Ruth Haines
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules for liquids, but you may be surprised by how much solid food you can bring in your carry-on luggage. Liquids, including dips and spreads, are limited to 3.4 ounces. However, breast milk, baby formula, and juices in reasonable quantities are exempt from this rule. Certain creamy or liquid foods, such as peanut butter, olive oil, and salsa, must comply with the 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked luggage. While you can bring most snacks on the plane, it's important to plan and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and avoid having to throw out food items at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids, including dips and spreads | Limited to 3.4 ounces |
| Baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice | Exempt from the 3.4-ounce limit |
| Accessories for cooling baby food (ice, freezer, or gel packs) | Allowed in carry-on |
| Alcohol | Allowed in containers under 3.4 ounces; alcohol over 140 proof (70%) is prohibited |
| Frozen food | Allowed as long as it is frozen solid during screening |
| Ice | Exempt from the 3-1-1 rule |
| Canned goods | Allowed in checked bags; subject to 3-1-1 rule in carry-on |
| Solid foods | Allowed, including pizza, hard cheese, and frozen seafood |
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What You'll Learn
Liquids, pastes and gels are limited to 3.4 ounces
Liquids, pastes, and gels in your carry-on luggage are limited to 3.4 ounces or 100ml per item. This rule, known as the 3-1-1 rule, applies to items such as shampoo, face wash, sunscreen, toothpaste, hairspray, and even food items like salsa, peanut butter, jams, and preserves. These items must be placed in a small, quart-sized, clear bag and separated from your carry-on baggage to facilitate the screening process.
The 3-1-1 rule was created by explosive experts after a thwarted plot to explode planes flying from the UK to the US. While it is technically a guideline, the final decision regarding whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Any liquid, paste, or gel that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be allowed through the checkpoint if it poses security concerns.
It is important to note that this rule does not apply to duty-free liquids purchased internationally and transported in a connecting flight to the United States. These liquids are allowed as long as they are packed in a transparent, secure, tamper-evident bag by the retailer and do not show signs of tampering when presented to TSA for screening.
Additionally, TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities, including breast milk and baby formula. While not required, it is recommended that these liquids be transported in clear and translucent bottles for easier screening.
Furthermore, certain food items that are technically liquids, such as fresh eggs, are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. While it can be risky to travel with eggs, they are considered solid food by TSA standards. Similarly, ice is also allowed in a reusable water bottle since it is considered a solid.
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Canned goods are fine in checked bags
If you're travelling with food, it's important to know the rules and regulations around what you can and cannot bring with you. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stringent rules for liquids, you may be surprised by how many things you can bring along in your carry-on. For example, hard cheese, frozen seafood, and even fresh eggs are allowed in carry-on bags.
The 3-1-1 rule also applies to creamy or spreadable items, such as salsa, creamy cheese, dips, peanut butter, jams, and preserves. These items are OK in checked bags but must be in containers smaller than 3.4 ounces to be carried onto the plane.
It's important to note that 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, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
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Fresh eggs are allowed in carry-ons
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules regarding liquids, but surprisingly, fresh eggs are allowed in carry-on luggage. This is because, despite being technically liquid on the inside, they are considered solid food by TSA standards.
However, it is worth noting that travelling with fresh eggs can be risky, as they are fragile and could break. To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you pack them securely and keep your carry-on bag organised and uncluttered. This will ensure a smoother screening process and keep the lines moving.
In addition to fresh eggs, there are several other food items that are generally allowed in carry-on bags. These include bread, hard cheese, frozen seafood, and cooked foods without liquids. Dry goods such as coffee beans, loose tea leaves, and dry tea sachets are also permitted.
On the other hand, items that are considered liquids or spreads fall under the TSA's 3-1-1 rule. This includes things like olive oil, salsa, peanut butter, jams, and preserves. These items are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they are in containers smaller than 3.4 ounces. Alternatively, they can be placed in checked baggage.
Ultimately, while fresh eggs and certain other food items are generally permitted in carry-on luggage, the final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. They may subject your items to additional screening or prohibit them if they trigger alarms, appear tampered with, or pose security concerns.
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Alcohol over 140 proof (70%) is banned
Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 70% (over 140 proof) are prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This includes grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. Beverages with an alcohol content of between 24% and 70% are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (or 1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic drinks with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on luggage must fit comfortably inside a single quart-sized bag.
When it comes to food, the TSA has stringent rules for liquids. However, you may be surprised by the variety of food items you can bring in your carry-on luggage. Hard cheese, frozen seafood, and even fresh eggs are allowed. Certain creamy or liquid foods, such as peanut butter, olive oil, and salsa, must adhere to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked luggage. Canned goods are also fine in checked bags but are usually subject to the 3-1-1 rule due to their size. Small cans that meet the 3.4-ounce limit can be carried on.
It's important to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or raises security concerns. The final decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint.
Additionally, if you are entering the United States, you will go through customs, where your bag may be screened. The rules and regulations regarding what you can bring into the US differ from TSA guidelines. It is recommended to check the latest regulations from US Customs and Border Protection for a list of permissible items.
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Baby food, formula and breast milk are exempt
Baby food, formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks are exempt from the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule, which normally only permits travellers to bring 3.4-ounce (100ml) containers of liquids in their carry-on luggage. These items are considered medically necessary liquids and can be brought in larger quantities. Puree pouches, ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and liquid-filled teethers are also allowed, even if there is no baby travelling with you.
However, these items should be removed from your carry-on bag and screened separately from your other belongings. It is recommended that formula and breast milk be transported in clear, translucent bottles, as liquids in plastic bags or pouches may require additional screening. You may request alternate screening methods if you do not want the baby food or formula to be X-rayed or opened.
TSA officers may need to test these liquids for explosives or prohibited items. Screening will never involve placing anything inside the medically necessary liquid. TSA X-ray machines do not affect food or medicines. If you are concerned about the screening process, you may request assistance from TSA Cares before your travel date.
Although baby food and formula are allowed, the final decision on whether an item is permitted through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or prohibited if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Foods that are not allowed include liquids, pastes, or gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces. This includes liquids and liquidy items like soup, syrup, yogurt, juice, jams, jellies, condiments, or anything jarred in oil, as well as spreads like peanut butter, pate, creamy cheeses, frosting, hummus, and other dips.
You can bring most snacks on the plane. Examples of allowable foods include hard cheese, frozen seafood, fast food, pizza, and eggs.
Canned goods, olive oil, special cooking oils, vinegars, honey, and other similar items are allowed in checked luggage.
Yes, breast milk, baby formula, and juice for babies are allowed in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces. Accessories needed to cool baby food, such as ice packs, freezer packs, or frozen gel packs, are also allowed in carry-on luggage.
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. The final decision rests with the TSA officer.
