Which Thanksgiving Foods Can You Fly With?
Have you ever wondered whether you can stick a can of cranberry sauce in your carry-on? What about a pumpkin pie in the overhead bin? Thankfully, the TSA has released an official list to alleviate your culinary packing headaches. So go ahead, save some (packing) space for dessert.
Here are the Thanksgiving staples you can and can’t take through a TSA checkpoint this season.
-
TSA-Approved Thanksgiving Dishes
- Baked goods included pies, brownies, breads, and cookies
- Cooked, uncooked, or frozen meats
- Cooked or uncooked stuffing stored in a box or bag
- Casseroles
- Mac n’ Cheese
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Candy
- Spices
-
Thanksgiving Dishes You Can’t Carry On
- Spreadable items, including but not limited to cranberry sauce, preserves, jams, and jellies
- Liquid, including but not limited to gravy, juice, ciders, and maple syrup
- Alcoholic beverages in excess of 3.4 ounces, excepting those purchased at duty-free shops after the security checkpoint, or any alcohol above 140 proof
- Canned fruit or vegetables (due to canning liquid)
-
Traveling with Food: Safety Tips You Need to Know
These Thanksgiving favorites are approved to travel in the airplane cabin.
Don’t let spoiled food spoil your holiday celebrations. According to the USDA, most perishable foods shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours at room temperature. If transporting cold food, make sure to pack it in a cooler with enough ice packs to make the trip (ice packs must be frozen solid—gel packs or partially frozen packs will be confiscated by TSA). If your dish needs to remain warm and you have more than two hours to travel, consider packing shelf-stable or long-lasting ingredients, such as spices, fresh vegetables, and canned goods, and cooking the dish once you arrive at your destination.