What Food Cannot Be Taken On A Plane?

Who doesn’t want to enjoy a delicious meal on a long flight!

Whether you wanted to bring food from home or just desire to take some snacks on your next flight there are rules for different types of food.

Here is the short answer.

Solid food is allowed on airplanes in either carry-on and checked baggage without limits, But food in liquid forms must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

If you don’t find what airlines serve on board stunning, just make sure to take a reasonable quantity for your flight, you are just good to go.

Read on to find the rules for traveling with food, quantities, how to pack them and what food you can’t take on a plane.

Let’s dive right in.

What Food Can You Take On a Plane?

The TSA (The Transportation Security Administration) has different rules about food.

Solid food items like bread and snacks are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage without any restrictions, Food that is liquid will not be transported in your carry-on if it is larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml so it must be placed in your checked bag.

Here is what the TSA has to say on their website.

Fruits can be transported also in domestic flights without any restrictions.

Canned food if it is solid are permitted in cans of more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry on luggage.

Any cans that are more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml need to be transported in checked baggage.

There are some exceptions on taking food liquids, such as breast milk and baby food that can be more than 3.4 oz / 100ml but also in reasonable quantities that you will need during the flight.

If you want to take healthy snacks and enjoy your flight. You can bring almost all kinds of snacks on airplanes, like a sandwich, pies and cakes, however; these types of food will be subject to additional screening.  

If you want to take a drink along with your snack, make sure it is less than 3.4 oz / 100ml in one bottle or you can purchases it after you pass the security checkpoint.

Celina asked the TSA customer service about taking a sandwich, cut up fruits or chips with her on the plane.

The AskTSA replied that solid foods are allowed in carry-on bags with no quantity limitations, but Liquid, creamy or spreadable food items must be in containers less than or equal to 3.4 oz/ 100 ml. The liquid food must be placed inside a quart-sized bag with other liquids.

What Food You Can And Cannot Be Taken On A Plane?

There is a plethora of foods that are TSA-Approved but not allowed in more than 3.4 oz 100 ml – Mostly those in liquid form- for a single container onboard the airplane; and some of them may not be permitted permanently , however most of these foods are allowed in your checked baggage.

Here is a list by the TSA of food that you are not allowed to take in the cabin in more than 3.4 oz:

Can You Bring Food From Home On A Plane?

If you are not a fan of snacks or Airlines served food , taking food from home on your flight is allowed and it’s a healthy choice.

you will not face any issue taking your favorite baked cakes and pies, on board the aircraft.

However there will be some simple additional inspections for your food but overall you are good to go.

Food that you buy after the airport security checkpoint can be brought onboard without inspection.

TSA agents may ask you to separate your food from other items, it is preferable to organize your carry on before you head to the airport for ease screening and avoid any inconvenience at the security checkpoint.

Best Food To Take On a Plane

Air travel can be exhausting and it is hard to always stay on the right diet during or after your trip, but The most important thing when traveling is drinking lots of water while on your flight. Also Sticking to cooked vegetables and peeled fruits is also a key to a successful trip.

Dried fruits are also your best bet when it comes to traveling, they are full of healthy nutrients. But avoid the added sugars.

You can check out this useful guide to eating right while traveling for more info.

Final Thoughts

You can bring your food on airplanes on most major airlines, just make sure that your food doesn’t melt before the TSA or security checkpoint.

if it does you will be required to take only 3.4 oz, and check in the rest in your checked luggage.

If you want to take other kinds of foods that are not solid, check out the above TSA rules, to ensure that they are allowed on board the airplane.

People also ask:

• Can You Take Eggs On a Plane?
• Can You Take Cheese On a Plane?
• Can you take gum and candy on a plane?
• Can you bring chocolate on a plane?
• Can you bring chips on a plane?
• Can you bring fruits on a plane?
• Can You Bring Spices On A Plane?

We hope this helps.

Happy travels

Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.