Sometimes when traveling you get to love a certain food you tried and want to take it home with you. The sad part is airport security is so strict that some foods are not allowed to be brought on the plane.
Though you’ll say “it’s edible, what’s wrong with that?” This kind of argument won’t convince the airport security officer to let it pass. Rules are rules. And they are made to be followed.
So to avoid these really annoying incidents and delays, here is a list of food items that you can take through airport security with limitations and restrictions. Â
18 Foods You Can Take Through Airport Security
1. Alcoholic beverages
Alcoholic beverages are allowed in both carry on and checked baggage but take note of the limitations…
In carry-on bags you are only allowed to bring up to 3.4 ounces of alcohol. While in a checked bag, you can take up to 5 liters or 1.3 gallons, as long it is sealed and unopened.
Make sure the alcoholic beverages you are going to bring in your carry-on and checked baggage is 70% alcohol or less. Because if its higher TSA or airport security will either confiscate it or you’ll have to throw it out to get through.
2. Baby food
Traveling with a baby and bringing baby food such as milk formula, breast milk and juice are allowed in both checked and carry-on bags.
Unlike other liquids, the 3.4 ounces or 100 ml liquid limitation in carry-on bags does not apply for infant formula or breast milk.
Though should you bring a reasonable quantity it’ll need to undergo a screening process at the security checkpoint.
3. Cheese
Bringing solid cheese is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Though expect that security might ask you to take it out of your carry-on and put it in the checked bag instead.
Cream cheese is also allowed, just with a 3.4 ounce restriction in carry-on baggage.
4. Chocolate
Solid and liquid chocolates are also allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Liquid chocolate, however, is restricted to 3.4 ounces or less in your carry-on.
5. Creamy dips and spreads
Dips and spreads are allowed in your checked bag, while creamy dips are limited to 3.4 ounces in your carry-on.
6. Ice
Frozen ice and ice packs are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. But melted ice or icy water cannot be taken in your carry-on.
7. Gravy
Bringing gravy is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. But just like other liquids, the limitation for gravy is 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag.
8. Honey
Like other liquids, the limitation for honey is 3.4 ounces in your carry-on and you can carry it in your checked bag too.
9. Hummus
The rule also applies to hummus, it is also allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, with a 3.4 ounces limit in your carry-on.
10. Ice cream
Ice cream is allowed in your carry-on and checked bag as long as it is frozen…
But since you can’t stop it from melting, bringing it in your carry-on or checked bag is not a great idea!
11. Jam and jelly
Jam and jelly are allowed in both checked baggage and carry-on, again with a limitation of 3.4 ounces or less in your carry on.
12. Live lobster
Bringing live lobster is fine with TSA in both checked or carry-on bag!
But you need to check with your airline if they will allow it to be brought in your carry on.
13. Maple syrup
Maple syrup is a liquid so the 3.4 ounce limit should be applied in your carry-on.
14. Oils and vinegar
Like other liquids, bring all the oils and vinegar you want in your checked bag but take note of the 3.4 ounce limit in your carry-on.
15. Peanut butter
You can bring any amount of peanut butter or any food butter in your checked bag.
You can only bring 3.4 ounces in your carry on.
16. Salad dressing, salsa and sauces
The 3.4 ounce rule is also applied to salad dressing, salsa and sauces.
17. Soup
Soup also falls into the liquid category for the airport security so you must limit it to 3.4 ounces in your carry-on.
18. Yogurt
Another liquid, yogurt is also limited to 3.4 ounces in your carry-on.
What are you taking home?
These are just some of the foods that you can bring through airport security. One thing you must always keep in mind is the 3-1-1 TSA liquid rule which is a 3.4 ounce limit in your carry-on.
If you are unsure, especially when it comes to solid food, it is better to call the airport ahead of time so you can avoid delays. Doing a bit of research can also help so you can pack smart for a better traveling experience.
