Traveling with mom’s homemade holiday pie? Here’s what TSA says what foods you can or cannot bring

FILE - People walk through Reagan Washington National Airport ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Arlington, Va. A record number of passengers traveled through U.S. airports over Thanksgiving weekend, the Transportation Security Administration said Monday, Nov. 27. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (Susan Walsh, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

HOUSTON – Over 115 million Americans are expected to travel this holiday season between Saturday and New Year’s Day, according to AAA.

But, it’s the holidays! Travelers will be fully loaded with their luggage full of presents and necessities, but also their prized, home-cooked meals.

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As for me, the author of this report, I’m planning to bring some fresh cookie dough so I won’t have to be enslaving myself in the kitchen and hogging the oven to make Christmas cookies!

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But I’ve brought fresh food and gone through TSA security in the past, including pies and casserole, and while those do get put aside for “extra inspection,” I normally get a comment from the officer such as “This looks delicious! You made THAT?”

Before packing in that soup or pie or whatever fresh item you have, make sure it follows carry-on or checked bag guidelines. This includes the liquids rule, which means you can carry less than 3.4 ounces of any liquid or aerosol sprays. Any bigger than that may need to be packed carefully in your checked bag.

Jars of jams and jellies (Pixabay.com)

You can easily carry these items with you on the plane or in your carry-on bag, according to the TSA:

  • Fruitcake
  • Cookies, pies, cakes, or other baked goods whether homemade or store-bought
  • Fruit and nut baskets
  • Spices
  • Ham, turkey, or other meats. whether frozen or cooked.
  • Fresh vegetables and/or fruit
  • Candy
  • Casseroles
Apple pie (Pixabay.com)

If the following items are larger than 3.4 ounces and cannot be frozen, you’ll want to pack them carefully in your checked luggage:

  • Jams, jellies. peanut butter, preserves (if it spreads, it must be checked).
  • Cranberry sauce (yes, even the ones from the can).
  • Salsas
  • Beer and wine
  • Maple syrup (or any syrup)
  • Gravy
  • Canned fruits and vegetables

TSA has a dedicated webpage where you can easily find out if your item can be carried on and/or checked in. Click here for more.


About the Author

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

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