Is It Okay To Take Food On Flight? – Our Guide

If you are travelling on a long-haul flight or you are simply not a fan of the food when flying, you might be wondering what the rules are surrounding your own food, can you take it through airport security? 

For most foods, you can take them through security, however, they must be under the 3.4 ounce/100 ml rule if they are classed as a liquid or a gel paste-like hummus for example.

We’ve composed a short guide below which will take you through which foods are banned, why you should bring your food on a plane and some kinds of foods which are allowed on a plane.

Which Foods Are Banned By TSA? 

As we mentioned above, foods have to follow the 3-1-1 wall when taken through security, this means any liquid foods like yoghurt, condiments, and foods jarred in oil like olives are banned by TSA if they are over 3.4 ounces. 

For example, peanut butter over 3.4 ounces will not be allowed on a plane.

The only exception to this food in liquid rules is –

• Baby food. 
• Breast milk. 
• Frozen ice.

Why Should I Bring My Food On A Plane? 

There are many benefits to taking your own food through airport security, it allows you to make sure your dietary needs are met and is also healthier than in-flight food which is often full of sodium and pre-cooked. 

Snacks are also limited in flight, so if you are the kind of person who gets hungry, we would recommend bringing lots of your favourite dry foods on board like crisps to get you through your long-haul flight.

Which Kinds Of Food Can I Take Through Airport Security?

You can take a fair bit of food through airport security. It’s just liquidy foods and creamy foods that you might have a problem with. 

We’ve listed some kinds of foods you can bring through airport security down below.

• Sandwiches. 
• Fruit and nuts. 
• Muffins or any kind of baked pastries. 
• Protein bars. 
• Crackers. 
• Pasta.
• Popcorn.

What Else Can I Not Take Through Airport Security?

Apart from the 3.4-ounce rule and 100ml liquids rule, there are also other TSA rules surrounding what you can and cannot pack in your hand luggage. 

We’ve listed some other items which you can’t take through airport security down below.

• Sharp objects – Sharp objects over 4 inches are not allowed in your hand luggage since they could be classed as a weapon. This goes for tools as well.
• Sporting goods – Sporting goods like golf clubs and hockey sticks are not allowed to be taken on board a flight since they could be used as a weapon.
• Gel candles – Gel candles are not allowed to be taken in your carry-on luggage since they could be classed as flammable, instead, they need to be packed in your check.
• Ammunition – Guns and ammunition should not be taken in hand luggage, but they can be packed into your checked luggage with special permission from the airline.
• Over 140 percent alcohol – In both your hand and checked luggage, you are not allowed to take alcohol over 140% proof. This is because it is classed as flammable, however, mini bottles under this percent and 100 ml should be okay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Food Through Airport Security

Do domestic flights follow the rule for liquids? 

Yes, all flights follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule, the same as international, anything over the allowance will be taken at security.

How should I pack my food for a flight?

To pack foods for a flight we suggest putting them in a sealed plastic bag to make sure nothing leaks.

Why are flight meals so bad?

Flight meals are pre-made and quickly heated on the flight, they are often higher in sodium and sugar too in order for them to taste better.

What are some TSA-approved snacks?

Apple and peanut butter under 3.4 ounces, hummus and veggies under 3.4 ounces, pre-made salads (make sure the dressing is below 100ml), dried nuts and fruits plus many more as long as they adhere to the liquids rule.

Last Words

To conclude, you can take dry food through the airport as long as it does not contain any creamy or gel-like liquid over 3.4 ounces otherwise they will not be able to pass through security. 

We recommend bringing your own food through security or buying it after if you want fresher food and snacks for your flight.