Sure, you can take turkey and stuffing on a plane — but the TSA will confiscate other Thanksgiving goodies

On By Littum

Don’t be a turkey this year.

Airports have been bracing for the upcoming Thanksgiving crush, with nearly six million Americans flying amid concerns about winter storms and cheaper-than-usual flights.

Travelers can expect long waits at airport security next week, but the Transportation Security Administration is hoping to keep things moving by issuing a reminder about which holiday foods won’t fly — literally.

The TSA has listed which favorite Thanksgiving foods cannot be carried on a plane. AP

“If it’s a solid object, then it can go through a checkpoint,” TSA advisor.

“But if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it’s bigger than 3.4 ounces, then it has to be in a checked bag.”

The list of foods that can be brought is longer than most people expect. TSA

The agency added that all foods will typically need additional screening time. The best practice for passengers is to keep your moving party in an easily accessible space.

“It is also important to remember food safety by storing food properly while traveling to prevent foodborne illness,” according to the TSA. “If you need to keep items cold during your journey, ice packs are allowed, but they must be frozen solid and not melted when going through security screening.”

Here is a list of what can and cannot go into an airplane’s main cabin.

Food that can be brought with you

A variety of foods can be brought on a plane. TSA Northeast / Twitter
  • Baked goods such as cakes, cookies, brownies and both home-made and purchased pies
  • Frozen, uncooked and cooked meat such as turkey, chicken, ham, steak
  • Cooked or uncooked filling in a box or bag
  • Stews with “traditional green beans and onion stalks or something more exotic”
  • Mac n cheese in a pot or unprepared ingredients
  • Fresh vegetables including potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash and greens
  • Fresh fruit including apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas and kiwi
  • Sweets and spices

Food that must be in checked bags

Liquid foods are the most common to be checked at the airport. TSA Northeast / Twitter
  • Homemade or canned cranberry sauce
  • Homemade, jar or can sauce
  • Wine, champagne and sparkling apple cider
  • Canned fruit or vegetables
  • Jams, jellies and other preserves
  • Maple syrup