Thanksgiving weekend travel is famous for clogging airports. And to keep things running smoothly at security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced which holiday foods travelers are allowed to take with them on the plane.
Coming from afar won’t squelch people’s desire to bring their famous pumpkin pie or classic yams and marshmallows along for the ride to share with family and friends, so TSA has made it simple with some “food for thought.”
“If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint,” TSA said in a press release. “However, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag.”
These carry-on Thanksgiving foods are good to go:
- Baked goods: Yes, that includes pumpkin pie
- Meat: Frozen meat, cooked or otherwise, is allowed, but remember to package correctly
- Stuffing in all forms
- Casseroles: Midwesterners, rejoice!
- Mac ‘n Cheese: Fully cooked or not
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh fruit
- Candy: But do keep this in your carry-on, as otherwise, you may be asked to share
- Spices
Food items allowed to be taken through security should still be placed in a plastic bag to make TSA screeners’ jobs easier, especially since food often needs additional security screening.
Thanksgiving foods that need to be placed in checked baggage:
- Cranberry sauce
- Gravy
- Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider
- Canned fruit or vegetables
- Preserves, jams and jellies
- Maple syrup
- Anything else that has liquid or could be considered “spreadable”
Find full TSA travel guidelines here.