That’s a fun request! The “hacks” often come down to cleverly navigating the TSA’s “liquids and gels” rule (the 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons) and avoiding paying inflated airport prices.

Here are some popular TSA-approved snack “hacks” airlines might prefer you didn’t know about:

The “Frozen Solid” Loophole

The TSA liquids rule states that liquid or gel foods must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit into one quart-sized bag.¹ However, if a liquid or gel food item is frozen solid when presented for screening, it is generally allowed.²

• The Smoothie/Yogurt Hack: Freeze your homemade smoothie, yogurt, applesauce, or a small carton of soup in a container. As long as it is completely frozen solid when you go through security, it may pass.³ If it’s even partially melted or slushy, it will be treated as a liquid and must follow the 3.4 oz rule.⁴

   

• The Ice Pack Hack: Ice packs, gel packs, and frozen water bottles used to keep food cold are also allowed only if they are completely frozen solid.⁵ Once melted, they are subject to the same liquid rules.

   

The Deconstructed Meal Hack

Instead of buying an expensive, pre-made meal, bring the components separately and assemble them post-security.

• DIY Instant Meals: Bring things that become a “liquid” only after you add water.
  • Oatmeal/Cereal: Pack dry instant oatmeal packets, dry cereal, or granola.⁶ Ask a flight attendant for hot water to make oatmeal or milk for cereal once on the plane.

     

  • Instant Coffee/Tea: Bring instant coffee packets or tea bags and ask for hot water on the plane.⁷

     

  • Dry Soup Mixes: Dehydrated soup mixes (like bouillon or ramen that is just the dry block) are fine. Ask for hot water for a low-cost, filling meal.
• Bring the Spreads in Tiny Portions: Spreads like peanut butter, hummus, and creamy dips are restricted to 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.⁸ Instead of skipping them, buy single-serve nut butter packets, mini hummus cups, or portion your own dip into tiny, reusable containers to stay under the limit.⁹ You can then pair them with your solid crackers or carrot sticks.

   

The “Solid Food is Gold” Strategy

Solid foods are almost universally allowed in any quantity, saving you money on everything from candy to full meals.¹⁰

• Full Meals: Bring a whole sandwich, wrap, pasta salad (with little to no excess liquid dressing), quiche, or even a charcuterie box (with hard cheeses, cured meats, and crackers) to avoid paying for expensive airport restaurant food.¹¹

   

• DIY Charcuterie/Snack Boxes: Pack a Bento box with hard cheese (solid cheese is fine), crackers, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, and cut-up veggies.¹² It feels “first class” but is all homemade!

   

• The Uncrushables: Pack durable, mess-free, high-protein snacks: Jerky (beef, turkey, or plant-based), protein bars, nuts, trail mix, and roasted chickpeas.¹³

   

Important Note: The TSA rules apply to carry-on baggage leaving the US. If you are traveling internationally, you may have different rules. For example, many countries prohibit bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, or dairy across their border.¹⁴ Always check the rules for your destination country before landing.