Are you flying over the holidays?
Are you bringing your signature Thanksgiving dish to share? Do you know if your dish is allowed on a plane?
Flying over the holidays is stressful. It can seem hard to keep up with changing flight regulations. But flying over the holidays doesn’t need to be difficult. As of the date of this post (11/18/2016), here are some common Thanksgiving dishes and TSA’s rules regarding bringing them on a plane.
Easy Turkey Thanksgiving
Can I bring a turkey on a plane? (You have to search for meat.)
Cooked Meat, Seafood and Vegetable (No Liquid)
- Carry On Bags: Yes
- Checked Bags: Yes
“You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.
TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.”
- Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
- Checked Bags: Yes
“Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted. You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked.”
Can I carry on a pumpkin pie?
Pies and Cakes
- Carry On Bags: Yes
- Checked Bags: Yes
TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.
Beer Bread
Can I bring two loaves of homemade bread with me when flying home?
Bread
- Carry On Bags: Yes
- Checked Bags: Yes
“Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.”
Looking for another dish? Or do you have questions on bringing knitting needles (yes), wrapped presents (no) or other items with you as you fly?
Check out TSA’s What Can I Bring tool. Here you’ll find up-to-date information on rules and regulations for flying over the holidays. If your item is not listed, you can send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. Please remember TSA gate agents have the most up to date information and the final say on what is allowed through security.
Everyone at Witte Travel & Tours wishes you a terrific Thanksgiving. Here is to happy and safe travels!
Post updated 11/21/2018 for accuracy. Quotes come directly from TSA.