Can You Bring Food Through TSA? - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

Can You Bring Food Through TSA? - NerdWallet? ›

According to the TSA website, travelers are able to bring solid food items onto a plane in either carry-on or checked baggage. Liquid and gel snacks are allowed in a carry-on only if they abide by the 3-1-1 rule; liquid size and quantity don't matter in checked bags, though overweight bags may carry additional fees.

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

Carry-on bags are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high including wheels and handles. All three measurements shouldn't add up to more than 45 inches.

Meat, seafood, vegetables and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Snacks like an apple and peanut butter, a salad in a jar, veggies and hummus, meat and cheese and dried nuts and fruits make great TSA-approved snacks.

Well, the short answer is yes, you can. You may absolutely bring your own food, as long as it meets the airline's standards.

Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H₂0 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

Does toothpaste count as a liquid? ›

Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Solid foods, such as sandwiches, fruit, and snacks, can go through airport security. However, they must go through the X-ray machine for screening. Note that food items in aluminum foil or contain metal may trigger the metal detector and require additional screening.

No foods are technically prohibited by the TSA, just amounts of food. Ensure that the amounts of liquid/liquid-ish things you bring through security are 3.4 ounces or less and safely packaged, and you should be just fine.

You can bring open food through security so long as it abides by the 3-1-1 and other TSA food rules. Following the same logic and limitations, you can also bring unopened, prepackaged or sealed food through TSA.

There are certain types of food that are not allowed to be taken on a plane due to security and safety reasons. These include any liquid or gel-based foods that exceed 3.4 ounces, such as soup, jam, syrup or butter.

Scanners provide detailed images that allow security officers to identify items based on their density and atomic number. This means they can distinguish between various substances, from metals to organic materials such as food, liquids, and even detect indications of substances like drugs and explosives.