Lois Larson
Airport food is notoriously expensive and unhealthy, so it's no surprise that many travellers prefer to bring their own. But what types of food are allowed through airport security? The short answer is that solid, dry foods are generally fine, provided they are properly sealed in leak-proof containers. Liquids, on the other hand, are subject to strict rules. According to the TSA, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it's considered a liquid or gel and must comply with the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz or 100 ml per container, with all containers fitting into a single, one-quart bag. This rule applies to foods such as peanut butter, olive oil, and salsa, but surprisingly, not to jelly donuts! So, can you bring your favourite dry snacks on your next flight? Read on to find out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Allowed only in quantities of 3.4 oz or 100 ml per container, and all containers must fit in a single, one-quart-sized bag. |
| Food items | Solid, dry foods are allowed and should be properly sealed in a leak-proof container. |
| Food items | Food items that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped, or poured are considered liquids or gels and are restricted. |
| Food items | Baked goods, bread, cakes, pies, cookies, doughnuts, brownies, cupcakes, and other similar items are allowed. |
| Food items | Fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and seafood, canned goods, and frozen foods are allowed in checked luggage. |
| Food items | Baby formula, breast milk, baby food, and juices for babies and toddlers are allowed in reasonable quantities. |
| Food items | Alcohol over 140-proof is not allowed through security in carry-on or checked bags. |
| Food items | Food items that trigger an alarm during screening, appear tampered with, or pose security concerns may not be allowed. |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids and gels are restricted
Some foods that are typically considered solids may be classified as liquids by the TSA, which can be confusing for travellers. For example, peanut butter, jelly cakes, ice cream cakes, and soft cheesecakes are considered liquids and are subject to the 3-1-1 rule. On the other hand, foods like apple dumplings, cupcakes, brownies, filled or unfilled donuts, cookies, gingerbread, dry baking mixes, and fruitcakes are allowed in carry-on luggage.
It is important to note that the TSA makes exceptions to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule for parents travelling with infants or toddlers. Baby formula, breast milk, baby food, and juices for babies and toddlers are allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. The TSA recommends using clear or translucent bottles for these items and notifying the officers at the beginning of the screening process.
Additionally, certain foods that are not liquids, such as hard cheese, frozen seafood, fresh eggs, dried fruit, fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats, canned goods, and frozen foods, can be transported in checked luggage. These items are generally permitted, but they may be subject to additional screening if they trigger an alarm, appear tampered with, or pose security concerns.
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Solid foods are allowed
Solid foods are generally allowed through airport security. This includes most cookies, bread, and other baked goods, such as apple dumplings, cupcakes, brownies, fritters, filled or unfilled doughnuts, gingerbread, dry baking mixes, and even fruitcake. Pies and cakes are also allowed, as long as they are properly sealed and do not contain any liquid. For example, an apple or chocolate cake will probably be allowed, but a jelly cake or soft cheesecake will likely be denied.
Other solid foods that are permitted include hard cheese, frozen seafood, fresh eggs, dried fruit, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, canned goods, and frozen foods. These items can be transported in checked luggage or carry-on bags.
It is important to note that while solid foods are generally allowed, there may be additional screening or restrictions based on security concerns. For example, items that trigger alarms during screening, appear tampered with, or pose security risks may not be permitted.
Additionally, certain foods that are considered solid may still be subject to liquid restrictions if they are deemed "spillable" by the TSA. This includes foods such as peanut butter, olive oil, salsa, and jelly, which must comply with the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or be placed in checked bags.
To ensure a smooth experience when bringing solid foods through airport security, it is recommended to follow proper packing procedures, such as using leak-proof containers and separate bins for food items, and allowing extra time for potential inspections or questions from security personnel.
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Baby food and drink
When travelling with babies and toddlers, you can bring formula, breast milk, baby food and toddler drinks and food in reasonable quantities in your carry-on baggage. This includes puree pouches and liquid-filled teethers. These items are exempt from the typical liquid restrictions and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.
However, you should still inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items, and they will be screened separately from your other belongings. Formula and breast milk are best kept in clear, translucent bottles, as liquid scanners may not be able to screen plastic bags or pouches. If this is the case, you may be asked to open them for alternate screening.
Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool baby food and drinks are also allowed in carry-on bags. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above.
It is worth noting that the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may 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.
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Fresh produce
Solid food items, such as sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, can be transported in carry-on luggage or checked bags within the continental United States. However, passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.
Food items in aluminium foil or containing metal may trigger the metal detector and require additional screening. Liquids and gels are on the prohibited items list and cannot be taken through airport security. This includes drinks, soups, and sauces. However, the TSA's 3-1-1 rule allows for small quantities of liquids and gels. Containers holding 3.4 ounces or less of liquid or gel are permitted, as long as they are in a clear, quart-sized bag.
Food items that comply with the 3-1-1 rule include creamy or liquid foods such as peanut butter, olive oil, and salsa. Baby food, baby formula, juices, and water for babies (in reasonable quantities) are also allowed in carry-on baggage.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint, who may ask you to power up your electronic devices.
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Packaged snacks
When it comes to packaged snacks, you can take cookies, bread, and other baked goods. Apple dumplings, cupcakes, brownies, fritters, filled or unfilled doughnuts, gingerbread, dry baking mixes, and even fruitcakes are all allowed in the cabin. These items are considered carry-on items, and you may need to store them under the seat in front of you rather than in the overhead bin.
You can also take pies and cakes through security, as long as they are properly sealed and do not contain any liquid. For example, an apple or chocolate cake is fine, but a jelly cake or soft cheesecake will probably be denied as they are considered liquids.
It is important to note that while these snacks are generally allowed, they may be subject to additional screening or may not be allowed through the checkpoint if they trigger an alarm, appear tampered with, or pose security concerns.
If you are travelling with baby food, baby formula, breast milk, or toddler drinks and food, these are allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on baggage and are considered medically necessary liquids. It is recommended to use clear or translucent bottles and inform the officers at the beginning of the screening process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take dry food through airport security in your carry-on luggage. This includes items like cookies, bread, pies, cakes, apple dumplings, cupcakes, brownies, fritters, filled or unfilled donuts, gingerbread, dry baking mixes, and fruitcake.
Yes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, dry food should be properly sealed in leak-proof packaging. Secondly, it will count as a carry-on item, so you may need to store it under the seat in front of you rather than in the overhead bin. Finally, it will still need to pass through the X-ray machine, and additional screening may be required if security concerns are triggered.
The TSA considers anything that can be spilled, spread, sprayed, pumped, or poured as a liquid or gel. This includes foods like peanut butter, olive oil, salsa, and jelly. These items must comply with the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or be placed in checked baggage.
Yes, the TSA makes exceptions for parents travelling with infants or toddlers. Baby formula, breast milk, baby food, and juices in "reasonable quantities" are allowed in carry-on baggage without needing to fit within a quart-sized bag.
Yes, alcoholic beverages over 140-proof are prohibited from being brought through security or checked in your baggage. Any alcohol purchased at duty-free shops can be brought on board but must be stored and not consumed during the flight.
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