If you’re packing for a trip and completely unsure of what you can and cannot bring in your carry on bag, listen up. Getting to the airport and having to throw your stuff away so you can get through security can be stressful and frustrating. So, find out what food you can’t safely take on a plane and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
1. Alcoholic Beverages
You can bring alcoholic beverages in both carry on and checked bags, but there’s a catch. In a checked bag, you are limited to five liters per passenger, and it must be in the unopened retailer packaging. If you’re putting it in your carry on, the bottle needs to be 3.4 oz or smaller. If the alcohol is more than 140 proof (70% alcohol), sadly you can’t bring it at all, in neither your carry on or your checked bag.
2. Bottled Water
You probably know about this one, but you have to chuck that bottle of water you brought before you get in the security line. The only way it’ll pass is if it’s less than 3.4 oz. One exception to this is if you are traveling with a baby and the water is clearly for them. No limit is set there, except for “within reasonable quantities.”
3. Canned Food
You technically can bring canned food through security, but be prepared for extra screening. Due to how it looks through the x-ray machine, they will most likely have to double check your bag. TSA suggests either leaving it at home or shipping it to your destination if you can’t put it in a checked bag.
4. Any Liquids
Like water, you aren’t allowed to bring any liquids, like coffee, as long as they are less than 3.4 oz. This also applies to liquid foods such as creamy cheeses, dips/spreads, gravy, honey, jams, hummus, maple syrup, oil and vinegar, peanut butter, wet pet food, salad dressing, sauces, salsa, soup, yogurt, or chocolate in a non-solid form. If they go over the limit, put it in your checked bag, unless you want an agent to throw out your delicious snacks.
5. Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Depending on where you are traveling to, you are allowed to bring fruits and vegetables in your carry on or checked bag. However, if you’re traveling from Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico, you can’t bring any fruits or veggies with you in order to reduce the risk of carrying plant pests. Unfortunately, that delicious golden pineapple you bought in Hawaii will have to stay there.
6. Frozen Food
When traveling with frozen food in your carry on bag, you’ll need a cooler with ice. However, the ice must be completely frozen. If it’s partially melted, you will not be permitted to bring it with you. This rule also applies to ice cream. To avoid melted ice, you can use up to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged and marked.
7. Live Lobster
For real. Bringing a live lobster is questionable, according to TSA (and most people flying). They suggest checking with your airline as well to make sure they will allow you to travel with it. If you do bring it, put it in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container, and be ready for it to be inspected at the security checkpoint.
Keep in mind that while TSA sets these rules, it is ultimately up to the individual agent to decide whether or not you can bring your item. As long as anything that resembles a liquid is below 3.4 oz, you’re good to go. When in doubt, put it in your checked bag. You can also send a picture to AskTSA on Facebook or Twitter if you want to be safe, or if you want to bring something not listed on their website.
#SpoonTip: More information can be found on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website.