Peanuts are not lunch...need suggestions! About This Page:

[castawaykarr]

We are flying SWA...Our flight leaves at 8:05 am and unfortunately must fly an hour east to Albuquerque to change planes, depart at 9:05am and arrive in Orlando at 2:45. We will need to pack some lunch for the airplane. Anyone have any suggestions for what is okay to take (regulations) and how to keep cool? My DH and DD will not eat peanut butter or I would make it easy and pack pb&j's for all of us. Need protein...don't want us to arrive hungry, tired and cranky! Thanks!

[Colexis Mom]

How about some sub sandwiches, just made at home? You could keep them in a small cooler, and when you get to the other side of security, you could get some cold drinks and put them in there to keep everything cool

[Cats'N'Dogs]

If you have time, you could pick up something to go once you get through security. I have gotten sandwiches and salads to go from fast food places. Other times I have packed granola or pbj sandwiches with chips. I just pick up a drink at the airport.

[HeatherD]

We've done both - we've packed PB&J for the kids (though they get a little smushed) and we've purchase stuff at the gate to either eat before boarding or eat on the plane. I, personally, prefer buying the stuff there (if we are not strapped for cash) since it's less to hassle with. But we also fly out of Las Vegas and our airport has a LOT of choices. I can't think of other things (read: protein) that would pack without some type of cooling....my MIL packed egg salad sandwiches, but I'm not too keen on that - she didn't cool them.

I've found that SWA supplies at least more than peanuts - usually a couple snacky type things in a box. Still nothing substantial (no protein), but enough for a shorter flight. Not sure if that is different depending on the length of flight (I think I've even gotten it flying from Las Vegas to Reno and from Las Vegas to Orlando).

[disney]

i agree i would buy something on the other side of the surcurity just to hold you over . i do not know what you can take food wise thru sercurity all i've takin thru is gum and small snacks only .

[janicelovesmickey]

I actually had taken those southbeach diet wraps thru security okay, even though they are refrigorated, they keep nice, and you dont have to worry about smooshing them or going bad. and they have tons of protien and are yummy..

[MBUS]

We almost always bring something from home on the flight to Orlando. We usually buy subs or bagels. Sometimes we will bring lunchables for the kids. Since your flight is so early in the am, I am not sure if you will have a lot of lunch choices for sale at the terminal. I would bring something from home in a soft sided cooler/lunchbag (or 2) and then get a couple cold drinks at the terminal to keep them cool. I usually get a few of the small, 25 - 50 cent bags of chips, fritos, etc and snack packs of cookies for the kids' backpacks anyway.

Beth

[awitelin]

I've never gotten any actual food (beyond like granola bars) through security, even though I don't think it's explicitly disallowed. Maybe I've just run into super-vigilant TSA folks! So I always buy on the other side.

[castawaykarr]

I would rather buy something when we change plans in Albuquerque. It's one less hassle for us at home that morning...especially at 6:30 am. I am concerned that there won't be any sandwiches available to buy at that time of morning in the ABQ airport--I know there is nothing to buy at our airport...too small. I guess we could buy breakfast sandwiches there to fill us up right then, then I could pack peanut butter crackers, beef jerky, and snacks to eat as a "lunch" on the plane. Thanks for all the suggestions!

[SARH7]

What about a trail mix with mixed nuts, dried fruit, a little chocolate to sweeten it up. You can buy it premade, or go to the bulk section of the grocery store and buy just the specific ingredients you like.

[Dream Weaver]

We've had good luck with things like the string cheese single serving packs. There are also the packs of cheese and crackers if your kids like those. We've never encountered issues taking these through security. You can usually purchase fruit yogurt in airports after security, it travels pretty well. A cold drink or two would help keep it cool. While not protein, I think you could pack small apples or grapes. If you want milk you can take an empty thermos and buy some after you go through security.

[bradk]

just a warning when planning to eat on the plane. should you end up on one with someone with allergies, you may not be able to eat what you're planning to. so i'd plan accordingly for that anyway.

[JanetCatherineB]

Here is what I found.. The OFFICIAL list what the TSA will allow
Food & Drinks

Item Carry-on Checked
Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in containers LARGER than 3 oz. NO
Beverages brought from home or purchased before reaching the security checkpoint in a 3 oz. or smaller container and in your quart-size, zip-top plastic bag. Yes Yes
Beverages purchased after security screening Yes Yes
Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Learn more about traveling with children. Yes Yes
Canned or jarred goods such as soup, sauces, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables and jellies Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Cheese in pressurized containers Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Duty free alcohol and other items (Please see our section on Duty Free Items) Yes, but some restrictions apply. Yes
Gel based sports supplements Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Jell-O's Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Pudding Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Whipped cream Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Yogurt or gel like food substances Yes - 3 oz. or smaller container Yes
Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) - A product most commonly found in MRE's, used to heat food packages. There is no limit on the number of MREs an individual may possess in checked or carry-on baggage, but the MRE(s) containing FRH(s) must be unopened (original factory seal is unbroken) Yes Yes
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[ImGoofy3mmc]

You could always bring some different snacks like odwalla bars or fruit leathers and then also see what the airport has to offer when you get there, but at least you'll have a back up snack to hold you off until you arrive in Orlando.

[Pax]

Granola Bars can also work, although I wouldn't want to make an entire LUNCH of ONLY those.