Planning to fly with your favorite homemade goodies? Whether it’s grandma’s famous cookies or a cherished family recipe, navigating airport security with food can be tricky. The key question everyone asks is: Can You Take Homemade Food On A Plane? Let’s break down what you need to know about TSA food rules, focusing on homemade items, so your delicious treats arrive safely at your destination.
TSA Food Rules: Solid vs. Liquid
The TSA’s primary concern is the consistency of your food. They categorize food items as solid, spreadable, or liquid, and this determines whether they can pass through security.
“If people want to travel with food or drinks, what they really need to do is focus on whether the item is solid, because if it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint,” says TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.
Woman putting food container in security bin at airport
Solid Foods: Generally, baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies, and casseroles are allowed in your carry-on.
Spreadable Foods: Anything considered “spreadable” needs to go into your checked luggage. This includes homemade cranberry sauce or anything with a similar consistency.
Liquids: Foods packed in liquid also need to be checked. A can of corn or pineapple in juice wouldn’t be allowed in your carry-on.
Navigating Security with Homemade Gravy and Other Liquids
One of the most common questions is about gravy. Unfortunately, gravy, like other liquids in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces, is generally not allowed in carry-ons. However, there’s a workaround!
Freezing is Key: If you absolutely need to bring your homemade gravy, freeze it solid in advance. According to Farbstein, “As long as it’s frozen, that’s OK. Then it’s a solid.” Ensure it remains frozen when you go through security.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1299259917-2000-2a0cd882290e4b9e8b9bb16c0579a5ca.jpg “Several containers of homemade food prepped and frozen for travel.”)
Be Prepared: Be ready to place your food items into a bin for inspection at security. TSA officers might also swab your food to check for traces of explosives.
Foods You Can Usually Take Through Airport Security
Here’s a list of homemade and other foods that are typically allowed through security checkpoints:
- Baby food
- Baked Goods (bread, cookies, cakes, pies)
- Candy
- Canned goods (solid, not packed in liquid)
- Cereal
- Cheese (solid, not spreadable)
- Chocolate (solid, not liquid)
- Cooked meat and seafood
- Crackers
- Dried fruits
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen food (must be solid and ice packs must also be solid)
- Gum
- Nuts
- Pet food (solid)
- Pizza
- Protein or energy powders
- Salt
- Snack or protein bar
- Spices
- Tea (leaves or bag)
Foods That Should Go Into Your Checked Bag
If these items are 3.4 ounces or less, they can go in your carry-on, but they must be removed for screening:
- Alcoholic beverages (under 140-proof)
- Canned foods (in liquid)
- Cheese (cream or spreadable)
- Chocolate (liquid)
- Coffee (liquid)
- Dips and spreads
- Frozen or gel ice packs (melted)
- Gravy
- Honey
- Hummus
- Ice cream
- Jam and jelly
- Juices
- Maple syrup
- Oil and vinegar
- Peanut butter
- Pet food (wet)
- Salad dressing
- Salsa
- Soda
- Soup
- Tea (liquid)
- Yogurt
Packing Tips for Checked Luggage
If you’re checking your food, pack carefully! Wrap bottles of wine or champagne in extra clothing or bubble wrap to prevent breakage. Consider the climate of your destination, and pack perishable items in insulated containers with ice packs.
Conclusion
So, can you take homemade food on a plane? The answer is a nuanced yes! Solids are generally fine, but liquids and spreadables are restricted unless they meet the 3.4-ounce rule or are frozen solid. By understanding these guidelines, you can ensure your favorite homemade treats make it to your destination without any hiccups. Safe travels and bon appétit!
