TSA approved sandwiches and other basic questions
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 88
TSA approved sandwiches and other basic questions
You all are a treasure trove and I'm so glad I found you. I'm new to international travel, and when I travel in North America, it's usually by car. In short, I know almost nothing about airports and air travel these days.
So...the TSA says food is allowed in our personal item, and suggests sandwiches. But what sort of sandwiches? The ones we usually make (cream cheese and cucumber, peanut butter and jelly, hummus and wheat bread) all contain, well, gel-like substances (don't they?) Okay - so if it's just peanut butter, no jelly, is it okay? Or do we have to eat bologna? Is cream cheese a gel like substance? Is cheddar cheese okay?
My husband wants to know about avocados - any thoughts? Surely they're not a gel...are they?
Now - if some of you believe I should be discouraged from this plan of action (taking sandwiches), please tell me so. But, after a delayed international flight and the worst, most skimpy food possible in-flight last year (with the entire planning dashing to make connections), we ended up going for about 16 hours with very few calories (I can eat a granola bar and live, but the DH wants a sandwich! Since he schlepps everything everywhere, I'd like him to have one).
And, while asking n00b questions, I'll just throw in another one.
Can I put my contact lens supply in a separate bag from the 3-1-1 bag? They do contain a liquid, but the TSA says that OTC and RX liquids that are over the limit are allowed (with no attention to quantity) as long as they are separately declared. I just really dislike having them near the other things in my 3-1-1 bag, like mouthwash. If anything spills, getting anything on the outside of the contact lens packaging (which I might not notice, especially since I have poor eyesight to begin with), it will be transferred to the contact lens.
Am I just asking for it? Will I hold up the entire airport from its operations?
So...the TSA says food is allowed in our personal item, and suggests sandwiches. But what sort of sandwiches? The ones we usually make (cream cheese and cucumber, peanut butter and jelly, hummus and wheat bread) all contain, well, gel-like substances (don't they?) Okay - so if it's just peanut butter, no jelly, is it okay? Or do we have to eat bologna? Is cream cheese a gel like substance? Is cheddar cheese okay?
My husband wants to know about avocados - any thoughts? Surely they're not a gel...are they?
Now - if some of you believe I should be discouraged from this plan of action (taking sandwiches), please tell me so. But, after a delayed international flight and the worst, most skimpy food possible in-flight last year (with the entire planning dashing to make connections), we ended up going for about 16 hours with very few calories (I can eat a granola bar and live, but the DH wants a sandwich! Since he schlepps everything everywhere, I'd like him to have one).
And, while asking n00b questions, I'll just throw in another one.
Can I put my contact lens supply in a separate bag from the 3-1-1 bag? They do contain a liquid, but the TSA says that OTC and RX liquids that are over the limit are allowed (with no attention to quantity) as long as they are separately declared. I just really dislike having them near the other things in my 3-1-1 bag, like mouthwash. If anything spills, getting anything on the outside of the contact lens packaging (which I might not notice, especially since I have poor eyesight to begin with), it will be transferred to the contact lens.
Am I just asking for it? Will I hold up the entire airport from its operations?
#2
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: BDL
Programs: NWA Platinum, HHonors Diamond, SPG, YX, AA
Posts: 5,351
You all are a treasure trove and I'm so glad I found you. I'm new to international travel, and when I travel in North America, it's usually by car. In short, I know almost nothing about airports and air travel these days.
So...the TSA says food is allowed in our personal item, and suggests sandwiches. But what sort of sandwiches? The ones we usually make (cream cheese and cucumber, peanut butter and jelly, hummus and wheat bread) all contain, well, gel-like substances (don't they?) Okay - so if it's just peanut butter, no jelly, is it okay? Or do we have to eat bologna? Is cream cheese a gel like substance? Is cheddar cheese okay?
My husband wants to know about avocados - any thoughts? Surely they're not a gel...are they?
Now - if some of you believe I should be discouraged from this plan of action (taking sandwiches), please tell me so. But, after a delayed international flight and the worst, most skimpy food possible in-flight last year (with the entire planning dashing to make connections), we ended up going for about 16 hours with very few calories (I can eat a granola bar and live, but the DH wants a sandwich! Since he schlepps everything everywhere, I'd like him to have one).
And, while asking n00b questions, I'll just throw in another one.
Can I put my contact lens supply in a separate bag from the 3-1-1 bag? They do contain a liquid, but the TSA says that OTC and RX liquids that are over the limit are allowed (with no attention to quantity) as long as they are separately declared. I just really dislike having them near the other things in my 3-1-1 bag, like mouthwash. If anything spills, getting anything on the outside of the contact lens packaging (which I might not notice, especially since I have poor eyesight to begin with), it will be transferred to the contact lens.
Am I just asking for it? Will I hold up the entire airport from its operations?
So...the TSA says food is allowed in our personal item, and suggests sandwiches. But what sort of sandwiches? The ones we usually make (cream cheese and cucumber, peanut butter and jelly, hummus and wheat bread) all contain, well, gel-like substances (don't they?) Okay - so if it's just peanut butter, no jelly, is it okay? Or do we have to eat bologna? Is cream cheese a gel like substance? Is cheddar cheese okay?
My husband wants to know about avocados - any thoughts? Surely they're not a gel...are they?
Now - if some of you believe I should be discouraged from this plan of action (taking sandwiches), please tell me so. But, after a delayed international flight and the worst, most skimpy food possible in-flight last year (with the entire planning dashing to make connections), we ended up going for about 16 hours with very few calories (I can eat a granola bar and live, but the DH wants a sandwich! Since he schlepps everything everywhere, I'd like him to have one).
And, while asking n00b questions, I'll just throw in another one.
Can I put my contact lens supply in a separate bag from the 3-1-1 bag? They do contain a liquid, but the TSA says that OTC and RX liquids that are over the limit are allowed (with no attention to quantity) as long as they are separately declared. I just really dislike having them near the other things in my 3-1-1 bag, like mouthwash. If anything spills, getting anything on the outside of the contact lens packaging (which I might not notice, especially since I have poor eyesight to begin with), it will be transferred to the contact lens.
Am I just asking for it? Will I hold up the entire airport from its operations?
All of the sandwiches you listed would be just fine, even fruit with a high moisture content like oranges are fine.
I would do my best to get your contact lens solution in a size that fits the 3-1-1 rule. I would agree that it should be fine as an OTC, but there are reports of some travelers who lost (I mean had to voluntarily surrender) there contact solution. Can I suggest that if you and your husband are traveling together your 3-1-1 bag could hold the contact stuff, and your husbands could hold the other items you don't want to intermix.
Good luck, safe travels.
Last edited by MKEbound; Apr 29, 2010 at 8:05 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 88
Good point about his and her 3-1-1 bags. And - he can buy his shaving cream after we get through the checkpoint.
It's the lenses themselves (which are disposable - so no solution is needed), each is a prescription piece of eyewear. I believe they are more like a crutch than a liquid, but what do I know.
And thanks for your fast reply - made my day (after reading over on TripAdvisor about a frequent traveler who finally got banged to show the actual credit card he'd purchased under, but had meantime received a replacement card from his bank, as the old one had expired - moment of panic there - mine is still good).
Now, we're going to be happy with our sandwiches, at least!
It's the lenses themselves (which are disposable - so no solution is needed), each is a prescription piece of eyewear. I believe they are more like a crutch than a liquid, but what do I know.
And thanks for your fast reply - made my day (after reading over on TripAdvisor about a frequent traveler who finally got banged to show the actual credit card he'd purchased under, but had meantime received a replacement card from his bank, as the old one had expired - moment of panic there - mine is still good).
Now, we're going to be happy with our sandwiches, at least!
#4
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: LAX/CWA/TOA/AUW
Programs: Mileage Plus, SW Rewards, WorldPerks, Barnes and Noble Frequent Buyers
Posts: 368
We just flew back from LAS-LAX and the brathusband had 2 sandwiches that he put together himself in the air with packets of mayo that he had in his carryon. We didn't have any problems.
#5
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
I actually saw they swipe the outside of an orange and test it Sunday. I couldn't believe it, but they did let it through. All your stuff will be fine, I've brought back tons of food and never had a problem, sometimes they ask if I can open the container for them, but as long as it's not a liquid or a gel like a tub of sour cream or dip, it goes right through.
For the contacts, if at all possible just put the bag and put that bag in the other bag to keep them separate.
As to the credit card, the receipt from the airline would have said something like:
The name on your ticket must match the name on your government-issued photo ID presented at time of check-in. You may also be asked during check-in to present the credit card used for purchase.
The red by the way is red on my confirmation to make it pretty hard to miss. I have not been asked for it in years though.
For the contacts, if at all possible just put the bag and put that bag in the other bag to keep them separate.
As to the credit card, the receipt from the airline would have said something like:
The name on your ticket must match the name on your government-issued photo ID presented at time of check-in. You may also be asked during check-in to present the credit card used for purchase.
The red by the way is red on my confirmation to make it pretty hard to miss. I have not been asked for it in years though.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
I think Blogger Bob pushed that through because if I remember correctly he is a PB&J fan.
#8
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Nice
Programs: Marriott Titanium, AA Concierge Key, Delta, United, Emorates, and others
Posts: 4,694
One solution for the contacts that works perfectly. Copy the prescription for the contacts, place them together in a separate 3-1-1 bag and fly away. With a prescription I carry aerosols and also otherwise prohibited eye products. Nobody ever hassles me about this although a few have looked at the prescriptions.
Enjoy the sandwiches. Just package them well.
Enjoy the sandwiches. Just package them well.
#9
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: *wood Gold
Posts: 1,781
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 88
I do intend to document whether or not my RX's are looked at (I am taking copies; each of us is also getting a letter from our physician stating specifically what conditions we have; my doctor's wife went through a bit of airport hassle at LAX recently, relative to a health problem, that has us all a little on edge).
If I am indeed asked to disclose the nature of my medical problems, I will document as best I can that this happened, ask for the names of the personnel involved, their supervisor, etc. And since I write at least a dozen complaint letters to some entity per week (my hobby), I will complain.
We had no problems in that regard last year, so are hopeful it will go smoothly this year as well - one never knows.
If I am indeed asked to disclose the nature of my medical problems, I will document as best I can that this happened, ask for the names of the personnel involved, their supervisor, etc. And since I write at least a dozen complaint letters to some entity per week (my hobby), I will complain.
We had no problems in that regard last year, so are hopeful it will go smoothly this year as well - one never knows.
#11
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 201
http://blog.tsa.gov/2008/11/easy-as-pie.html
#13
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
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Posts: 5,839
Hilarity has ensued.
My shaving gel from L'Occitane also comes in a travel size, so I take that.
As for contact lenses, they are absolutely medical. Indeed, contact solution is as well, as the things have to be clean.
Not only a complaint, but a lawsuit.
Good point about his and her 3-1-1 bags. And - he can buy his shaving cream after we get through the checkpoint.
It's the lenses themselves (which are disposable - so no solution is needed), each is a prescription piece of eyewear. I believe they are more like a crutch than a liquid, but what do I know.
It's the lenses themselves (which are disposable - so no solution is needed), each is a prescription piece of eyewear. I believe they are more like a crutch than a liquid, but what do I know.
As for contact lenses, they are absolutely medical. Indeed, contact solution is as well, as the things have to be clean.
Not only a complaint, but a lawsuit.