Can I Bring a Sandwich On a Plane ? 2024

So can I bring a sandwich on a plane?

When it comes to taking sandwiches or food in general on planes, you are good to go as long as your snack or meal is solid but if you want to take some form of liquid with your sandwich there are certain restrictions.

The amount of liquid food, gels and pastes you are allowed to bring on board the airplanes are limited to 3.4 oz / 100 ml.

But the short and simple answer is yes all types of sandwiches are allowed on planes with no quantity limits, however; it will be subject to additional screening, and if you want to spread some mayo you will need to take only 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on baggage

Note: the 3-1-1 rule is applied mainly by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration ) from and within the US airports, but there are also various international airlines that apply the same maximum rules for liquid carriage like British Airways and Emirates.

person putting ketchup on a hotdog sandwich — Photo by Necip Duman on Pexels.com

Can I Bring A Sandwich Through TSA ?

In general solid food or sandwiches are permitted to bring through the security checkpoint and in carry-on, the airport security recommends to place, separate and organize your food inside your bag to ease the screening process and keep the line moving.

Here is what they have to say about taking a sandwich on your flight.

Also it is wise to separate your food items from other objects, you can use a sandwich bag or you can just take your sandwich in your hand and inform the TSA that it is a sandwich you want to enjoy on your flight.

This passenger wonders if it’s normal to walk with an NYC bodega sized Italian Combo through the security checkpoint.

The TSA replied “Solid food items, including sandwiches, are good to go in carry-on bags.”

So you can bring and eat a burger on a plane without any problem.

Sandwich	Allowed in carry-on bag	Allowed in checked bag
Subways sandwich	Yes	Yes
MCdonald’s sandwich	Yes	Yes
Turkey sandwich	Yes	Yes
Homemade sandwich	Yes	Yes
Peanut butter sandwich	Yes	Yes
Jelly sandwich	Yes	Yes

Can I Put a Sandwich In My Checked Bag?

However, sandwiches are allowed in checked or hold luggage, it is not recommended to place them inside your check in bag.

The best and safest place to take your sandwich is in your personal item, as it will be safe during your flight, and in case you are hungry and you want to enjoy a light snack or if you are not willing to pay food inflight food.

Moreover; sandwiches are more prone to be spoiled and go bad when transported in checked luggage for long times.

Can I Bring a Homemade Sandwich On a Plane?

Yes a homemade sandwich will be okay to bring in both carry-on and checked luggage, in fact a homemade handcrafted sandwich is much better if you have time to prepare a delicious one, especially when traveling with kids.

And if you don’t want to pay for a meal on your flight or find what they offer didn’t serve you, you can make a sandwich and take it on a plane, it is definitely a brilliant idea.

Can You Bring A Sandwich On An International Flight?

As you may already know each country has its rules on the type of food they are allowed on their homeland.

Most countries are more strict on bringing meat and dairy products (Animal products in general ).

As they are more cautious of importing some kind of pests and disease to their land.

For example you won’t be able to bring meat products to the UK from any country outside the European Union.

Unless you want to take a sandwich to another country for some reason, it is better to eat your sandwich during your flight, so you can taste and explore other countries’ food and traditions.

The rules for taking meat based sandwich to other countries

Country	Rules
United States	You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling. Check more on U.S Customs and Border Protection website.
Canada	Restrictions vary depending on the country you come from. Allowed from the U.S to Canada if accompanied and labeled perfectly.
Mexico	Not Allowed
United Kingdom	Not Allowed
Europe	Not Allowed
South Korea	Not Allowed

The rules for taking cheese based sandwich to other countries

Country	Rules
United States	Cheese – Solid cheese that does not contain meat are admissible for personal use.
Canada	Food products allowed into Canada originating from a foreign country other than United States “Only cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and kashk are permitted”
United Kingdom	Countries outside the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland can not bring milk or milk-based products, except powdered infant milk, infant food or special food (including pet food) needed for medical reasons.
Europe	As a general rule, you cannot bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products (e.g. charcuterie, cheese, yogurt) into the EU

For countries that are not mentioned in the table, please make sure that you check their website for more insights.

Final Thoughts On Taking Sandwiches On Planes.

Domestically there are no restrictions when traveling with a sandwich and solid food in general on planes, and whenever you want to bring a delicious sandwich, a cheese burger or homemade burger you are good to go.

If you want to bring some kind of liquid food to enjoy along with your cheeseburger, ensure that it is no more than 3.4 oz / 10 ml.

Traveling internationally is a bit strict when traveling with animal products and food, you can check the table above, in addition make sure to double check your host country website.

Happy travels.