how to pack your food for air travel
& avoid paying $32 for a subpar airport salad
why Bring your food?
Packing your own food when traveling is not only a cost-effective option but also allows you to have more control over your calories & digestion while in an unpredictable environment.
Depending on flight delays, etc., you could find yourself stranded in an airport, with fast food as your only option. And if you have food allergies, that often means not eating at all.
When we travel, we love to hit the ground running as soon as we reach our final destination.
The last thing we want to do is feel like trash because of something we ate during the travel day.
what can I bring?
Per the TSA, you can bring all solid foods through security. However, liquids (creamy consistency or gels) must also be under 3.4 ounces/ 100ml.
Here are common foods that you should avoid packing (note, if you can bring them in single-serve containers <100ml, then it’s fair game):
yogurt
cream cheese or cottage cheese
applesauce squeeze packs
creamy dips/spreads (hummus and guac)
peanut butter and jellies
salad dressing
oatmeal or overnight oats
chia pudding
Anything else? Bring it!
*Note effective June 2024, for domestic US travel
how To pack it: Part 1
Use a reusable bag with a structured bottom:
Preferably one that zips closed and is easy to clean!
Pack in collapsible silicone containers: Plastic bags also work, but you risk a major crush factor. We also recommend avoiding aluminum foil as it may get your bag flagged.
The collapsible food containers are a major flex, so we also recommend using your typical Pyrex or Tupperware - really, whatever you have.
The best part about bringing your own containers is that you can use them during the trip, especially if it’s a work trip where you plan to cook your own food.
Explore our Amazon storefront for a great selection of travel accessories and ideas!
how To pack it: Part 2
If you want to keep it cold:
Gel ice packs can be risky due to liquid guidelines. If they’re frozen solid, you can make it through TSA, or they may be confiscated. Instead, we recommend filling a few Ziploc baggies full of ice, and then if they get tossed, NBD.
If you’re driving to the airport, keep the ice packs in a cooler and switch them into your bag right before heading inside.
Other things to bring:
Paper Towels or napkins
Plastic fork or spoon (don’t bring a knife - if something needs to be cut up, do it ahead of time when you pack it)
Wet wipes or hand sanitizer (note you can pack just a couple in a Ziploc bag)
meal suggestions
Don’t overthink it here. Take your normal foods and meals with you. You just might need to slightly recalibrate to make it easier to travel with!
Example: if you normally have eggs on toast, consider making a breakfast sandwich that’s easier to pack AND eat.
Meals that pack easily:
Salads
Sandwiches & wraps
Chicken or steak & rice or potatoes
Foods to avoid (AKA don’t be that person):
Egg or tuna salad
Any kind of fish
Pungent veggies (broccoli, brussels sprouts)
Sticky or saucy foods (ribs or wings)
what’s in our bag?
Kate’s Preferences:
A few packets of LMNT
Barebells Protein Bar (Chocolate Dough, always)
Berries + a banana
At least one full meal of chicken + rice unless I know there’s a Chick-fil-A at my layover
Laura’s Go-To’s:
LMNT and Alyssa’s cookies for me too!
Breakfast: egg and DF cream cheese bagel, breakfast sausage, a 6oz pack of berries
Lunch or dinner: I hate to let any leftovers go to waste! So this usually means chicken and rice over some greens
On the return trip: I’ll often get Whole Foods hot bar or an extra to-go salad from a restaurant I liked while traveling
An insulated water bottle packed with ice
