Bringing food to the airport/on airplane

[IIOY]

My son has life-threatening food allergies so I will be bringing food for him to PHL, along with his epi pens. Is there any reason I couldn't bring a salad for myself? I would probably make a fairly big one and use a ziplock bag that will be well beyond the 3-ounce liquid limit (probably the gallon size). Obviously salad isn't a liquid, but I don't trust TSA to make intelligent judgment as to such things. Thoughts? Experiences?

[Deleted]

I always travel with food and never had any problems. I'm not fond of food for sale on planes and hate to spend money on it. Whenever I fly within the US I carry up with me two tupperware containers, a large and a small, with plastic tableware. Maybe you could ring the company and ask, just to be safe.

[frlcb]

You are allowed to travel with food that isn't liquid, a salad would not be an issue, I have flown with food often.

[udscoobychick]

I've brought pasta, cake, cookies, cupcakes, and many other food items through security. You'll be fine. I'd pack your salad dressing separately and put that in with your liquids, but the salad itself will be fine (although, I hope you're planning on eating it shortly after getting through security, so it doesn't wilt from being out of the fridge!). Or pick up salad dressing from one of the vendors in the airport.

ETA: At least the last time I flew out of there (a couple years ago), PHL was one of the more relaxed airports re: liquids and such.

[orangello]

People bring frozen blocks of meat to the Caribbean all the time. I think a salad is fine :-)

[GilliC]

If you eat it on the plane, it should be fine. The only problem I can think of is that if you're flying internationally, you might want to leave the leftovers behind on the plane. Many countries have restrictions against bringing in fruits and vegetables, and even if it's allowed, it can mean extra customs checks and the leftovers probably aren't worth the added hassle.

[GilliC]

Nov 1, 2012 8:53:13 GMT -5 @publius said:

I've had reese cups confiscated before because "the peanut butter inside them is a gel". It wouldn't surprise me if you get a rocket scientist trying to tell you that lettuce is mainly water. I wouldn't expect it to happen though.

This makes me simultaneously laugh and cry!

[Deleted]

I always take food on the plane. The only problem I imagine you having is if you try to take salad dressing with you.

[Deleted]

Nov 1, 2012 8:53:13 GMT -5 @publius said:

Just make sure any dressing you bring for it complies with their regulations.

I've had reese cups confiscated before because "the peanut butter inside them is a gel". It wouldn't surprise me if you get a rocket scientist trying to tell you that lettuce is mainly water. I wouldn't expect it to happen though.

LOL, apparently your TSA agent was hungry!