Thanksgiving 2024 promises to be the busiest air travel period on record. The Transportation Security Administration is projected to screen around 18.3 million passengers between Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Dec. 2 ― a 6% increase from the same time last year.
As Turkey Day is a food-centric holiday, folks are more likely to be flying with edible cargo, including tasty staples like pumpkin pie. But can you fly with festive desserts and other holiday treats? Here’s what you should know.
The TSA has specific rules regarding food. As the agency’s website notes, “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 ounces are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.”
To determine whether an item is a liquid, gel or aerosol rather than a solid, ask yourself if you can “spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it.” Another good rule of thumb is to consider whether the item can maintain its own shape or if it takes the form of whatever container holds it.
Although you could argue a dessert like a pumpkin pie is somewhat gel-like, the TSA specifically permits pies and cakes in both checked and carry-on bags.
“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,” the agency’s website notes. “Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.”
If you’re flying with a pie, you’ll likely want to store it in a designated carrier or otherwise cushion this precious cargo to avoid sustaining wear and tear before you get to present it at the Thanksgiving table.
Airline passengers are typically allowed one carry-on bag that can go in the overhead bin and one personal item to place under the seat. A delicacy like a pie would best be stowed under the seat to prevent accidental crushing in the bin.
Be mindful of the type of pie you decide to take on your travels, as well. Something that keeps well at room temperature is preferable to a pie that requires steady refrigeration (though you can also make that work with a properly insulated container).
If you’re planning to top your pie with some sort of tasty whipped cream or other gooey final touch, you will want to make or acquire that at your final destination or put it in your checked bag (unless you can keep the quantity under 3.4 ounces, of course).
Other Thanksgiving favorites that are not permitted in your carry-on bag include cranberry sauce and gravy ― neither homemade, nor store-bought in a can or jar. Canned foods in general are best checked because they typically contain liquid and may be subject to additional screening that is hard to conduct without opening the container.
You’ll similarly need to check any dips, preserves, jams and syrups that exceed 3.4 ounces. And don’t expect to carry on your wine or apple cider, either.
The TSA has stated that the following Thanksgiving foods are allowed in carry-on luggage: casseroles, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, turkey and other meats, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables and, of course, baked goods like pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and more.
If you have questions about a particular type of food or packaging, you can consult the agency’s full list of rules regarding different edible items. If you’re still unsure, assess the risk and consider checking the items when possible.
After all, as the TSA website states, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”