The tension linked to air travel is indisputably high and becomes even more stressful when you have to worry about what you will eat during your journey.
But that doesn’t mean you should have to give up your favorite snacks and meals when traveling by air.
Here’s everything you need to know about bringing food through airport security.
Can I bring a sandwich through TSA security?
No.
The TSA has strict rules regarding what you can and cannot bring through security checkpoints.
You may not be able to carry any food through the checkpoint in your carry-on bag or checked luggage.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits passengers from carrying liquid, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, pills, liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, liquids, or similar substances through the security checkpoint,” according to the TSA website.
“This includes foods, drinks, medications, cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and other products.”
That means no sandwiches, no salads, no fruit, no gum, no candy, no cookies, no chips, no nuts, no ice cream, no soda, no juice, no milk, no meat, no cheese, no soup, no peanut butter, no jelly, no pickles, no mustard, no ketchup, no hot sauce, no vinegar, no mayonnaise, no salad dressing, no beer, no wine, no liquor, no coffee, no tea, and no chocolate.
What types of food are allowed through TSA security?
You can bring all kinds of food through the checkpoint as long as it’s sealed in an approved container.
That means you can bring dry cereal, pasta, rice, crackers, granola bars, dried fruits, bread, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and even fresh fruit.
Foods that require refrigeration are prohibited from being brought through security, but canned and frozen items are OK.
Can I bring a packed lunch through TSA security?
Yes, you can bring a prepared meal through the checkpoint.
But you’ll have to take it out of its original packaging so it fits into an approved TSA-approved container.
And don’t forget to pack the trash bags.
Here’s a list of acceptable containers:
- Plastic sandwich bags
- Metal snack containers
- Canned food containers
- Baggies
- Fruit boxes
- Plastic beverage containers
- Dry cereal box liners
- Packaged meats
- Cereal
- Crackers
- Sandwich wrappers
- Soup cans
- Vegetable trays
- Pasta
- Cooked chicken
- Salad greens
- Peanut butter
- Cheese
- Hot dogs
- Granola bars
- Ice packs
- Applesauce
- Jelly
- Popsicles
- Wine bottles
- Juice bottles
- Beer bottles
- Liquor bottles
- Hot Chicken Sandwich
If you want to bring your own container, you’ll need to fill it with water before you get to the checkpoint.
You won’t be allowed to put anything else in the container until after you’ve passed through security.
What are the TSA food guidelines?
According to the TSA, travelers can only bring certain types of food through security checkpoints.
“Travelers may bring liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, pills, liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, liquids, or similar substances in their carry-on baggage or in one of their three checked bags through security checkpoints at U.S.
airports,” the TSA states on its website.
These items can include:
However, these items will not be allowed through security:
The TSA also notes that some airlines allow passengers to bring food through security checkpoints.
If you fly on a carrier that allows this, you might be able to bring more items than those listed above.
What can I bring through TSA security?
You can bring all kinds of food through security checkpoints.
However, you can only bring liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, pills, liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, liquids, or similar substances in your carry-on baggage or in one of your three checked bags.
These items can include:
- Baby formula and breastmilk
- Alcoholic beverages
- Medications
- Cosmetics
- Pet food
However, these items will not be allowed through security:
- Any liquid, gel, powder, aerosol, cream, paste, pill, liquid, gel, powder, aerosol, cream, or paste containing caffeine
- Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, dairy, or soybeans
- Produce, including raw or cooked
- Snacks
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Salt & pepper shakers
- Candy
- Liquor
Some airlines allow passengers to bring these items through security checkpoints.
Check with your airline to see which ones they permit.
What can’t I bring through TSA security?
You can’t bring any food through security checkpoints unless it’s in an approved container.
And once you pass through security, you can’t bring anything back through the checkpoint.
This includes liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, pills, liquids, gels, powders, aerosols, creams, pastes, liquids, or similar substances.
Is there anything I can’t bring through TSA security?
Yes, there are several things you shouldn’t bring through security.
They include:
- Baby formula and breastmilk
- Alcoholic beverages
- Medications
- Cosmetics
- Pet food
- Raw or cooked produce
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Salt & pepper shakers
- Candy
- Liquor
It’s important to note that you can’t bring anything onto an airplane that could pose a threat to the safety of others.
For example, you can’t bring a gun onto a plane.
But you can bring a knife that’s less than 4 inches long, as long as it’s locked away in your checked baggage.
What happens if I bring food through TSA security?
Weapons
Explosives
Firearms
Knives
Sharp objects
Animal products
Insect repellent
Mace
Other dangerous materials
If you decide to bring food through security, you’ll first need to open it.
After you do, the TSA officer will inspect it to make sure it.
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- oven
Ingredients
- Peanut oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 large egg
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs patted dry
- 2 tablespoons ground cayenne
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating your chicken. You can do this by cooking it in a pan on the stove, grilling it, or baking it. If you are using raw chicken, cook it until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once your chicken is cooked, cut it into thin strips.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken strips, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Place the chicken strips on a wire rack and let them sit for about 20 minutes.
- While the chicken is resting, make the sauce by combining the hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne in a small saucepan.
- Heat the sauce over low heat, occasionally stirring, until it is smooth and thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the sauce.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is crispy and the sauce is bubbling.
- To assemble the sandwiches, place a piece of chicken on each bun and top with iceberg lettuce, pickle chips, and mayonnaise.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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