May I pack food in my carry-on or checked bag? (2024)

FAQs

May I pack food in my carry-on or checked bag? ›

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Meat, seafood, vegetables and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening.

Checked Bags: Yes

We suggest that you pack this item in your checked bag, ship it to your destination or leave it at home.

Snacks like an apple and peanut butter, a salad in a jar, veggies and hummus, meat and cheese and dried nuts and fruits make great TSA-approved snacks.

Explosives and flammable items, such as fireworks, gas, and aerosols. Poisonous and toxic substances, including pesticides and certain chemicals. Lithium batteries and other hazardous materials, as these can pose a safety risk if not handled properly.

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

You can bring just about any snack on your flight, but if any part of the snack is a liquid, paste, or gel, that particular part is subject to the 3-1-1 rule: 3 (all liquids, pastes, or gels must be in 3.4-ounce or less containers) 1 (all your liquid bottles must fit in one quart sized bag) 1 (one bag per person)

Solid foods, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, are allowed in carry-on bags with no quantity limitations or packing requirements.

What food travels well in a suitcase? ›

Yes, you can bring an opened bag of chips on a plane in your carry-on luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows solid food items, including opened bags of chips, through airport security in any amount.

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.

Checked Bags: Yes

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped. Food must be wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped.

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

Is it better to check luggage or carry on? Checking luggage means you do not have to carry it through the airport but there is always the risk of it being lost or damaged. It is cheaper to carry-on luggage and you can access your travel essentials during the flight or in the event of a lengthy layover.

Because the TSA considers the nut spread a liquid, plane passengers must limit the amount they bring in their carry-ons. Like all other liquids, passengers are limited to 3.4 oz or less of peanut butter in their carry-on bag, but can also put the snack in their checked baggage.