Keeping foods cold in carryon

[Tink&Goofy]

We are leaving Sunday, and plan to take food on the plane, since the flight from Seattle to Orlando is 5 plus hours long. I was planning to take bagels with the small single serving cream cheese (1 oz each), and a few other cold items. The problem is, how do we keep these cold until we use them? I know we can't take the reusable ice packs we would normally use. Any suggestions?

[EvilQueen2006]

hmmmm. . . thats a good question. I know I have seen little tiny ice packs, but I'm not sure if they are smaller than 3 oz. Maybe you could brings some zip loc bags with ice and dump them out before you go through security.Once you get through security you could find a McDonalds or some place that would give you some more ice.

[EvilQueen2006]

I just had another idea. . . you could use a package of frozen peas. Not a liquid, but should keep things cool for a little while.

[teambricker04]

Frozen peas are a good idea, but I think they may be able to take it if it is bigger than 3oz. It may depend on the security the day you go.

I think you should have a small cooler with ice in your bag. Dump the ice, and then get more ice once you get through security. Kind of a pain, but then you will be prepared.

Good luck!

[BronxTigger]

I agree with the idea of asking some counter service place in the airport for ice cubes.

Additionally, maybe you can eat those cold items earlier in your flight and have something like granola bars that don't need to stay cold for later in the flight. Those Quakes (little rice cakes) taste good and low calorie. I like the Ranch and Sour Cream flavors. Or Ritz or Triscuit or Wheat Thins....

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

I know the answer to this! I've done this before. If you use one of those soft ice packs and get one of those bags from the grocery store that can keep foods hot or cold it will keep everything cold for hours. It will keep things cold enough that you could transport meat.

Have Fun!

[BronxTigger]

I know the answer to this! I've done this before. If you use one of those soft ice packs and get one of those bags from the grocery store that can keep foods hot or cold it will keep everything cold for hours. It will keep things cold enough that you could transport meat.

Have Fun!

This is a good idea, but if it's over 3oz than the TSA will not allow it through security anymore.

[Tink&Goofy]

I had thought about getting ice after the security check point, but quite honestly when trying to organize the 5 of us, just getting through security can be a chore! I'm sure I would totally space on it. I guess worst thing I could ask the flight attendant for some ice? We have just never had this problem, since we have always changed planes somewhere in the middle of the country, and were able to get food there.

The frozen peas are a great idea. I don't know how long they would stay frozen/cold. I also thought about freezing bananas. They would keep things cold and then make a great treat!!

I know I could just buy the snack packs on board, but my kids are picky, and wouldn't eat half the stuff, and would still be hungry!
I am all for safety, but its very frustrating, especially since even on these long flights they don't provide any real food.

[offwego]

One option might be to freeze the bagles themselves. (or the pb & j or whatever)..that would create quite a bit of "cold" until you needed it.

(But the peas are a pretty smart idea!)

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

This is a good idea, but if it's over 3oz than the TSA will not allow it through security anymore.

I forgot about that.....you can't take gels. The airports should start selling ice packs after the check-in points.

Ya...then frozen peas.

[aurorafan]

I didn't even think about the ice packs not being allowed--when I flew in Feb. I brought one. It was still frozen going down but not coming back, both times it was in my carryon and no one said anything

[teambricker04]

I didn't even think about the ice packs not being allowed--when I flew in Feb. I brought one. It was still frozen going down but not coming back, both times it was in my carryon and no one said anything

I have forgotten about things too, and generally they get through. But... I don't recommend it as it could be a hassel if you get stopped.

Just remember that ever security check point and TSA will do something different. One that may let a bag of frozen peas through one day may not the next. Although baby foods are suppose to be okay, I have been given a hard time about some of it... even formula which is suppose to be okay!

I agree withBronxTigger... maybe you should go with stuff that doesn't need to be cold. And, a lot of to coffee shops have cream cheese in packets.

[Ed]

Since regulations change from time to time, it's always best to consult the TSA "Simplifly" website to determine what can and what cannot be brought aboard your flight.

If you are reasonably certain that you are right when a TSA officer tells you something is prohibited, stay calm and respectfully ask to speak to a supervisor. It may also help if you have printouts of the pertinent info from the website to augment your discussion of the disagreement.

[Tink&Goofy]

I searched EVERYWHERE on that TSA site regarding the ice packs, and the only time they even mention them is for use for medical reasons (to keep meds cold), or for Milk/breast milk for babies. Otherwise they don't specifically say it is prohibited - but they also don't say its allowed. I'm not going to chance it.

Someone at work suggested freezing carrots. She said they would stay frozen/cold longer than peas, and could actually still be eaten.

[chick20679]

Someone at work suggested freezing carrots. She said they would stay frozen/cold longer than peas, and could actually still be eaten.

Love it! Frozen carrots are a great idea!

Frozen grapes are another idea.

Also, be sure to put your cream cheese packets in one of your 3-1-1 zip-top bags (just in case).

Have a great trip!

[poohluva]

I'm not sure how big they are, but you could try freezing juice boxes. I do that when the kids have field trips and have to pack brown bag it. It works great!

[Taja]

I'm not sure how big they are, but you could try freezing juice boxes. I do that when the kids have field trips and have to pack brown bag it. It works great!

I think the frozen juice boxes will still be considered "liquid" by the TSA.