]

Thanks, Megan, for the insight for flight snacks for flights. 😊

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad it was helpful, Heather!

[@responding8185]

I have a 17 hour flight soon. Your videos are so awesome I needed this info ❤❤❤

[@PortableProfessional]

Good luck and enjoy!

[@francedangela9556]

It really depends on the agent because I’ve had my home prepared breakfast trashed twice. I had a very early flight for a business meeting and wouldn’t have time for breakfast once landed and didn’t want to have the plane food. Both times they advised it wasn’t allowed to bring food through security.

[@missmayflower]

Where?

[@francedangela9556]

@@missmayflower From Montreal to Toronto.

[@daisy8297]

So basically what you are saying is that it’s down to the whim or mood of the TSA agent if you can take something on board, regardless of whether it is classed as allowable? The rules can’t be all that clear if you get different interpretations from employees.

[@pen25]

the bag hack of buying a starbucks bag or bringing one is already pretty much stopped. delta united and southwest are now considering any individual bag, sling, shopping bag, starbucks, purse as an item.

[@markmyers5881]

It also seems inconsiderate, if used as a way of sneaking an extra carry-on on board.

[@SuperDflower]

Yes, but you’re not taking up carry-on space by having an extra bag with food in it. It’s going to stay with you while you’re on the flight. So I don’t see it as any kind of terrible sin. I’m not inconveniencing anyone by doing so.

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

OK first enjoyed the tips. Good ideas. Question: at 7:35 you talk about egg scramble/Monster Mash, why did you look up? Question: hot water on flights. I am a tea drinker. The hot water (business/first class) they bring you always has the taste of coffee. Drink tea with a coffee flavor and it does not work. Solution: ??? help ???

[@viridian4573]

Invest in a good quality stainless steel travel mug or thermos bottle. The kind that will keep hot liquids hot for hours. After security go to an airport coffee shop or restaurant and ask them nicely to fill your mug with hot water. On the plane add your tea bag to the mug of hot water.

[@psamp658]

Nice suggestions. However, as you've covered, one should be prepared to explain or open containers while going through security if agents ask for a visual inspection. Sometimes it is possible they might ask you to discard or separate out items whic takes time. Also the frozen bottle hack can go both ways.

[@SharonRepici]

isn't that why she showed the snacks in a big baggie and placed into the bin?

[@angelal6700]

Arby's roast beef sandwich, and pkg of sauce; buy 2-3, open up at home , separate meat from bun to 'dry' a little; assemble& put sauce on, rewrap, freeze. Take out and put in carryon, frozen; they thaw out in couple of hours. Do same with homemade--no mayo, dairy.