Airports And Food: What You Can Bring?

Bringing your own food on a flight can be a great way to save money and avoid the often overpriced and stale food served on planes. However, with strict security measures in place, it can be confusing to know what types of food are and aren't allowed. So, can you bring food through airport security?

The short answer is yes, you can bring your own food on a plane, as long as it meets certain requirements. The long answer is that it depends on the type of food and varies between domestic and international flights.

Here's a breakdown of the food types and their restrictions:

Solid Foods:

Solid, dry foods that are properly sealed in leak-proof containers are generally allowed. This includes snacks in their original packaging, such as packs of peanuts, protein bars, cookies, bread, and other baked goods. Fresh meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables are also typically permitted, as long as they are sealed to prevent any leakage of juices or strong odours.

Liquids and Gels:

Liquid and gel food items, such as yoghurt, soup, jams, jellies, condiments, nut butter, pâté, hummus, and other dips, follow the same rules as liquid and gel toiletries. These items must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit into a single quart-sized bag to be allowed in carry-on luggage.

Baby Food and Formula:

Baby food, formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule and can be brought in reasonable quantities. It is recommended to use clear or translucent bottles and to inform TSA officers at the beginning of the screening process.

Alcoholic Beverages:

Alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of up to 70% (140 proof) are allowed in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and must fit in the quart-sized bag. Alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content above 70% are not permitted on planes, even in checked baggage.

Fresh Produce Restrictions:

When travelling from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland, most fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed in checked or carry-on bags due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.

Homemade Food:

Bringing homemade food on a plane can be tricky. Sauces, soups, and other liquid or soupy dishes are not allowed. Sandwiches are generally permitted, but it's important to minimise liquids and ensure proper sealing to prevent leakage.

International Flight Considerations:

International flights tend to have stricter rules than domestic flights. Fresh fruits and vegetables, for example, are typically not allowed on international flights to prevent the introduction of invasive species or diseases.

In conclusion, while you can bring food through airport security, it's important to be mindful of the restrictions and guidelines in place. Always check with the specific airline and customs regulations for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Liquids and gels are restricted to 3.4-ounce containers

Liquids and gels are subject to the 3-1-1 rule, which states that travellers are only allowed to bring one quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes in their carry-on luggage. All items must be in containers with a capacity of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Liquids and gels that are greater than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked baggage.

Liquid and gel food items are treated like liquid and gel toiletries, so the same rules apply. This includes items such as:

• Yogurt
• Soup
• Jam
• Jelly
• Condiments
• Nut butters
• Pâté
• Creamy cheeses
• Frosting
• Hummus
• Dips
• Cranberry sauce
• Gravy
• Soft butter
• Honey
• Syrup
• Salsa
• Chutney
• Salad dressing
• Mustard
• Alcoholic beverages
• Juices

However, there are some exceptions to the 3.4-ounce rule:

• Baby food and formula
• Breast milk
• Juice for infants or toddlers
• Ice packs for keeping the above foods cool, as long as they are frozen

Solid foods are allowed without size restrictions

However, it's important to be mindful of weight restrictions for checked luggage, as overweight bags may be subject to additional fees. It's also worth noting that bringing food, especially strong-smelling items, may result in extra security checks and could add time to your journey.

So, what are some examples of solid foods that you can bring? Here's a list:

• Bread
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Cakes (without liquid fillings)
• Chips
• Cereals
• Candies
• Nuts
• Dried fruits
• Meats (cooked, raw, whole, or sliced)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables (for domestic flights only)

When packing solid foods, it's recommended to use clear, leak-proof containers or original packaging to facilitate the security screening process.

Baby food, breast milk, and toddler drinks are allowed in reasonable quantities

Bringing food through airport security can be stressful, especially when it comes to baby food, breast milk, and toddler drinks. However, these items are allowed in reasonable quantities.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), baby food, formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks are considered medically necessary liquids and are exempt from the standard 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit on liquids for carry-on baggage. This means you can bring quantities greater than 3.4 ounces and they do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. This exemption also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, regardless of whether your child is travelling with you.

It is recommended to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are carrying these items, and to remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately. While not required, it is also recommended to use clear or translucent bottles instead of plastic bags or pouches, as this will facilitate the screening process.

If you are not comfortable with having your baby's food X-rayed or opened for inspection, you can decline, and additional screening steps will be taken to clear the liquids, which may include a pat-down and further screening of your other carry-on luggage.

So, while travelling with baby food, breast milk, and toddler drinks is allowed, it is important to be prepared for the screening process and to follow the recommendations provided by the TSA to ensure a smooth experience.

Fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables are allowed in carry-on luggage

Bringing food through airport security can be tricky, with several important exceptions and rules to know before you pack that tasty treat in your carry-on luggage. While most food is allowed, your snacks are subject to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. If they're considered a liquid, paste, or gel, they must be under 3.4 ounces. This includes liquids like juice, syrup, soup, jams, jellies, and condiments, as well as spreadables like nut butters, pâté, creamy cheeses, frosting, and dips.

When it comes to seafood, live seafood is permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. It is recommended to place live seafood in a separate, preferably clear, container and to remove it from your other items during the screening process.

While fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables are generally allowed in carry-on luggage, it's important to note that some countries have restrictions on importing foreign produce to prevent the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. For example, passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland cannot bring most fresh fruits and vegetables. Always check the regulations for your specific destination to avoid any issues.

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage

Most food is allowed through airport security, but there are some restrictions and exceptions to be aware of. Alcoholic beverages are subject to specific rules, depending on their alcohol content. Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of over 70% (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum, are not allowed in carry-on or checked luggage. This means that beverages such as bathtub brew and absinthe are prohibited on flights.

Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of less than 24% (48 proof) or between 24% and 70% (48-140 proof) are subject to different rules. For carry-on luggage, alcoholic beverages are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces or less and must fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. For checked bags, there is no limit on the amount of alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV, but it must be in unopened retail packaging.

It is important to note that drinking personal alcohol on an airplane is prohibited by FAA law. Additionally, the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.

Frequently asked questions