Can You Bring Food on a Plane? The Surprising Dos and Don'ts

Can you bring food on a plane? The rules around traveling with food can certainly be a little confusing. We're pretty clear on the rules for water and liquids (though, of course, there are exceptions and special cases like flying with alcohol)—but where does food come into that?There are many reasons you might want to travel with food in your carry-on, be it dietary essentials for a particular condition, snacks for the flight, or even foods you've purchased at your destination that are coming with you. Either way, it's worth knowing the specific foods that are allowed for plane travel, so you don't find yourself stuck at airport security.What kind of food can I take on a plane?As a general rule—solid, dry foods are your best bet for air travel (in your carry-on, at least). “Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags,” says the TSA's guide to traveling with food. Any foods that could be considered a liquid (soups, sauces and spreads—hummus, peanut butter, or soft cheese, for example) would have to come in at under 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) in order to adhere to security standards—though of course, these rules can vary from airport to airport. It's best to check the specific policies in place at your connections and destinations before your trip.It's also worth noting that you could buy your liquid foods in duty-free or elsewhere in the airport following security and take it onto the plane with you, though this is also at the airline's discretion. If there is someone on your flight with a severe allergy, you may also be told that you cannot bring certain foods, for example nuts, onto the plane with you.Below is a list of commonly-questioned foods that you are allowed to take in your carry-on on a flight that serve as a sort of catch-all answer to the question, “can you bring food on a plane?”—though if you're querying something specific, always check with the airport and airline you are traveling with.Foods allowed in your carry-on for plane travelBaby food, breast milk, and baby formula“Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag,” says the TSA's guide to flying with food, “Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk).” When flying in US airports, your child is not required to be present with you when traveling with these supplies.Travelers should inform the TSA officer ahead of screening if they are carrying formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in excess of 3.4 ounces. The food will be removed from the carry-on bag and screened separately. TSA also recommends storing formula and breast milk in clear, translucent bottles rather than plastic bags or pouches as any material stored using these methods may not be able to screened by bottle liquid scanners, and they may have to be opened for proper analysis, though nothing will ever be placed inside the medically necessary liquid.Fresh fruitWhile fresh fruit such as apples and bananas are allowed in carry-on and checked bags when flying within the continental United States per the solid foods rule, there are some key exceptions. “Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests,” according to the TSA's guidance on flying with fruit. It's also worth noting that mashed or liquid fruits may be subject to liquid rules. Many countries also have fruit and vegetable rules depending on the country you're bringing them from, so always check your travel route and the relevant government for guidance. You can see the US's guidelines here.Dried fruitDried fruit is allowed in both your carry-on bag and checked luggage, in any quantity (within bag weight guidelines). Though, the TSA recommends organizing your carry-on ahead of screening to ease the security process. “TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine,” says the TSA's guide to traveling with dried fruit. Again, check the rules of your destination regarding bringing fruit products into the country if you're coming in from abroad.Chocolate barsAs a solid food, chocolate bars are also permitted, though it's generally recommended that any large quantities, such as souvenir packs, are put in your checked baggage to avoid melting and mess. If you were to arrive at security with a lot of melted chocolate on your person, that might be considered liquids and thus must come under 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) according to the aforementioned TSA guidelines.It's also worth checking if there are any dairy restrictions for the country you are traveling to, though usually commercial chocolate is considered exempt.Baked goods and breadBaked goods are also allowed in both your carry-ons and checked bags, as solid foods.CheeseSolid cheeses are fine to travel with, though soft cheeses or spreads would be considered liquids and must come under 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters)—and be sealed in a plastic bag if you are carrying them in your carry-on. Always check any rules about bringing dairy into your arrival country, too.Can I take homemade sandwiches on a flight?Yes, typically, homemade sandwiches are fine to take with you, as they are considered a solid food. Even if you use liquid fillings, they should come under the 3.4 ounce (or 100 milliliters) mark—though it's something to consider. If in doubt, stick to dry sandwich fillings.A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.