Pack a lunchbox like a TSA agent: solid food, solid ice

For a flight, the trick is to keep every gel, spread, or sauce under 3.4 ounces and make sure your ice pack is completely frozen when you get to security.

A sandwich, fruit, crackers, hard cheese, jerky, nuts, cookies — all fine. TSA doesn’t restrict solid food. What gets people is hummus, yogurt, jam, peanut butter, dressing, or anything you can squeeze. Those count as liquids/gels and must be in containers 3.4 oz or less. You can bring a bunch of small containers, but honestly, it’s easier to buy the dips after security and bring the carrier items from home.

To keep things fresh, use a small insulated lunch bag and a freezer pack that is fully frozen — not slushy — when you go through screening. TSA will let it through if it’s solid. Once you’re past security, it’ll slowly thaw and keep your lunch cold. A frozen water bottle works too, and you get a drink later. For road trips, no TSA rules, just don’t leave the bag in a hot car.

Same lunch, no soggy sandwiches, no dumping your yogurt at security.