It seems that there is a new TSA guideline every day. Whether restrictions are being tightened or repealed, it can be difficult to keep up to date with what can be brought with you through security and what has to stay home. One of the most ever-changing categories is food and liquid. Not only does it seem as though there are new guidelines every week, but the type of food or liquid will be a factor in whether or not it can come along with you.
Key Takeaways
- In most cases, solid foods can be brought on the plane in your carry-on bag, while liquid foods must adhere to the 3.4oz/100ml rule.
- Certain liquids, such as alcoholic beverages, are subject to additional rules and restrictions, and must be below a certain alcohol content to be allowed on the plane.
- Foods stored in checked bags have lower restrictions than those in carry-on bags, but travelers should still check with their airline and destination country for any additional regulations.
- Some countries may have their own specific rules and regulations regarding the transportation of food, so it’s important to check the regulations of both your departure and arrival countries.
- Dense or thick items like cheese or peanut butter may be subject to additional screening, and some foods may be prohibited due to agricultural or animal health reasons.
General Rules
So, can you bring food through airport security? Let’s start with the basics and look at the general rules before we dive into specific subcategories. In most cases, food can be brought along with you through security as it doesn’t pose a potential risk when the altitude changes. Liquids, in general, are allowed but must be in small containers to avoid security risks.
Solid Foods
Now let’s take a look at the first subcategory rule when it comes to bringing food through airport security. If your food is solid like bread or candy, then it can be brought onto the plane in your carry-on bag. If the food is closer to liquid, like baby food, then it will likely fall under the rules of liquids and will be restricted to a certain amount.
Check out the TSA website for specifics and to find out more about what foods are restricted to certain amounts. The restrictions on food coming through airport security are relatively relaxed, so it’s likely that the food you have will be allowed through.
Keep it Small
If you’re going to bring a food that isn’t considered a solid food through airport security, it’s going to have to be in a limited quantity. Many foods come with special instructions for bringing them into the airport that count on an individual basis. Baby food and breast milk are accepted by airport security as long as they follow the rules applied specifically to them.
The same can be said for canned foods – they could be allowed through airport security as long as they abide by the special instructions listed by the TSA. These rules are specifically designed for foods with more of a liquid consistency. Most solid foods are acceptable to bring along with you.
Certain Liquids
As far as liquids go, there is some further nuance to be aware of. Many alcoholic liquids and drinks are allowed to be brought through airport security, as long as they are less 3.4oz/100ml. Most alcoholic liquids and drinks fall under the general liquid rules, but alcohol does introduce another rule not otherwise seen.
To be allowed to bring alcohol on the plane – carry on or otherwise – it must be lower than 70% alcohol and 140 proof. If the alcoholic content is higher than either of these marks, then it won’t be allowed past airport security. Make note of these rules before you bring alcoholic liquids with you to security. Alcohols lower than 24% are not subject to limitations.
Carry On Versus Checked Bags
The final factor that decides what food you can bring through airport security is where you’ll be keeping it. If you’re storing the food in your checked bag, then your options are much more extensive. The restrictions on food and drink items that are brought on a plane are much lower for items stored away in the carriage. Most of the food restrictions are applied to carry on bags, but it’s still important to check with the TSA website for specific rules and regulations regarding your items.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I bring solid food through airport security?
Yes, solid foods like bread or candy can be brought on the plane in your carry-on bag.
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What are the restrictions for liquid foods at airport security?
Liquid foods must adhere to the 3.4oz/100ml rule, and certain liquid foods like baby food and breast milk may have additional restrictions.
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Can I bring canned food through airport security?
Canned foods can be allowed through airport security as long as they follow the special instructions listed by the TSA.
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What is the limit for alcoholic beverages at airport security?
Alcoholic beverages must be less than 3.4oz/100ml and have an alcohol content of lower than 70% and 140 proof.
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Can I bring food in my checked luggage?
Yes, restrictions on food and drink items are much lower for items stored away in checked luggage.
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Are any foods prohibited from being brought through airport security?
Some foods may be prohibited due to agricultural or animal health reasons, and dense or thick items like cheese or peanut butter may be subject to additional screening. It’s important to check the regulations of both your departure and arrival countries.
