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.
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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.
Most frequent travelers know that they need to streamline what they’re carrying in order to make it through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at airports quickly and easily. If you’re a frequent traveler, the 3-1-1 rule for liquids should be old-hat to you by now. According to the 3-1-1 guidelines, travelers are allowed to bring on most liquids—from shampoo to hand sanitizer gels—as long as they meet the requirements of the 3-1-1 rule. Typically this means you can carry up to 3.4-ounce bottles of shampoos, contact lens solution, and other liquid necessities (3) as long as they are all contained within one 1-quart zip-top bag (1) and are carried by one passenger (1).
However, if you have something unusual that you’ve picked up as a gift for someone during your business trip or want to bring a little bit of food with you on the plane, there are certain items that are allowed through the TSA security checkpoints.
When it comes to bringing food through a TSA security checkpoint, you need to keep the 3-1-1 rule in mind, and either pack, ship, or leave behind anything that has a high liquid concentration, and keep in mind that certain liquids and foods are not allowed.
CasarsaGuru / Getty ImagesFoods to Pack While Traveling by Airplane
Surprisingly, the TSA allows almost all food items through the security checkpoint, so long as none of them are liquids in amounts exceeding 3.4 ounces. This means you can even bring pies and cakes with you through the checkpoint—though they will be subject to additional screening.
Items allowed for travel in your carry-on include baby food, bread, candy, cereal, cheese, chocolate, coffee grounds, cooked meats, cookies, crackers, dried fruits, fresh eggs, meat, seafood, and vegetables, frozen foods, gravy, gum, honey, hummus, nuts, pizza, salt, sandwiches, and all sorts of dry snacks; even live lobsters are allowed in special clear, sealed, spill-proof containers.
There are some exceptions to the rule, such as breast milk and baby formula, and some special instructions for liquids. Be sure to check out the official TSA website if you have any questions about the specific foods you plan to travel with during your trip.
Spencer Platt / Getty ImagesFoods That Are Banned on Airplanes
As with non-food items, you cannot bring any food item in liquid or cream form that is over 3.4 ounces. This rule, known as the TSA liquids rule, stipulates that you can only carry cranberry sauce, jam or jelly, maple syrup, salad dressing, ketchup, and other condiments, liquids of any type, and creamy dips and spreads including cheese, salsa, and peanut butter in a container under that quantity. Unfortunately, your liquid will be thrown out if its quantity exceeds this amount.
Canned foods, partially melted ice packs, and alcoholic beverages provide the most trouble in getting through security checkpoints as these come with specific stipulations on when they can and cannot be transported in carry-on luggage.
For example, alcoholic beverages over 140 proof (70 percent alcohol by volume) including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum are prohibited from checked baggage and carry-on luggage; however, you can bring small bottles of alcohol (the same you would purchase in-flight) as long as they do not exceed 140 proof. Note that many airlines will not allow you to consume your own liquor on board.
On the other hand, ice packs are completely fine as long as they are fully solid while going through security. If they have any liquid inside of them at the time of screening, the ice packs will be taken out. Similarly, if canned food items that contain liquids appear suspicious to TSA security officers, they may be taken out of your checked bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bring food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring most food items through airport security, including baby food, cheese, chocolate, coffee grounds, cooked meats, meat, seafood, and vegetables. However, foods that come in liquid or cream form—think peanut butter, ketchup, and maple syrup—must be left behind if they exceed 3.4 ounces.
Can you bring frozen food on a plane?
Yes, frozen food is allowed in both your carry-on and checked luggage. However, if you're using ice to keep your food cold, keep in mind that it must be completely frozen at the time of security screening.
How much food can I take on a plane?
You can bring however much food as you want, so long as it all fits in your carry-on and personal item, and the liquid food items (e.g. peanut butter, jam, salsa) follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule.