What Can I Bring? Food (2024)

FAQs

What kind of food can I carry-on? ›

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.

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.

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.

Solid foods, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, are allowed in carry-on bags with no quantity limitations or packing requirements.

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 short answer is yes, you can take food through TSA—you'll just might encounter some trouble the closer those foods are to a liquid.

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.

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.

Meat, seafood, vegetables and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening.

Why is cheese not allowed on planes? ›

Creamy cheeses are considered liquids, so make sure that you've got 3.4 ounces or less if you're bringing on something like brie or goat cheese. Or, make your plane snacks a little less bougie and bring string cheese instead.

Before Packing

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.

You can bring most food through TSA, but your snacks, just like your toiletries, are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. If they're considered a liquid, paste, or gel—a classification that isn't always obvious—they must be under 3.4 ounces.

The 3.4 Ounces (100 mL) Rule: TSA's Liquid Restrictions

This may seem like an inconvenience, but it's a rule put in place to ensure air travel safety. So, if you're planning on bringing a water bottle on a plane, it must be empty when you pass through security.

The key is to choose fillings that keep well for a handful of hours without refrigeration: cheese, cured meats (think prosciutto), hummus, grilled vegetables, and greens. To prevent soggy bread, stay away from juicy fillings like sliced tomatoes and choose a thick bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or a baguette.

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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.