Airports And Food: What's Allowed Through Security?

Airport food is notoriously expensive and often not very tasty, so it's no surprise that many travellers want to bring their own food to eat while waiting for their flight or on the plane itself. But what types of food are and aren't allowed through airport security?

The short answer is that solid, dry foods that are properly sealed in a leak-proof container are usually fine. This includes snacks in their original packaging, such as packs of peanuts and protein bars, as well as baked goods like cookies, bread, and cakes (although cakes may be subject to additional screening).

Foods that are not allowed include liquids and gels, such as peanut butter, hummus, and salsa, unless they are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and fit in a one-quart (1 litre) bag. This rule also applies to foods that may not seem like liquids but have a high liquid concentration, such as soft cheeses, jams, and gravy.

So if you're looking to bring your own food through airport security, stick to solid, dry snacks and avoid anything that could be considered a liquid or gel.

Liquids and creams are not allowed through security unless in 3.4-ounce containers

Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, spreads, butters, and anything else with liquid-like properties are subject to strict restrictions when passing through airport security. To be allowed through, they must be contained within a travel-sized container that is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per item. This is known as the 3-1-1 rule.

The 3-1-1 rule states that travellers are allowed to carry up to 3.4-ounce bottles of liquids, gels, creams, etc., and that all of these individual containers must fit in a single, one-quart, zip-top bag (1) and be carried by one passenger (1). This means that each passenger is limited to one such bag.

Liquids and creams that are not in 3.4-ounce containers will not be allowed through security. Instead, they must be packed into checked baggage.

The 3-1-1 rule applies to all liquids, gels, creams, etc., including toiletries and cosmetics such as creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, and lip gloss, as well as food items. For example, peanut butter, ketchup, and maple syrup must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or less to be allowed through security.

There are some exceptions to the 3-1-1 rule. Medically necessary liquids, such as essential medicines and skin creams, are allowed through security in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, as long as the passenger has a note from their doctor or a current prescription. Baby food, baby formula, and breast milk are also exempt from the rule, with no limit on the amount that can be brought through security.

Solid, dry foods are allowed and should be in sealed, leak-proof containers

Solid, dry foods are allowed through airport security and should be placed in a sealed, leak-proof container. This includes items such as sandwiches, fruit, and firm cheese, which should be wrapped or placed in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are also permitted, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped. It is important to note that food must go through the X-ray machine, and any food that is unwrapped will not be allowed past the security checkpoint.

Snacks in their original packaging usually pass security without issue as they are sealed, properly labelled, and easy to identify. This includes items such as packs of peanuts, protein bars, and potato chips. Most cookies, bread, and other baked goods are also allowed through security.

It is worth noting that while whole cakes and pies are generally allowed, they may be subject to additional screening. Additionally, foods that resemble liquids or gels, such as jams, jellies, soft butter, honey, syrups, dips, and spreads, are subject to the 3-1-1 rule, which states that liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and fit inside a quart-size bag.

Fresh foods like meat, seafood, fruit, and vegetables are allowed on domestic flights

Meat, seafood, and other non-liquid foods are allowed in carry-on or checked bags. If these foods are packed with ice or ice packs, the ice must be completely frozen with no liquid at the bottom of the container when passing through security screening. Frozen perishables can also be packed in dry ice, but the FAA limits you to 5 pounds of properly packaged and marked dry ice. Live seafood is permitted in carry-on or checked bags but should be placed in a separate, preferably clear, container for screening.

Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland are restricted from carrying most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.

Canned foods are not allowed through security as they are difficult to X-ray

Canned foods are tricky to get through security because they don't X-ray well and are difficult to verify, which poses a security risk. If you want to bring canned goods on a plane, it's best to pack them in your checked luggage.

In addition to the liquid restrictions, it's important to know that any food item, even if it's generally permitted, may be subject to additional screening or may not be allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during screening, appears tampered with, or raises other security concerns.

So, while you can bring solid food items in your carry-on or checked bags, canned foods are not allowed due to the difficulty in X-raying them and the potential security risks they pose.

If you're unsure about a specific food item, it's always best to contact the airline directly or use resources like the MyTSA app, which allows you to take a photo of your item and get an answer.

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof are prohibited

Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof) are prohibited from being brought onto planes, whether in carry-on luggage or checked baggage. This includes grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. The reason for this restriction is that beverages over 140 proof are considered "`hazmat` material by the federal government."

It is important to note that the rules regarding food and beverages allowed through airport security can vary between countries and airlines, so it is always a good idea to check with the specific airline before travelling. Additionally, while you may be able to bring certain foods and beverages through security, it is against FAA law to consume personal alcohol on an airplane.

When packing food to bring through airport security, it is recommended to bring solid, dry foods that have been properly sealed in leak-proof containers. Foods in their original packaging usually pass through security more easily, as they are sealed, properly labelled, and easy to identify. It is also important to keep in mind that bringing food through security may add time to the screening process, as security personnel may ask to inspect the food items separately and ask questions about what you are bringing on board.

Frequently asked questions