I am grateful for the packing pros here on the Forum! Every once in awhile it's time to deal with KLM's under 18lb limit. I can only accomplish this with my Peak Design 35l backpack, since my July suitcase is nearly 5 lbs empty.
I can do it! They don't, fortunately, combine the personal item weight. I have a small tote (an old Hedgren brand ) I use to not have 2 backpacks- otherwise I really prefer my Portland Gear compact size. Anyway, the accidental "hack"/discovery:
Last trip I bought a small canvas style tote as a souvenir and to get it home just slid the Hedgren bag inside- fits perfectly with a bit of room on the sides to wedge in small souvenirs or snacks.
I am gluten free and a vegan. It's impossible to get even special meals for flights which is fine- I bring snacks. Plus it's an almost 3 week trip so more for that to supplement what I can find along the way. I typically wedge these all inside my extra pair of shoes and every nook and cranny but they add almost a pound of weight.
I tried sliding them all into a gallon baggie and it nicely fits in the tote within a tote? Combing through weights and etc I thought I saw dietary restriction items don't count but also was surprised that peanut butter could be a problem? Fortunately most of my 10 (!) little sealed pouches are almond butter. But still.
Before I get too pleased with my 1 lb victory is there something I'm missing? I think having the food together would make inspection easier than if the stuff is scattered all over...
Thank you!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6862 posts
but also was surprised that peanut butter could be a problem? Fortunately most of my 10 (!) little sealed pouches are almond butter.
Almond butter would have the same issue as peanut butter. It is considered a “liquid” (because it is spreadable) by TSA so would need to be in the 3-1-1 ziploc bag.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/peanut-butter
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
12067 posts
Almond butter has the same consistency as peanut butter so most probably has the same restrictions. The good news is that we can get good, organic peanut butter and almond butter in Europe. I buy Good Earth brand made in England.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
527 posts
Thank you, Laura!
I saw that- but it's weird because I have traveled with these for years and it's never once been questioned when I just have them stuffed in the outer pocket of my carry on bag. (What usually gets noticed is baggies with whole almonds?)
If I have to, I think I can cram them into my 3-1-1 bag although it won't zip. Having TSA pre check helps? That was helpful, more thanks!
( I am "down" to 16.3 lbs now!)
Posted by
USA
713 posts
I don't know if this would be helpful for you, but if you made your almond butter into a solid, like energy bites with oats and dried fruit, they wouldn't be counted as liquid. I've done this multiple times.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
527 posts
Merci, Elizabeth!
I will be in Bulgaria and Albania, mostly small villages, and on a tour. I do try to stock up (dried fruit, more nuts) at any opportunity and love the European "bio" sections and its coding! I haven't tried a full-size jar but that's a thought!
(Often dinner for me is a "pouch" and a protein bar!)
Posted by
OP
West Coast
527 posts
Thank you all so much!
pbscd, how did you keep your nut butter lumps :) from getting into a soggy pile? I know it's not recipes here on the Forum! I have tried making my own things like that but after myriad hours and likely from being smushed in the personal item it has been a sticky glob?
These are all great suggestions and tips!
Posted by
USA
713 posts
I have only been successful having them in a hard plastic container and even then yes they glob together. I've made these so many times I don't really use a recipe but base of almond butter with oats and a sweetener usually (I see you're vegan - I use honey but could try maple syrup) that doubles as a binder and some mix ins like chia seeds. And this year I took them to London after forming these balls and when I unpacked them it was one big glob but I just tore of pieces as I wanted them. So it's not perfect but it's food.
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/
Is what I base it on
Do Lara bars work for you? They hold up shape better.
Posted by
1624 posts
Is the prohibition against peanut butter that its a major allergen NOT a liquid restriction? Since the free peanuts as snacks went away????
Would strips of waxed paper or saran wrap keep your protein balls from forming relationships with each other.???
To avoid your special snacks being scrutinized would it be helpful to either have a letter from your doctor OR I carry the print out from my doctor's office that lists my prescriptions, (drug) allergies and the conditions for which my Dr is treating me .
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6862 posts
Is the prohibition against peanut butter that its a major allergen NOT a liquid restriction? Since the free peanuts as snacks went away????
No. see the link in my post above. it is a TSA restriction because it is spreadable (like toothpaste); you can bring less than 100 ml in 3-1-1 bag). Airlines will occasionally announce that someone has a peanut allergy so don’t eat peanuts, but TSA doesn’t care about allergens.
Posted by
OP
West Coast
527 posts
Thank you. doric8!
You made me smile, with the sticking together prevention. I believe the restriction is these little sealed 1 oz packets of almond (not peanut) butter could count as a liquid/gel they should be in the 3-1-1 bag. Usually I just take a few and put them in there.
If I have to, I can just squash as many in as I can fit... I'm flying Lufthansa (not KLM as I said at the start) and am just at 18 lbs...
More thanks!