Are you trying to bring some food in your carry-on through airport security? Well, we're going to teach you the do's and don'ts of what you can and can't bring. To help ensure that you don't get pulled over by TSA, here are 10 foods you should avoid bringing and 10 that are totally safe to bring on your flight.
1. Soup
No matter how cold the day, unfortunately, soups are subject to the TSA's liquid rule, which restricts the amount of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes you can carry through the checkpoint. So if you're carrying any amount of soup over 3.4 ounces (which you probably are), you're going to have to leave it behind.
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2. Creamy Cheese
Creamy cheeses, like brie or camembert, have a unique texture and consistency that makes them fall under the TSA's liquid rule. So if you're planning on making a fancy charcuterie board when you get home, make sure you pack them in your checked luggage or buy them at your destination instead.
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3. Peanut Butter
Desite being a spread, TSA still considers peanut butter to be a liquid/gel. That means if you're carrying more than 3.4 ounces, you're going to have to either leave it behind or pack it in your checked baggage.
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4. Yogurt
Ah, yogurt. Another liquidy food that falls prey to the TSA liquid rule. Unless you're carrying a teeny bit of yogurt with you, you're going to have to set it aside to get through security.
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5. Salsa and Sauces
Though you might be wanting to elevate your chip game on the plane, salsas, pasta sauces, or any other kind of liquid/semi-liquid sauces can't pass through TSA in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces. Make sure you prepare accordingly.
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6. Jelly and Jams
Similar to peanut butter, jellys and jams are spreadable items that fall under the "gel" category by TSA. If you want to bring them on your flight, either bring them in a container that's 3.4 ounces or less, or skip the spread.
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7. Fresh Produce (Certain International Flights)
Now this one is a bit of a complicated one. Bringing fresh fruits and vegetables on international flights can be problematic due to agriculture control and customs regulations in many countries, including the US. It might be easier to just skip the hassle and leave these items behind.
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8. Honey
Whether you wanted it for your tea or as a sweet spread, honey is a liquid that's subject to the 3.4 ounce rule. If you plan on bringing anything more than that, you're going to be checked.
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9. Olive Oil
For anyone planning on bringing back culinary souvenirs like olive oil, it's a good idea to either have them shipped home or packed in your checked luggage. Olive oil is definitely considered a liquid, so unfortunately, your large bottle just isn't going to cut it.
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10. Ice Cream
Now the rules around ice cream are a little bit finicky - frozen items like ice cream are allowed through the checkpoint AS LONG AS they are frozen solid at the time of screening. If it starts melting even in the slightest, you're subject to the same restrictions as other liquids. Meaning, time is of the essence!
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1. Sandwiches
When we think of perfect airplane food, is there anything better than a sandwich? Compact, filling, and easy to pack, sandwiches are just the thing to get you through your flight. Just make sure they're wrapped well or put in a container to avoid any messes.
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2. Dry Snacks
Dry snacks like chips, pretzels, and crackers are an easy, hassle-free snack to bring on your flight for some munching. They're not subject to any liquid restrictions, meaning you can bring as much as your bag will let you carry.
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3. Candy
Got a sweet tooth? Satisfy your craving with some candy like gummies or hard candies which are totally acceptable to bring on the plane. They're considered solid food items, meaning you don't have to worry about any liquid rule fiascos.
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4. Nuts
Nuts are the perfect nutritious snacks that are high in protein and healthy fats. They're able to keep you full during long flights and are so easy to pack. Just be mindful of any allergies your fellow passengers might have. It might be a good idea to ask beforehand.
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5. Granola Bars
Granola bars or energy bars are solid foods that are not only allowed on flights, but are so convenient and healthy to enjoy. They're individually wrapped too, making them all the easier to bring on board and eat.
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6. Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses, like cheddar, swiss, and gouda, are allowed through security unlike the creamy cheese we mentioned earlier. It's all in the texture! For a tasty complement to your meal, or for a fancy snack, bring them on the flight.
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7. Chocolate
Chocolate is the ultimate sweet treat that can satisfy your cravings when stuck on a plane. Just be careful of it melting - if it starts to go liquidy, you will be pulled aside!
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8. Baked Goods
Here's some more good news - cookies, brownies, cakes, and other baked goods are all allowed on flights! They're great for sharing or for enjoying a delicious sweet treat while on vacation.
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9. Dried Fruits
For a healthier option, dried fruits are the way to go. Not only will you get through TSA in a breeze, they're lightweight, non-perishable, and packed with energy to keep your spirits up.
10. Pizza
Pizza lovers, you can now rest comfortably knowing your favourite snack/meal is allowed on your flights. For the ultimate treat, bring some slices of your favourite pizza to make your trip all the more comforting.
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