Which Foods Fly? TSA Breaks Down How To Pack Your Thanksgiving Dishes

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If you're looking to bring your famous mashed potatoes, or if it's your turn to provide cocktail ingredients, flying for Thanksgiving could require some extra prep. The TSA said most foods can be carried through a checkpoint, but there are certain items and ingredients that should end up in checked baggage.

Officials said if it's a solid item, then it's usually safe to assume it can make it through a checkpoint. Any foods should go in a clear plastic bag or other container, and then passengers should put them in a separate bin while going through the checkpoint.

Credit: TSA

CARRY-ON WITH IT

  • Baked goods: Homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats
  • Meats: Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked
  • Stuffing: Cooked, uncooked, in a box or in a bag
  • Casseroles: Traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic
  • Mac 'n Cheese: Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination,
  • Fresh vegetables: Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, greens
  • Fresh fruit: Apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas.
  • Candy
  • Spices

CHECK YOURSELF (AND THESE ITEMS)

  • Cranberry sauce: Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them.
  • Gravy: Homemade or in a jar/can.
  • Wine, champagne, sparkling apple cider.
  • Canned fruit or vegetables: It's got liquid in the can, so check them.
  • Preserves, jams and jellies: They are spreadable, so best to check them.
  • Maple syrup
Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.