If you are someone who wants to bring their home-cooked meal with you at the airport or even on board and are tired of searching for it, you can surely stop your research here. The article below has all the essential details that you need about the topic.
Everyone enjoys outside food, but many people must eat healthily due to medical reasons or other major issues. In general, there are people who simply love to have their home-cooked meals. Therefore, keep scrolling if you want to know if you can take homemade food through airport security.
Can you Bring Food through Security at the Airport?
The short answer is yes. You can bring food through security, but certain rules must be followed. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) generally classifies food into two categories: solid and liquid.
Solid Food
Solid food items are usually easy to carry and do not pose any danger to airport security, so they can be carried in checked baggage as well as carry-on luggage. These include sandwiches, bread, cooked meat, boiled eggs, baked goods, pizza, pasta, wraps, etc.
Liquid Meal
Anything that can be spilled, sprayed, or poured is considered a liquid or gel. That is why the TSA has certain rules related to all your liquid food. You will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule for taking anything fluid as a carry-on baggage, which means-
- 3 (all liquids, gels, or pastes must be carried in 3.4 ounce or less containers)
- 1 (all liquid bottles must come in one quart-sized bag)
- 1 (one bag per passenger)
| Note— Items like wine, beer, or other liquids over 3.4 ounces in weight can be carried in checked baggage. |
Enjoy your Home Cooked Meals on Board
Many people wonder whether they can bring their home cooked meals inside the plane. You can very well bring food on the plane as long as it meets the TSA guidelines. So, if you also have this question of whether you can take food on a plane, continue reading.
Although bringing homemade food on a plane is fairly simple, it can sometimes be challenging. Taking prepared food with you is typically not an issue, but if you are cooking for yourself, you must be mindful of how you pack it and how much liquid you put in it.
Anything soupy or saucy should be avoided. The sandwiches are normally fine, but if the TSA notices any liquid leaking down the container, they will not let you bring it on the aircraft.
Make sure the container you use to pack your food is leak-proof, airtight, and resealable. If necessary, bring an extra plastic wrap. The best containers are clear so that security can immediately screen the food.
| Note— You can bring your liquids in frozen form as long as they remain frigid during airport security. If they melt during the screening process, you cannot carry them on the airplane. |
Can you take Food with you on a Plane?
You can bring many food items along with you, in addition to home-cooked meals. Here is a quick overview of them.
| Food Articles | Carry-on Luggage | Checked Baggage |
| Alcoholic drinks | Yes (Less than or equal to 100ml) | Yes |
| Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof | No | No |
| Baby Food | Yes | Yes |
| Baby Formula | Yes (Special Instructions) | Yes |
| Bottled Water | Yes (Less than or equal to 100 ml) | Yes |
| Breast Milk | Yes (Specific Instructions) | Yes |
| Candy | Yes | Yes |
| Cereal | Yes | Yes |
| Cheese (Solid) | Yes | Yes |
| Cheese (Creamy) | Yes (Not more than 100 ml) | Yes |
| Cooked meat, seafood, and vegetables (No Liquid) | Yes | Yes |
| Creamy Dips and Spreads | Yes (Not more than 100 ml) | Yes |
| Pet Food (Solid) | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Food (Wet) | Yes( Less than or equal to 100 ml) | Yes |
| Spices (Dry) | Yes | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes (Less than or equal to 100 ml) | Yes |
TSA Regulations Specific to Baby Food, Breastfeeding and Formula
Airlines will let you carry your own food, as much as you need, if you are traveling with a child under two years old. In order to allow you to feed and tend to your child while in flight, the regulations governing the carrying of things like juice, milk, and baby food have been loosened.
Even if the 3-1-1 guideline does not apply to food, breast milk, distilled water, or other infant supplies, security personnel nevertheless want you to bring a fair amount that is adequate for your trip. Since the objects will probably undergo additional screening, keep them in a visible location.
Suggestions to Bring Home Made Food Through Security
Now that you know whether you can bring food through security, we will discuss certain tips that will be useful for you if you are planning to bring your home-cooked meals on board.
- Ensure you carry your meals properly, such as packing them in a tight container so they don’t spill.
- Keep your meals separate from other stuff to ease the screening process.
- Make sure that you bring the right quantity of your meals so that you do not get into any trouble.
- Before you head for your flight, read the TSA guidelines in depth.
Bottom Lines
Now that you have all the necessary details about whether you can or can not carry your home-cooked meal with you, what are you waiting for? Do not hesitate to contact the airlines or the airport directly for more details and to ask them about further procedures.
People May Also Ask!
Can you take food on a plane?
You can surely take food with you on an airplane. Just ensure that you follow TSA’s guidelines so that you don’t face any issues.
Can we bring homemade meals on a plane?
Travelers may carry dry snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and prepared meals in cabin baggage.
Which foods are permitted on foreign flights?
Almost any packaged, solid food can be brought on an aircraft as long as it easily fits into your carry-on luggage. This includes salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, hard-boiled eggs, bread, etc.
Can I bring frozen food on the plane?
Indeed. Frozen food is allowed both as carry-on luggage and as checked baggage. If you have packed your food items in an ice pack, it must be completely frigid during security screening.
Are kitchen tools permitted on flights?
Nearly all types of utensils are compatible with checked luggage. However, when packing cutlery in a carry-on, you must ensure it does not have sharp edges.
Are you allowed to bring food on a plane?
Anything solid is welcomed on the plane. When it comes to liquid, there are certain rules you need to keep in mind, the details of which are above.
Can I have chips in my hand luggage?
Snacks that haven’t been opened, such as cookies, granola bars, nuts, chips, and crackers, are fine to bring in your carry-on or checked luggage.
On an aircraft, how much food can I bring?
You are allowed to bring as much food as you like as long as everything fits in your carry-on and personal items. However, liquid food items (such as peanut butter, jam, and salsa) must adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 guideline.