Here’s what Thanksgiving food you can bring into your diet and what to check out

For many Thanksgiving guests and hosts, there is an agreement, perhaps unwritten,: The out-of-town guests leave, and the hosts handle the cooking.

However, for many others, it is not so straightforward. This means you’re likely to see another passenger go turkey or pie this week as they prepare to board their flight home for the holidays.

And, of course, we expect to see dozens of passengers flying with leftovers on their way home on Sunday – which could be a very busy day at US airports.

“It’s weird, but sometimes we’ll see turkeys at checkpoints,” Transportation Security Administration Southeast spokesman Mark Howell told TPG.

Many products from the Thanksgiving table that pass through security checkpoints also mean that the TSA can expect to see a more complex assortment of items in your carry-on. Inspections are no small task, as staff prepare to see millions of travelers in the coming days.

In 2019 and 2023, the Sunday following the holiday set all-time records for passenger traffic. This Sunday, December 1, can see the TSA screen more than 3 million passengers – in one day – for the second time in its history.

If you’re one of those travelers hoping to make a small meal at home before flying, there are some things you need to know – whether you’ll be waiting in a regular line (arrive early, if that) or have TSA PreCheck.

3-1-1 works, as always

As always, the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule governs what can and cannot come on a plane. It means that each liquid you bring to the checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce container or smaller, all containers must be placed in a clear quart plastic bag, and each passenger is allowed only one plastic bag.

Even on a normal travel day, prohibited items pile up – literally – in plastic bins near checkpoints.

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Most travelers know that they cannot bring a large bottle of sunscreen in their luggage. However, the composition of Thanksgiving entrees and side dishes can get a little confusing when it comes to 3-1-1.

Related: TSA chief calls for big TSA PreCheck membership growth — and says those big CT scanners are faster than you think

Bringing Thanksgiving food on the plane

Let’s start with the obvious here: You should follow 3-1-1 whether you’re bringing a small bottle of toothpaste or your family’s famous Thanksgiving meal.

“Your solid foods, your cakes and pies will be fine,” explained Howell.

That means it’s fine to bring turkey, ham, chicken or something similar. Just remember that the US Department of Agriculture advises that you pay special attention to the packaging and storage of perishable items.

We say “special care” because the steps you take to make sure your food stays cold on your trip can be a common pitfall.

Any ice packs you use should stay frozen as you go through the checkpoint.

That goes for that frozen turkey you bought at the grocery store, too.

“Sometimes, if it melts halfway, and there’s liquid in there, it’s a problem,” Howell said. You’ll want to leave it in the fridge until you go to the airport, if that.

On the other hand, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, casseroles, pies, cakes, and fresh fruits and vegetables are usually safe bets to bring to the checkpoint.

Things you can’t bring

With many other classic holiday dishes, you’ll want to consider the ingredients before you try to go ahead with it. In some cases, it is clear that “no-go.”

“If you can pump, pour, blow or spread it and it’s more than 3.4 ounces, it should go in your checked bag,” Howell said.

Many things can pass, as well as spices. You need to check canned fruits and vegetables.

Gravies, sauces, jams, jellies, wine and spirits will have to fit in checked baggage if they exceed that 3.4-ounce benchmark.

Just be sure to wrap and pack things carefully to avoid a mess in the event of a bottle that breaks easily.

Fortunately, if you’re not sure what food can come on the plane, the MyTSA app has a helpful “What Can I Bring?” part. Type in your item, and you should be able to find out if you can take it to the checkpoint or if it should be inspected.

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What food can you bring through TSA?

In time for Thanksgiving, here’s the full summary the TSA shared about what foods are and aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage.

Thanksgiving food you can bring to the TSA checkpoint

• Baked goods, pies, cakes, cookies and brownies
• Meat, including turkey, chicken, ham and steak (frozen, cooked or uncooked)
• Stuffing, cooked or uncooked
• Casseroles
• Macaroni and cheese
• Fresh vegetables
• Fresh fruits
• Candy
• Spices

Thanksgiving food you can bring in your carry-on bag

• Cranberry sauce, homemade or canned
• Broth
• Drinks like wine and Champagne
• Canned fruit or vegetables (as there is usually liquid in a can)
• Preserves, jams and jellies

If your item falls into the “no” carry-on bag category, you should still be able to pack it in your checked luggage. This is a great time to use those free checked bags and other airline credits available on that travel credit card in your wallet.

TSA has set up a variety of ways for you to ask the most burning questions, including on social media, through the TSA website and messaging.

“We’ve worked hard on easy ways for people to understand what they can bring, and one of those ways is to just text us. And the text is very easy to remember: ‘AskTSA,'” TSA Director David Pekoske told TPG. . “And you know you can say, ‘Hey, can I bring a turkey?’ And literally within a second or so, you’ll get the answer that you can or you can’t.”

“We really want people to use this tool as they feel comfortable using it, because it doesn’t just work during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Pekoske said. “It works in the summer when we have our biggest volume in six, seven, eight weeks.”

He also noted that you can search the website to find out what is allowed in carry-on and carry-on bags.

Bottom line

Every time the TSA catches a prohibited item while scanning a bag, it causes delays at the checkpoint. During what is expected to be one of the busiest weeks of the year, those delays can add up.

Whether you’re planning to pack a bottle of hair gel or your family’s Thanksgiving casserole, consider whether the size and shape of your item makes it worth going through security.

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