Oatmeal is a fantastic, healthy and tasty treat to bring on a long flight, but to avoid your oatmeal getting confiscated or causing any delays at TSA checkpoints, you will need to know the TSA rules for bringing oatmeal on planes?
Generally, you can bring oatmeal through TSA checkpoints, however; there are some important rules to know before you head to the airport with a full container of oatmeal.
Here’s what to know before you attempt to bring that tasty porridge through airport security.
TSA Oatmeal Rules
Even though the TSA doesn’t have any information about oatmeal on their website.
But as a general rule, any food that has liquids or pastes on it will need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, when transported in hand luggage.
But fresh and dried fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, or raisins are good to go without any restrictions.
This means that cooked oatmeal with milk, water, juice or toppings like cream, honey, or syrup is OK to bring, but not in a full thermos.
You can only take 3.4 fl oz/ 100 ml or less for each container, and they must fit in one quart-sized bag with other toiletries.
And remember, only one quart sized bag is allowed per passenger.
You will need to take out your baggie and place it in a separate bin for additional screening at the security checkpoint.
This is screenshot from X (formerly Twitter), the @AskTSA customer service reiterating the same answer to Nic on traveling with cooked oatmeal.
I know this liquid thing sounds a bit complicated, especially when it comes to food.
And a 3.4 fl oz or / 100 ml of cooked oatmeal is a small serving.
Therefore; you might need to sacrifice some of your toiletries and replace them with containers of oatmeal.
But if you don’t want to put your fluffy oatmeal along with a bottle of shampoo or toothpaste, you can consider solid or dry food items.
Like frozen oatmeal, but it must be completely frozen solid when you present it at the security checkpoint.
Or you can stash any amount of instant oatmeal packets in your carry-on bag, and you do not need to declare them to the TSA agents, unless they ask you to.
You can bring oatmeal ingredients separately through security, get hot water or milk after you clear the security, then make your own oatmeal at the airport and take it with you on board the airplane.
Travel closely Tip
Can You Bring Oatmeal Powder On a Plane?
The TSA didn’t also mention anything about powdered oat flour on their website.
So I found this answer on X.
Jen wanted to bring 2 containers of instant dry oatmeal in hand luggage 11 oz each.
They responded that powdered oats are good to go in hand luggage, but they will undergo additional screening which may include looking into what is inside the container.
You will need to remove any powdered oatmeal container more than 12 ounces / 340 grams from your bag and place it in a separate bin to go on the x-ray screening.
To avoid any inconvenience at the security checkpoint, the @AskTSA team encourage passengers to pack any larger amount of powdered products in checked baggage.
There are plenty of stories about products being mistaken for illegal drugs.
You can read more about what the TSA says about powders here.
Can You Eat Oatmeal on a Plane During a Flight?
As stated above, rolled, or steel cut oats, in any form, such as packets, cups, or containers, are considered solid foods, and you can bring any amount on board the airplane.
But to prepare it you can either do that at the airport or you need to ask the flight attendants for some hot water.
Some airlines offer free soft drinks, juices, tea and fresh brewed illy coffee, that you can enjoy along with your oatmeal.
Just be mindful of the fellow passengers, to not disturb or annoy them when making your oatmeal.
Bring Oatmeal on a Plane: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can take porridge in your suitcase in both carry-on and checked baggage, but when transported in carry-on the 3.4 ounces limit rule applies for any liquid food.
Since you are not allowed to bring a full baking dish of oatmeal on a plane, it is better to bring instant oatmeal packets, frozen oatmeal or baked oatmeal bars, ensure that you wrap the packets in clothes and label them clearly if you are not planning to consume them during your flight.
There are no restrictions to the amount of oatmeal you can pack in checked baggage, however; it is better to pack reasonable quantities, to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.
The rule may vary by country, but generally, the 3.4 ounces rule for carry-on applies. For checked luggage, it is allowed but it is better to confirm with your airline prior to your flight.
You can take overnight oats on an airplane, but only in small containers of less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in your carry-on luggage, while there are no limits to the amount you can take in checked bags.
Yes it is completely ok to bring metal spoons and forks in both hand luggage and checked luggage without any restrictions.
Bottom Line
Oatmeal is a delicious, healthy, and nutritious meal to enjoy on a plane.
Pre-prepared oatmeal, and toppings, such as milk, mushed up fruits, chocolate, or peanut butter are permissible in carry-on so long as they adhere to TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
To avoid the tedious screening process you can always opt for frozen oatmeal, or instant, rolled, steel cut oats in any form, such as packets, cups, or containers.
