Can You Bring Food on a Plane?

The rules around traveling with food can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to food in your carry-on. While we’re clear on the rules for water and liquids, the rules for food can be a bit more complicated.

There are many reasons you might want to travel with food in your carry-on, whether it’s for dietary essentials, snacks for the flight, or even foods you’ve purchased at your destination. Either way, it’s worth knowing the specific foods that are allowed for plane travel, so you don’t find yourself stuck at airport security.

What Kind of Food Can I Take on a Plane?

As a general rule, solid, dry foods are your best bet for air travel. According to the TSA’s guide to traveling with food, ‘solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags.’

Any foods that could be considered a liquid, such as soups, sauces, and spreads, would have to come in at under 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) in order to adhere to security standards. However, these rules can vary from airport to airport, so it’s always best to check the specific policies in place at your connections and destinations before your trip.

Foods Allowed in Your Carry-On

Here are some commonly-questioned foods that are allowed in your carry-on:

• Baby food, breast milk, and baby formula – these are considered medically necessary liquids and can be transported in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters.
• Fresh fruit – while fresh fruit is generally allowed in carry-on and checked bags, there are some key exceptions. For example, passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.
• Dried fruit – dried fruit is allowed in both your carry-on bag and checked luggage, in any quantity.
• Chocolate bars – as a solid food, chocolate bars are also permitted, although it’s generally recommended that any large quantities are put in your checked baggage to avoid melting and mess.
• Baked goods and bread – baked goods are also allowed in both your carry-ons and checked bags, as solid foods.
• Solid cheeses – solid cheeses are fine to travel with, although soft cheeses or spreads would be considered liquids and must come under 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters).

It’s also worth noting that you can buy your liquid foods in duty-free or elsewhere in the airport following security and take it onto the plane with you, although this is also at the airline’s discretion.

Additionally, if there is someone on your flight with a severe allergy, you may be told that you cannot bring certain foods, such as nuts, onto the plane with you.

Can I Take Homemade Sandwiches on a Flight?

Yes, typically, homemade sandwiches are fine to take with you, as they are considered a solid food. Even if you use liquid fillings, they should come under the 3.4 ounce (or 100 milliliters) mark, although it’s something to consider. If in doubt, stick to dry sandwich fillings.

Conclusion

Traveling with food can be a bit confusing, but by knowing the specific foods that are allowed for plane travel, you can avoid any potential issues at airport security. Remember to always check the specific policies in place at your connections and destinations before your trip, and to inform the TSA officer ahead of screening if you are carrying any medically necessary liquids.