The Transportation Security Administration expects more than 18 million people to take to the skies this week, making 2024 a candidate for the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.
That certainly means plenty of Thanksgiving treats will be passing through airport scanners, whether they’re dishes taken to a family gathering or leftovers taken home.
Most food can be transported through a security checkpoint, the TSA said in a news release, but some items can only be carried in a checked bag. To make holiday planning easier for everyone, the TSA has released a list of which Thanksgiving foods can be brought in a carry-on bag and which must be placed in a checked bag.
Here’s what the TSA says fly with thanksgiving food.
What Thanksgiving Food Can You Bring Through TSA?
The TSA says many Thanksgiving meals can pass through a security checkpoint. This includes baked goods, whether homemade or store-bought; frozen meats, cooked or uncooked, and classic sides like mac and cheese and cooked or raw stuffing.
Casseroles, including “traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic,” can also be brought in through security, the TSA said. Spices and sweets can be brought. Many fresh fruits and vegetables can also pass through security, including seasonal treats like yams, Brussels sprouts, beets, squash, pears, cranberries and more.
Ice blocks can pass the security check, but they must be frozen and not melt when they pass the check.
Even though these food items can pass security screening, they may require additional screening, the TSA said. Make sure they are in an easily accessible place in a carry-on bag, remove them from the bag and place them in a bin for screening at the security checkpoint.
What Thanksgiving food is not allowed through airport security?
Liquids and sauces should be carefully packed in checked baggage, the TSA said. This includes homemade or canned cranberry sauce, homemade or jarred sauce, liquid-canned fruits or vegetables, as well as preserves, jams, jellies and maple syrup.
Wine, champagne and sparkling apple cider should also be checked.
“Here are some things to think about. If it is a solid object, then it can pass through a checkpoint,” the TSA said. “However, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, and it is larger than 3.4 ounces, then it must be placed in a checked bag.”
The “What can I bring?” » from the myTSA application. The feature allows travelers to enter an item to learn more about how it can be transported. Travelers can also contact TSA on social media or by texting AskTSA (275-872).
