These are the TSA-approved foods you can — and can't — bring with you on an airplane
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
We all know that airplane food isn't exactly fine dining, especially if you're traveling at the back of the plane. I mean, how many times can you decide between chicken and pasta?
Frequent flyers and travelers with food restrictions or allergies have long packed their own provisions for flights. But more travelers than ever may be thinking about bringing their own meals, especially since so many airlines have reduced or altogether eliminated meal service due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
But just because you want to bring your own food from home on the plane doesn't mean it's OK, at least in the eyes of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Yes, you can take your "emotional support casserole" with you, but what about live lobsters? And French onion dip?
Even if you do bring Thanksgiving leftovers on the plane, you may also want to think twice about feasting during the flight, as that would require you to lower your face mask.
Still, to make sure you don't have to part ways with your beloved jar of Nutella or Tupperware of gravy at security, reference this guide before your next flight.
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TSA-approved foods you can pack in your carry-on
Get ready for some good news: You can bring virtually all food past security, as long as it's not a liquid exceeding 3.4 ounces.
This means bread, cakes, candy, cereal, solid cheese, solid chocolate, coffee, cooked meat, cooked seafood, cooked vegetables, cookies, crackers, dried fruits, fresh eggs, gum, nuts, solid pet food, pies, pizza, protein powder, salt, sandwiches, snacks, spices, supplements and tea are all good to go.
You can even bring an empty water bottle.
Keep in mind, though, that your protein powders and canned foods might be subject to additional screening. (In fact, the TSA suggests you might want to pack canned foods in your checked bags, ship it to your destination or, better yet, leave them at home.)
Oh, and as for those live lobsters? They're probably fine, as long as they're in a clear, sealed, spill-proof container, though you'll want to check with your airline first.
Related: 7 rookie moves passengers make going through security
Can I bring baby food and formula on a plane?
The TSA allows "reasonable quantities" of baby food in your carry-on bag. You'll just have to remove it, along with baby formula or breast milk from your carry-on bag, so those items can be screened separately.
Related: How to fly with breast milk in the United States
Foods you can't pack in your carry-on
This is where the TSA liquids rule comes into play: You can't bring any item that is in liquid or cream form over 3.4 ounces on the plane with you. Think: creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt.
That means your French onion dip must be below 3.4 ounces, or you'll have to give it a tearful goodbye at the airport.
Related: How to travel through the airport with Thanksgiving dinner and leftovers
Booze rules and other final notes
As far as alcoholic beverages go, you can't have anything that's over 140 proof, including grain alcohol, in either your checked baggage or carry-on. You could carry on your own mini bottles, but many airlines won't let you drink your own alcohol on board. In fact, many airlines are now making a specific boarding announcement that you are not allowed to drink your own alcohol on board.
You can bring an ice pack to keep foods chilled, as long as it's still fully solid when you get to the airport. If it melts, it will be considered a liquid and subject to the liquid rule.
When in doubt, consult the TSA's list and check with your airline.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.