Airport Security: Can You Bring Sandwiches Onboard?

If you're travelling with food, it's important to know what you can and can't take through airport security. Solid food items can be transported in your carry-on or checked baggage, while liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in checked baggage if possible. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stipulates that food items brought through security must be whole, natural foods (like fruit or vegetables) or placed in a container or wrapped up (so no loose sandwiches). All foods will be X-rayed in the same way as your bags, electronics, and other possessions. The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

Liquids and gels are not allowed in carry-on bags

It is important to note that frozen liquids are also prohibited in carry-on luggage. This includes any liquid that is solid at freezing temperatures but would normally be a liquid at room temperature. Therefore, items such as soups, sauces, and even salad dressings should be packed in checked baggage if they exceed the permitted volume.

For travellers with infants or young children, there are some exceptions to the rule. Baby food, toddler drinks, and related items such as breast milk, formula, and baby food pouches are allowed in reasonable quantities and do not need to adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit. Additionally, items such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs required to keep these foods cool are also permitted in carry-on bags.

The rules regarding liquids can vary slightly depending on the country and specific airport, so it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before your travel. For instance, some airports may allow containers of liquid up to a certain volume provided they are for essential medical purposes, special dietary needs, or baby care.

It is worth noting that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening and could be prohibited from passing through security if it raises security concerns or triggers an alarm during the screening process. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer or their equivalent in other countries.

Solid food items are allowed in carry-on or checked bags

According to the Transportation Security Administration, solid food items can be transported in carry-on or checked baggage. This means that solid foods such as sandwiches, wraps, bean burritos, salads, and candy are allowed. However, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in checked baggage instead.

It is important to note that food items brought through security must be either whole, natural foods (like fruit or vegetables), or placed in a container or wrapped up. So, no loose sandwiches or cheeseburgers in your bag, and any sauces or condiments must be under 3.4 oz and placed with your liquids during screening. All foods will be X-rayed in the same way as your bags, electronics, and other possessions.

Additionally, even though an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended to review the lists of permitted items before arriving at the airport and to separate food items from your carry-on bag to avoid clutter and obstruction during X-ray screening.

Food items must be whole, natural foods or placed in a container

When going through airport security, it's important to know the rules about what food you can bring. Solid food items are allowed in carry-on bags or checked baggage. However, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on bags and should be placed in checked baggage instead. This includes foods with a gel-like texture or that are generally soft and malleable, such as condiments, gelatin, and certain fruits like oranges.

Food items must be either whole, natural foods, such as fruit or vegetables, or placed in a container or wrapped up. So, no loose sandwiches or cheeseburgers in your bag! Any sauces or condiments must be in containers of 3.4 oz or less. All foods will be X-rayed in the same way as your bags, electronics, and other possessions.

It's important to note that even if a food item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer. To ease the screening process, travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered.

If you're unsure about a specific food item, the TSA offers an app where passengers can search for specific foods and food types. Additionally, you can contact the AskTSA team for assistance 365 days a year via Facebook Messenger, Apple Business Chat, or text message.

Food items will be X-rayed along with other baggage

Food items, including sandwiches, will be X-rayed along with other baggage. This means that travellers should take care to prepare their food for screening. Solid food items are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, while liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in checked baggage.

To ease the screening process, travellers are encouraged to organise their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered. This may include separating items such as foods, powders, and other materials that can obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. For example, travellers may be asked to remove baby food, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food from their carry-on bag to be screened separately. Similarly, travellers may be asked to unwrap their sandwiches or remove them from their carry-on bag to ease the screening process.

It is important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Food items may be subject to additional screening

To ensure a smooth screening process, it is important to properly pack and organise your carry-on bag. TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate items such as foods, powders, and other materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Keeping your bag uncluttered will help ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.

Solid food items are generally allowed in carry-on or checked bags. However, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in checked bags if possible. This includes items such as soup, salad dressing, and certain fruits like oranges, which can be considered liquids.

It is recommended to avoid bringing foods with a gel-like texture or those that are soft and malleable, as they may be considered liquids. Additionally, certain countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have strict restrictions on food items being brought into the country. It is always a good idea to check the regulations for your specific destination.

If you are unsure about a specific food item, the TSA offers an app where passengers can search for specific foods and food types. Alternatively, you can contact the AskTSA team, which is available 365 days a year through various messaging platforms.

Frequently asked questions