Have you ever stood at airport security, clutching a sandwich from home and silently wondering if you can actually bring snacks on a plane? Bringing your own food isn’t just about saving a few dollars at the airport. For many of us, it’s also about comfort. Maybe it’s a taste of your mom’s cooking, a childhood snack that makes you feel grounded, or just your favorite trail mix that gets you through a long layover.
At Remitly, we know that travel can be emotional, especially when it connects you to the people and places that matter most. Sometimes, the smallest things, like a snack tucked into your carry-on, make the journey feel a little more comfortable. So, let’s unpack what you can bring and what to avoid.
What TSA says about food on a plane
Before you start packing, the good news is that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) isn’t out to take away your snacks. The only thing they care about is keeping flights safe and screening food efficiently.
Solid foods are allowed
Solid foods are absolutely fine to bring in both your carry-on and checked bags. TSA officers might ask to X-ray or quickly inspect them, but that’s normal, especially if something looks unfamiliar on the scanner. So, if you want to bring cookies, sandwiches, fruit, or even leftover empanadas, go right ahead.
The rule to remember is that if it’s solid, you can bring it. If it’s liquid, that’s another story.
Examples of allowed snacks
You can bring pretty much anything that holds its shape, like sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, nuts, chocolate, muffins, you name it. If it’s something you can hold without worrying about it leaking, then you’re good to go. Don’t worry, TSA officers aren’t judging your snack choices.
Where people often get tripped up is with foods that blur the line between solid and liquid. Think peanut butter, hummus, salsa, or jam. If it’s spreadable, pourable, or even scoopable, TSA will count it as a liquid or gel, which means it has to follow the 3-1-1 rule.
The 3-1-1 rule for liquids
This rule is the one travelers most often forget about when packing snacks, yet it’s the easiest to remember once you’ve done it once or twice.
What the 3-1-1 rule means
Every traveler can bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All of those containers need to fit into one quart-sized, clear plastic bag, and you only get one bag per person.
So, you can bring a small pot of hummus or a mini tub of peanut butter, as long as it’s within the size limit and fits in your liquids bag. Think snack-size, not family-size.
Foods considered liquids or gels
Some unexpected snacks that you might not know count as “liquids” include: peanut butter, yogurt, cream cheese, salsa, dips, jam, and even soft cheese spreads. You can still pack them—just make sure they’re in small, sealed containers that fit in your clear bag.
If you freeze certain foods before you go through security, TSA may count them as solids, but only if they’re completely frozen at screening time.
What about drinks?
Drinks follow the same 3-1-1 rule. You can’t bring a full water bottle through security, but you can bring an empty one and fill it afterward. Most airports have refill stations, which saves money and avoids plastic waste.
If you’re traveling with a baby or have medical needs, those liquids are exempt.
Quick tip for faster checks
Put all your liquid or gel foods in one clear bag and keep it near the top of your carry-on. When you reach the scanner, you can pull it out along with your electronics. TSA officers appreciate it when travelers are prepared, and other travelers will appreciate you not holding up the line while digging through your backpack.
You can double-check everything on the TSA liquids page if you want extra peace of mind before you fly.
Special considerations: baby food and medical needs
If you’re traveling with a baby or need to bring specific food for medical reasons, don’t worry: TSA makes exceptions for you.
Exemptions from the 3-1-1 rule
Baby formula, breast milk, juice for infants, and medically necessary liquids don’t have to follow the 3.4-ounce limit. You can bring what you need for the journey, as long as it’s reasonable. That might include protein shakes, nutritional supplements, or other health-related items.
How to declare these items
When you reach the screening area, just let a TSA officer know. Place these items separately in a bin for screening. They may test them for safety, but they won’t open sealed containers. TSA agents handle these items every day, and being upfront helps everything go smoothly.
It also helps to keep everything labeled and packed neatly together. Traveling with kids can be stressful enough, so having everything organized will save you time and keep you calm.
Packing tips for a smooth security check
Once you know what you can bring, the next step is how to pack it so you’re not holding up the line.
How to pack snacks efficiently
Try to pack your snacks in clear, resealable bags or small containers. It’s easier for the airport staff to see what’s inside, and nothing gets squished at the bottom of your bag. Keeping snacks near the top of your carry-on also helps if an officer needs to check something. You can grab it quickly and move on.
Be considerate of others
We’ve all been there, someone opens a strong-smelling meal mid-flight, and suddenly the whole cabin smells like fish stew. As tempting as it is to pack your favorite leftovers, aim for travel-friendly snacks that don’t have strong smells or messy sauces. You’ll thank yourself later, and so will everyone sitting near you.
Think of in-flight snacking as a gentle art. Open noisy packaging before take off, avoid spilling crumbs, and toss your trash when the crew comes around. You’re basically creating your own mini picnic in the sky.
How bringing your own snacks saves money
We all know that airport food prices are high these days. A sandwich that costs $5 in your local coffee shop can easily be $15 past security. Packing your own food saves money, and it gives you control over what you eat.
You can choose healthier options, avoid allergens, and skip the long lines. And maybe that money you save on overpriced snacks can go toward something like sending a little extra home through Remitly.
Smart snack ideas that travel well
Now for the fun part, packing snacks that can survive the journey. Aim for the sturdy kind: no melting chocolate or crumbly pastries falling apart mid-flight.
Healthy, TSA-friendly options
Think about foods that stay fresh for hours, like roasted chickpeas, dried fruit, protein bars, cheese cubes, or rice crackers. They’re easy to pack, mess-free, and perfect for snacking on during layovers. Hard-boiled eggs even make the list if you keep them sealed.
One of the best parts of traveling as an immigrant or expat is that your snacks tell stories. Maybe you’re bringing Filipino polvorón, Indian samosas, Mexican empanadas, or Nigerian puff-puff. Each one carries a little piece of home. These are all solid foods, so they’re fine to bring, just skip the dipping sauces unless they’re in small containers that follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Small meals for long flights
If you’re flying long-haul, you’ll probably want more than a snack. A wrap, rice ball, or salad can make a huge difference mid-flight.
Most airlines are fine with outside food as long as it’s clean and doesn’t have a strong smell. Add a napkin and a resealable bag, and you’re good to go. There’s something comforting about eating your favorite food while 30,000 feet in the air.
Traveling internationally
Everything we’ve covered so far applies to the US, but if you’re flying internationally, there’s one more layer to think about: customs.
TSA vs. customs
TSA rules apply when you’re going onto the plane, while customs rules apply when you’re entering another country. So, while you can take that apple on a flight from New York to London, you might not be allowed to bring it into the UK. It’s not about being strict, it’s about protecting agriculture and preventing pests from crossing borders.
Many countries restrict fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and seeds. It’s always safest to eat those fresh foods before landing or declare them at customs. Even something as small as an orange can lead to a fine if it’s undeclared.
Bringing snacks for someone else
If you’re bringing snacks as gifts for friends or family abroad, it’s best to stick with sealed, packaged items. Store-bought snacks like chocolates or chips are usually fine, but homemade foods can sometimes cause issues depending on the destination. Bringing a few treats from the US can be a sweet way to share your world with the people back home.
When in doubt, declare it. It takes an extra minute, but it’ll save you the stress later. You can check the US Customs and Border Protection website for the latest food restrictions before you fly.
A taste of home, wherever you fly
Traveling with snacks shouldn’t be stressful. Solids are fine, liquids follow the 3-1-1 rule, and the rest depends on where you’re headed. At Remitly, we know those little comforts matter. Whether you’re bringing your favorite snacks across borders or sending love to someone waiting back home, we’re here to help you stay connected no matter how far you travel.
FAQs
Can I bring homemade sandwiches on a plane?
Yes. Sandwiches, wraps, or even empanadas are totally fine in your carry-on. Just pack them neatly and avoid liquid fillings.
Is peanut butter considered a liquid?
Yes. TSA classifies it as a “spread,” so it has to follow the 3-1-1 rule.
Can I bring chips or crackers on a plane?
Yes, you can bring as many dry snacks like chips and crackers as you like. There’s no limit.
Can I bring a whole cake or pie?
You can, it just might need extra screening, but TSA agents won’t take your dessert away.
What about frozen food?
Frozen food is allowed if it’s fully solid when screened. If it’s starting to thaw, TSA will treat it as a liquid.