Illustration of a mom and daughter sharing a lollipop

Airplane Snacks for Kids: Easy, TSA-Friendly Ideas

Quick answer: Solid snacks are fine in your carry-on and just go through X-ray. Spreads, dips and other liquids or gels must follow the 3.4 oz (100 ml) rule, except formula, breast milk and toddler drinks, which are allowed in larger amounts.1,2,3

What TSA allows

  • Solid foods: allowed in carry-on and checked bags; all food is X-rayed.1
  • Liquids, gels and spreads (yogurt, applesauce, peanut butter, dips): must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule in your carry-on. TSA lists peanut butter as allowed under 3.4 oz.1,2
  • Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby food: allowed over 3.4 oz and don't need to fit in your quart bag. Tell the officer at the start of screening.3
  • Ice packs for formula or breast milk are allowed in carry-ons.3

Snack ideas that travel well

  • Crackers, pretzels or rice cakes
  • Dry cereal in a snack cup
  • Cheese sticks (pack with an ice pack if needed)
  • Sliced apples or other cut fruit, prepared the way your child usually eats them
  • Mini muffins or granola bars
  • Squeeze pouches under 3.4 oz, or larger ones for babies and toddlers as baby food3

Tips for flight day

  • Pack more than you think you need, in small portions.
  • Choose low-crumb, low-sugar options to keep things calm and tidy.
  • Save a drink or something to suck on for takeoff and landing, when swallowing helps ears adjust.4
  • Prepare foods the way you would at home for your child's age.

Planning the whole trip? See our toddler flight checklist.

Sources

  1. TSA. May I pack food in my carry-on or checked bag?
  2. TSA. What Can I Bring? Peanut Butter
  3. TSA. Traveling with Children
  4. Mayo Clinic. Airplane ear: Symptoms and causes

TSA officers make the final decision at the checkpoint. Check current rules before you fly.

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