Ever packed a snack for your flight, only to have TSA toss it in the trash? I’ve traveled enough to know that a little snack can make or break your flight. But not all foods are welcome in that overhead compartment.
Avoid the hassle with this comprehensive guide to foods you can and can’t bring on a plane. Understanding TSA’s restrictions on liquids, gels, and spreadable foods can save you from unnecessary confiscations and ensure a smooth travel experience.
This article covers 22 specific food items, detailing which ones are carry-on friendly and which ones you need to leave behind.
1. YES: Solid Snacks (Chips, Crackers, Pretzels)
Dry snacks like chips and pretzels are your best travel buddies. They’re mess-free, long-lasting, and easily slip into your backpack or purse. Better yet, the TSA won’t bat an eye as long as they’re not coated in liquid or sauce.
I love snagging a small bag of whole-grain crackers for a bit of nutrition. Plus, you can jazz them up mid-flight by pairing them with cheese from the in-flight snack cart—assuming you’re not too worried about a few more crumbs.
2. YES: Sandwiches
Sandwiches are the ultimate travel meal—compact, filling, and no need for reheating. The trick is to avoid messy spreads like an overfilled PB&J or a thick schmear of mayo that might count as a “liquid” if it’s too runny.
I usually wrap mine tightly in plastic or a reusable silicone bag to prevent bread sogginess. Turkey and cheese on a sturdy roll is one of my go-to combos; it stays fresh for hours, and TSA sees it as a solid item, so you’re good to go.
3. YES: Whole Fruits & Vegetables
As far as the TSA’s concerned, a solid apple or carrot sticks are perfectly fine for domestic flights. They’re an easy way to keep healthy habits on the road. But be careful if you’re traveling internationally—customs might have restrictions on fresh produce.
I’ve learned the hard way that a single orange can spark trouble at certain international borders. So if you’re flying domestically, pack that banana or bell pepper. If it’s an overseas flight, check local rules or eat them before you land.
4. YES: Cheese (Hard Cheeses Like Cheddar Or Parmesan)
When it comes to cheese, hard varieties reign supreme for carry-ons. Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, or Swiss blocks are all good to go since they’re classified as solids. Meanwhile, Brie and Camembert get tricky because they’re more spreadable.
I love stashing bite-sized cheddar cubes for a protein fix. Just remember to pair them with crackers or bread, so you don’t end up gnawing on cheese alone in your seat (although I’ve been guilty of that, too).
5. YES: Granola Bars & Protein Bars
Bars are a lifesaver when you’re stuck on a delayed flight with a rumbling stomach. They’re neat, portion-controlled, and pass TSA checks with flying colors. Whether you prefer something chocolatey or fruit-packed, you’re likely to find a bar that suits your taste buds.
I keep a few stashed in my carry-on at all times. They’ve rescued me from in-flight hunger pangs more often than I can count—and they take up almost no space.
6. YES: Baked Goods (Cookies, Muffins, Bagels)
Freshly baked cookies or muffins can make you very popular with your seatmates. Since they’re solid, you won’t have any issues during the security screening. Just be sure to seal them well if you want to retain their freshness.
Personally, I love traveling with a bagel to munch on mid-flight. If the airline meal isn’t appealing, a simple bagel with cream cheese (bought after security or from a mini tub under 3.4 oz) is a comforting treat at 30,000 feet.
7. YES: Nuts & Trail Mix
Nuts and trail mix are dense in protein and healthy fats, giving you that energy boost without hogging precious bag space. The TSA doesn’t mind at all, since they’re obviously solids.
Allergies might be a concern for some passengers, so be mindful if the airline announces a nut-free flight. Otherwise, I love mixing my own combos with dried fruit and dark chocolate chips. It’s tastier and cheaper than store-bought blends.
8. YES: Dry Cereal
Craving a crunchy breakfast? Dry cereal is a surprisingly brilliant snack idea. It’s easy to pack in a ziplock and graze on mid-flight. If you want to add milk, you’ll have to grab a small carton from the in-flight service or post-security shops.
I enjoy munching on cereal to keep my mouth busy during long flights. Plus, if you’ve got kids, cereal is an absolute boredom-buster—they can snack on it for ages.
9. YES: Cooked Meats (Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Etc.)
As long as they’re fully cooked and not swimming in liquid, meats like grilled chicken strips or sliced turkey are totally allowed. You just need to ensure there’s no sauce that TSA might classify as a “liquid or gel.”
I often toss some cooked chicken in a sealed container with minimal seasoning. It’s a lifesaver if you like a protein-heavy snack and can’t rely on airplane peanuts to get you through.
10. YES: Unopened Packaged Snacks (Chips, Jerky, Candy, Etc.)
Factory-sealed bags of chips, jerky, or candy? TSA’s absolutely fine with that. They’re solid items and pose no concern from a security standpoint, as long as they’re not bursting with liquid sauce.
I like to save a couple of these for the last leg of a flight. Opening a new bag of candy or jerky feels like a tiny celebration that you’re closer to landing (or surviving the trip altogether).
11. YES: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches (If Not Overfilled)
PB&J can travel well if you’re light-handed with the spreads. If you go overboard, peanut butter and jelly can be seen as a paste, falling under the liquids rule if any large container is involved.
I prefer a modest smear of peanut butter, a thin layer of jam, and sturdy bread. That way, the sandwich remains within TSA’s good graces, and it won’t ooze sticky sweetness all over my bag.
12. YES: Sushi (Without Liquid-Based Sauces)
Sushi rolls count as solid food if they aren’t drenched in sauce. Plain or lightly sauced rolls pass security just fine, but watch out for soy sauce containers or watery dressings.
I like to bring simple maki rolls with cucumber or cooked fish. Wrap them tight to avoid a messy meltdown, and you can snack like a boss at 35,000 feet.
13. NO: Yogurt & Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Cream Cheese, Etc.)
The TSA sees soft cheeses as liquids or gels if they have a gooey center. Similarly, yogurt can’t exceed 3.4 oz if it’s in your carry-on. If you have more, you risk the heartbreak of confiscation.
I learned this the hard way when a perfectly good tub of Greek yogurt was tossed by security. If you crave yogurt mid-flight, buy single-serve cups post-security. That’s your safest bet.
14. NO: Soup & Stews
If it can slosh around, it’s considered a liquid—even if it’s chunky. Unless you’re carrying less than 3.4 oz (which is basically a spoonful), it’s a no-go in your carry-on.
One time, I tried carrying homemade chicken soup to comfort me on a red-eye. Big mistake. Save soup for your checked bag (sealed well!), or just snag some post-security.
15. NO: Sauces & Dressings (Ranch, Ketchup, Etc.)
Any sauce or dressing over 3.4 oz counts as a liquid. That mini container of ketchup might be safe, but a big bottle of barbecue sauce is definitely out.
If you’re determined, transfer small amounts into travel-sized containers. Still, it’s often less hassle to buy single-serve packets after security or ask for them on the plane.
16. NO: Juices & Smoothies
Drinks in any form over 3.4 oz are off-limits unless you purchase them post-security. That includes your favorite green smoothie, no matter how healthy it is.
I’ve tried freezing smoothies solid so it counts as a “solid,” but if it’s partially melted at the checkpoint, the TSA can still veto it. Not worth the risk, in my opinion.
17. NO: Hummus & Dips (Guacamole, Salsa, Etc.)
Thick, creamy dips are considered spreads, so anything over 3.4 oz is restricted. You might pass with a tiny container, but a full tub of hummus is doomed.
If you’re a dip devotee like me, consider packing your chips or veggies and buying the dip after security. Or just skip the dip altogether to avoid heartbreak at the checkpoint.
18. NO: Ice Cream Or Gelato
Frozen desserts become liquids as soon as they melt, so the TSA views them with suspicion. Unless it’s rock-solid frozen and remains so at inspection, it’s likely a no.
Trust me, ice cream meltdown drama isn’t worth it. If you’re desperate for a sweet treat mid-flight, pick up a post-security cone or wait until you land (and it’ll be less of a sticky mess).
19. NO: Alcoholic Beverages (Over 140 Proof)
High-proof liquors (like grain alcohol) are a big no for both carry-on and checked luggage. Anything flammable is a security red flag.
Lower-proof alcohol (under 140 proof) is allowed in limited amounts in checked bags, but still, there are rules about total quantity. Best to check the airline’s guidelines if you’re set on traveling with booze.
20. NO: Fresh Seafood Or Meat In Ice
If you want to bring fresh seafood or meat, it must be totally frozen. The moment the ice or gel packs turn slushy, it’s seen as liquid. That’s a real juggling act with delayed flights or long layovers.
I once saw a guy lose his precious lobsters because the ice packs weren’t fully solid. If you can’t keep it frozen, you’ll face a meltdown in every sense of the word.
21. NO: Canned Foods (Soups, Beans, Tuna in Liquid, Etc.)
Cans often contain a decent amount of liquid, so the TSA typically treats them like any other fluid. That might mean a big can of soup or tuna gets flagged if it’s not drained or under 3.4 oz.
I learned that if you pop the can open and drain it thoroughly, it might squeak by if it’s considered “solid.” But that’s a hassle, and you risk smelly spillage. Probably best to leave them in checked bags or at home.
22. NO: Hot Foods In Styrofoam Containers
While not explicitly banned by the TSA as a liquid, many airlines frown on large, open containers of piping-hot soup, gravy-laden meals, or anything that can spill mid-flight.
I once tried boarding with a hot burrito drowned in sauce, and the flight attendant asked me to finish or toss it. So if it’s messy and prone to spillage, your best bet is to either secure it thoroughly or skip it altogether.