Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

TSA Approved Thanksgiving Food Items

By Marija November 22nd, 2022
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

If you’re traveling by plane for Thanksgiving and don’t want to show up empty-handed, you’ll want to make sure you’re only bringing TSA approved food items.

AAA reports that over 54 million people plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year. If you’re taking a road trip, it’s easier to bring a dish or a dessert to your gathering, but if you’re catching a flight, it could be more difficult. The TSA has some food rules to remember before you leave.

Lisa Farbstein is a spokesperson for the TSA. She told TODAY: “If people want to travel with food during the Thanksgiving holiday, what they really need to do is focus on whether the item is solid. If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint.” So think pie, cake, brownies, cookies. etc. Frozen foods also fall into the solid category. As long as it’s still frozen upon getting to TSA, you’re good to go.

Most airlines, except Southwest, charge for checked luggage. Whether you don’t need a bag that big or are trying to avoid the fees, you may be wondering what you can bring on the plane.

Now, if the food is liquid or spreadable, that needs to go in the checked bag. Think much like TSA rules for anything liquid. Unless the liquid is less than 3.4 ounces it needs to be checked. Cranberry sauce, wine, beer, canned fruit and veggies…if you hear liquid, it’ll need to be checked.

For a full list, you can visit the TSA website and use the “What Can I Bring” feature.

TSA Approved Holiday Food Items you can bring in your Carry-On:

  • Baked Goods

    Pies, cakes, cookies and brownies

    Bay Area Charities Feed The Needy Ahead Of Thanksgiving

    (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

  • Meats

    Frozen, cooked or uncooked meats like turkey, chicken, ham and steak

    Turkey Giveaway At Brooklyn Church Ahead Of Thanksgiving Holiday Draws Many In Need

    (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

  • Stuffing

    In a box or bag

    Immigrant Families Celebrate Thanksgiving In Connecticut

    (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

  • Casseroles

    Volunteers Prepare Thanksgiving Meals For The Needy

    (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

  • Macaroni & Cheese

    Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival Presented By Coca-Cola - Harvest Party hosted by Katie Lee and Marcela Valladolid part of LOCAL presented by Delta Air Lines

    (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

  • Fresh Vegetables

    Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots and greens

    The Ritz London Prepares To Welcome Guests On May 17

    (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

  • Fresh Fruit

    Apples, pears, lemons, limes, pineapple and fresh cranberries

    Tesco Opens First Own-Brand Supermarket in China

    (Photo by Andrew Wong/Getty Images)

  • Candy

    Two-dimentional Code Printed On Chocolate For Mobile Phone Users

    (Photo by Junko Kimura/Getty Images)

  • Spices

    New Supermarket Shuns Packaging

    (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)

Sign me up for the ESPN Southwest Florida email newsletter!

You love listening to ESPN Southwest Florida, now make sure you’re getting all the extra perks. Sign up today to be an ESPN Southwest Florida Insider!

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.