Among the latest revelations from passenger confrontations with the TSA: You can't bring a tub of cream cheese through a checkpoint. Spread it on bagels, though, and there's no problem.
Snow globes and holiday sweaters are on the strange list of items that could possibly get you held up at airport security. Liquids and gels are also no good, and have been banned for quite some time now.
As many travelers are aware, though, the rules for what is and isn't OK are often confounding, especially because enforcement of the rules seems so haphazard. The Freakonomics blog highlighted a recent head–scratcher of a situation, in which a flier tried to pass through security at the Milwaukee airport with a package of bagels, lox, and cream cheese to bring home. The bagels and lox were OK, but the cream cheese was a no–no because of it was gel–like and held in its own container.
Apparently, the TSA agents considered the cream cheese potential dangerous. But they didn't confiscate it. Instead, they offered an interesting solution, in which the woman could still bring the cream cheese through security:
They agreed that it would be okay, and she could bring it on board, if the cream cheese was spread on the bagels.
Salon.com's Patrick Smith, meanwhile, followed up on a recent situation in which TSA agents in Texas wouldn't allow a passenger's cupcake through security because the heaping of frosting was too big and "gel–like." When Smith asked the TSA about what happened, a spokesperson told him, "In general, cakes and pies are allowed in carry–on luggage."
Well, that clears that up. It's as clear as cream cheese.
MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL:
Should the TSA's Patdowns Be Outlawed?
Suggestions: Allow One Free Checked Bag, Stop Treating Everybody Like Terrorists
TSA Tests Passenger Behavior at Boston Airport
FAQs
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.
Can I bring a bagel with cream cheese through TSA? ›
Among the latest revelations from passenger confrontations with the TSA: You can't bring a tub of cream cheese through a checkpoint. Spread it on bagels, though, and there's no problem. Snow globes and holiday sweaters are on the strange list of items that could possibly get you held up at airport security.
Can you take food through TSA checkpoints? ›
Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.
What kind of snacks are TSA approved? ›
Snacks like an apple and peanut butter, a salad in a jar, veggies and hummus, meat and cheese and dried nuts and fruits make great TSA-approved snacks.
Can you bring a birthday cake through TSA? ›
Before you bake.
The answer to your first question: Yes, you can fly with a cake. You can carry it on (the airlines will count it as a personal item) or even check it in your luggage. But what kind of cake? A pound, Bundt or any other dense crumb will survive almost any trip and will last for days.
How to travel with cupcakes on a plane? ›
Most solid foods, such as cakes and cupcakes, can be taken in carry-on hand luggage on planes, but it is important that you check with your airline first. Always check the customs regulations of the country you are flying to so that you are sure that your product is allowed.
Can I take a bagel through TSA? ›
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
Can you pass donuts through TSA? ›
Pies, cakes, bread, donuts and turkeys are permitted through the checkpoint.
What snacks are not allowed on a plane? ›
- 1 Alcoholic beverages.
- 2 Bottled water.
- 3 Canned goods.
- 4 Oil, vinegar, honey, and syrups.
- 5 Fresh meats.
- 6 Fresh produce.
- 7 Dips, spreads, and sauces.
- 8 Cupcake in a jar.
You can bring open food through security so long as it abides by the 3-1-1 and other TSA food rules. Following the same logic and limitations, you can also bring unopened, prepackaged or sealed food through TSA.
The organic materials such as drugs, food, explosives or paper are marked with orange color. Passengers who are suspected of swallowing drugs, are scanned with a full body X-ray machine, that can detect if the person's stomach contains packages.
Can I take sweets through airport security? ›
Yes, you can take food through airport security. Sandwiches, fruit, sweets and most other solid foods can be placed in your hand luggage. However, this doesn't apply to foods with a high liquid content if they are in a container larger than 100ml.
Is there a limit on how much snacks you can bring on a plane? ›
You can bring just about any solid, packaged food on a plane, as long as it fits comfortably in your carry-on. This includes bread, cooked meat, hard-boiled eggs, candy, cereal, cookies, crackers, chips, dried fruit, and nuts, as well as sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, and salads.
Can I bring a peanut butter and jelly sandwich through security? ›
Conversation. Solid foods, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, are allowed in carry-on bags with no quantity limitations or packing requirements.
Can I bring snacks for my child through TSA? ›
Dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, cereals, cracker, pretzel and cookies are all good options. Creamy items such as jams, peanut butter and yogurt however, are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces or less per item and will need to fit into a quart-sized bag.
What food is not allowed through TSA? ›
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
Can you take homemade cake through airport security? ›
Well, the short answer is yes, you can. You may absolutely bring your own food, as long as it meets the airline's standards. Of course, international flights tend to be a little stricter compared to domestic flights, but most airlines allow you to take food on the plane with no problem.
Can you bring cooked food through TSA? ›
You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags.
Can I bring a muffin to the airport? ›
Yes, you are allowed to bring food through airport security in your carry-on bag. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines that you should be aware of.
