After spending a long and fun weekend with your extended family for the holidays, the only thing getting you through the exhausting airport lines is the thought of enjoying that leftover holiday turkey sandwich you brought. But suddenly, the sandwich you’ve been dreaming about becomes an item that’s not allowed on the plane, especially with that delicious cranberry sauce you carried with you. Here’s a TSA food list that tells you which festive foods are and aren’t allowed on the flight.
Festive Foods Allowed Through a TSA Checkpoint
Turkey, chicken, steak, ham, or any other meat is a big yes that you can carry with you in any form, like cooked, raw, or even frozen. Stuffing is also allowed, cooked or uncooked, provided you have stored it in a tight box or a bag. Casseroles are a big yes too! It’s mentioned in the TSA website’s guidelines that traditional green beans and onion straws are also allowed.
Macaroni and cheese is okay too in a sealed pan or you can simply carry its ingredients and cook them when you arrive at your place. All fresh vegetables and fruits like potatoes, broccoli, yams, apples, bananas, lemons, and more are allowed. Candy, spices, and desserts like homemade cookies or store-bought pies and brownies are allowed.
Holiday Foods That Should Go in Checked Luggage
Cranberry sauce, either homemade or canned, is considered spreadable, so put it in your checked bag in a sealed box. No gravy items are allowed. Canned vegetables and fruits come with liquid inside the can, so ensure they’re sealed and packed well. Spreads like jam, jelly, and preserves are a big no. Liquid items like maple syrup or apple cider need to be checked in your checked baggage, but there’s a possibility they might get stopped.
When packing foods inside your checked luggage, just make sure they are easily accessible to be pulled out during security checks if required. And don’t forget to add them in tightly sealed boxes so there’s no spillage. Go on and enjoy your festive foods at home.