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Out of a million reasons anyone would want to bring their own food items at the airport, a few common ones include health concerns, souvenirs from the beloveds, frequent munching & cravings, or simply a child who can only breastfeed and consume baby foods. Whatever your reasons or circumstances are for bringing an edible item on board or at the airport, you have to pack and carry it as per the TSA guidelines.
Based on the type of food and its shelf life, the authorities allow or prohibit you to bring them in your carry-on or checked luggage. Therefore, it is the prime responsibility of a traveler to abide by the rules while bringing snacks and meals during air travel. Here’s a complete guide that you can not miss out on.
3-1-1 Rule For Liquids, Gels, And Aerosols
All passengers must know that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules concerning the transport of fluid substances. The 3-1-1 rule applies when you bring liquid, gel, or aerosol in your bags. It states the following:
- Not more than 3.4 ounces per container
- 1-quart size, clear, plastic, zip-top bag (Put all liquids inside one bag)
- One passenger should only carry one such bag.
| NOTE: For accessibility, TSA requests passengers to keep this clear, zip-top plastic bag in the front pocket of their carry-on bag. |
What’s Allowed & What’s Not!
Every passenger has the liberty to bring food of their choice at the airport, but because of the leakage, foul smell, and other unavoidable reasons, the authorities impose regulations on carrying food items.
Almost all kinds of packed edibles are allowed in checked baggage. Nevertheless, passengers must follow special instructions when dealing with selected perishable items that may have a short shelf life. Below is a table that can help you scrutinize your packing.
| ITEMS | CARRY-ON BAGGAGE | CHECKED BAGGAGE |
| Creamy Dips and Spreads | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Dried Fruits | Yes | Yes |
| Fresh Eggs | Yes | Yes |
| Fresh Fruits and Vegetables | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Fresh Meat and Seafood | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Frozen Food | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Gel Ice Packs | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Gravy | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Gum | Yes | Yes |
| Honey | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Alcoholic beverages | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof | No | No |
| Baby Food | Yes | Yes |
| Baby Formula | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Bottled Water | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Bread | Yes | Yes |
| Breast Milk | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Candy | Yes | Yes |
| Canned Foods | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Cereal | Yes | Yes |
| Ice cream | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Jam and Jelly | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Juice for Babies | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Juices | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Live Lobster | Check with Airline | Yes |
| Maple Syrup | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Nuts | Yes | Yes |
| Hummus | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Oils and Vinegar | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Peanut Butter | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Cheese (Creamy) | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Cheese (Solid) | Yes | Yes |
| Chocolate (liquid) | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Chocolate (Solid) | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee (Beans or Ground)es | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee (Liquid) | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Coffee Thermos (empty) | Yes | Yes |
| Cooked Meat, Seafood and Vegetable (No Liquid) | Yes | Yes |
| Cookies | Yes | Yes |
| Crackers | Yes | Yes |
| Pet food (solid) | Yes | Yes |
| Pet food (wet) | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Pies and Cakes | Yes | Yes |
| Pizza | Yes | Yes |
| Protein or Energy Powders | Yes | Yes |
| Salad Dressing | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Salsa and Sauces | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Salt | Yes | Yes |
| Sandwiches | Yes | Yes |
| Snack Bar | Yes | Yes |
| Snacks | Yes | Yes |
| Soda | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Spices (dry) | Yes | Yes |
| Soups | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
| Solid Foods | Yes | Yes |
| Tamales | Yes | Yes |
| Tea (dry tea bags or loose tea leaves) | Yes | Yes |
| Water for Babies | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed) | Yes |
What Could Go Wrong?
There may arise circumstances when, even when you packed the permitted items, the alarm may trigger due to tampered items or if the TSA assumes the particular edible poses a danger to you and other passengers. In that case, your luggage may have to undergo additional screening. If you can not figure out what item to pack and which to leave behind, reach out to the authorities using the following contact details:
| @AskTSA | |
| Facebook Messenger | www.fb.com/AskTSA |
| Apple Business Chat | AskTSA |
| Text Message | 275 872(Text “Travel” to AskTSA) |
Answers to the Common Queries
Yes. You can take your own food through airport security. All you need to do is pack them as per the TSA guidelines.
One can take homemade solid food items as checked or carry-on baggage. However, you may need to follow special instructions when carrying liquids or gellies.
Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof are strictly prohibited, while transport of Live Lobsters may be subject to the airline policies and the place you are flying to or from.
Yes. Snacks are allowed on the plane, both as carry-on or inside checked bags.
Yes. Sandwiches are allowed through TSA.
One can bring their own bottles of water, but the quantity should not exceed 3.4oz/100 ml. For children’s water, you may need to confirm the permissions with the airline.
The 3-1-1 rule governs the transport of liquids, gels, and aerosols through TSA checkpoints. It states that a person should only carry one 1-quart clear plastic zip-top bag with no more than 3.4 ounces of liquid.
