Now this is NOT meant to provoke a culinary discussion, but with some long domestic flights coming up that may not get upgraded, I want to provision myself with a couple of small cans of high-protein, low carb (high sodium) kippers or sardines. Packed in oil, not water.

Will TSA allow these as carry-ons? what about tuna in a foil pouch?

Seriously, like everything, alot will depend on the smurf you encounter, however, don't forget, oil is still a liquid. Might be better off getting them out of the cans & into something else, sans the liquid, prior to getting to the airport.

However, there is also the pax who will be sitting around you & how they may react to the 'scent' of sardines wafting thru the air-me thinks that might not go well, either.

All in all, perhaps it would be best to find a completely different munchie to bring w/you?

I think there are better options than canned sardines or tuna. If nothing else think of the people who will be seated next to you when you open one. Not everyone enjoys that aroma.

You may get them through security. Wondering how you would react to my puking after you open the tins should I be seated next to you?

Surley you can find something else to eat whilist traveling.

Please don't sit near me with the sardines. That's an odor that is likely to encourage me to share some of my food with you. Maybe I'll just toss my cookies in your general direction. This is not something that I would do by choice but by natural reflex. Tuna is not as bad but unfortunately most things that come from the sea really affect me quite badly.
Choose something like protein bars or peanut butter or anything that does not have a strong odor. (In fact, I think there was a thread somewhere about foods that have strong odors.)
Now I'm curious about bringing a small can or two of beans?

Sardines are nothing compared to the Kim Chee that was consumed on one flight I was on.

It is fragrant!

Those dried shrimp snacks people bring on the Japan flights are an olfactory nightmare.

Please take pity on your fellow passengers and resist the temptation to foul the recycled air. I would even prefer the smell of McDougal's greaseburgers to a can of sardines.

I don't believe that you'd encounter any issues with the fish. But in this case, I'm glad I'll remain on the ground. The remainder of the passengers have my sympathy once that can gets opened.

Are Durian fruits allowed?

United Airlines finds canned tuna perfectly acceptable and served it in one of their snack boxes.

Peanut butter, in my opinion, has a nauseating, revolting smell. So it all depends on what your personal preference is here...

Is there a difference between fish (of any sort) in liquid (water and oil) and canned vegetables or other canned foodstuffs? I'd hazard that the answer is no and that getting such an item through security is something that is not so likely to happen.

Whew! I expected some push-back on the fish, but not that much (and not so gross)! I admit, the years when we used kippers as emergency on-board provisions were our days of general aviation, with no one else to offend. It is one of the healthier low carb snacks around - and more satisfying: after all how many kippers can one person stand. My kids survived the experience, though I notice it's powerbars, and not kippers, that they throw into their carryons these days.

So, even though kippers might pass with TSA, tuna in foil (and oil) it will be - some smell, but not as bad. You guys have saved a whole 757-full of pax the smell of kippers...

May everyone's holiday travels be smooth over the next couple of weeks!

Or if you're considering the foil-pack tuna, what about salmon?

Also, my local market carries foil-pack smoked trout (yum). Tasy, protein and no fishy smell ...