The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for American travelers.
Whether by car, bus, cruise ship, or plane, families and individuals make their way to various destinations during this popular holiday weekend.
Traveling, especially on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, can be overwhelming. The roads are congested as millions of people leave metropolitan areas simultaneously.
THANKSGIVING DINNER: 5 RECIPES TO IMPRESS EVERYONE
While it’s easier to travel alone, families often plan their trips when schools are closed and work is winding down for the long weekend. So, it’s essential to ensure that everyone is packed and ready before travel day.
In addition to packing the essentials like clothes, shoes, toiletries, and electronics, you may also want to consider bringing food for your journey.
Travelers queue up at the south security checkpoint as traffic increases with the approach of the Thanksgiving Day holiday on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Denver International Airport in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Whether you’re bringing essential items for nursing babies, edible gifts for your hosts, or leftovers (particularly on shorter flights), it’s important to be aware of the food and drinks that you can and cannot bring through TSA.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a general overview of food and drink items that are allowed on planes through their website. The TSA’s dedicated “What Can I Bring?” webpage tool contains a six-page list of permitted food items.
SECRETS OF GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT THIS YEAR: GIVE BACK TO OTHERS
Travelers can also use the search bar on the website to determine if specific foods can be carried on or need to be checked in.
If you’re curious about Thanksgiving-themed foods and which ones you can bring, the TSA has guidelines for that as well.
A host is shown serving Thanksgiving turkey to his friends during a meal at the dining table. (iStock)
“Whether it’s fresh foods or leftovers, the same rules apply,” according to the TSA.
“If you plan to bring special foods for the Thanksgiving meal or transport leftovers, follow this simple rule to ensure the transportation of food: if it can spill, spread, spray, pump, or pour and is in a quantity greater than 3.4 ounces, pack it in a checked bag,” the TSA advised.
“For example, jams, jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, or beverages in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should be packed in a checked bag. Cakes, cookies, pies, meats, casseroles, and other solid foods can be carried in unlimited quantities in your carry-on luggage.”
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through TSA checkpoints
- Homemade or store-bought baked goods
- Frozen, cooked, or uncooked meats
- Casseroles
- Mac ‘n Cheese cooked in a pan
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh fruits
- Candy
- Spices
Each airline passenger is allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in a single carry-on bag. However, individual containers cannot exceed 3.4 ounces.
This rule also applies to beverages, spreads, and cooking sprays.
The TSA recommends packing any liquid substances in checked bags. However, if you find a liquid cooking essential that meets the 3.4-ounce container limit, you can place it in a clear quart-sized resealable bag within your carry-on bag.
Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of over 70% (more than 140 proof) are not allowed in carry-on or checked baggage, as per the TSA and Federal Aviation Administration.
Thanksgiving foods that should be packed in checked baggage
- Homemade or canned cranberry sauce
- Homemade or packaged gravy in a jar or can
- Wine, champagne, or sparkling apple cider
- Canned fruit or vegetables
- Preserves, jams, or jellies
- Maple syrup
Almost all solid food items can be brought as either carry-on or checked baggage, including cooked, uncooked, or store-bought meals and powders.
For perishable foods that require refrigeration or freezing to prevent foodborne illness, frozen ice packs are allowed, but they must be solid and not melted by the time you reach a TSA checkpoint.
THANKSGIVING HISTORY: TRADITIONS AND ORIGINS
On longer flights, dry ice can be used. However, the weight of dry ice should not exceed 5.5 pounds per passenger, and the packaging must comply with FAA procedures, according to the TSA.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Flammable items are prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage for safety reasons. Cake sparklers, for example, are not allowed on flights and are treated as fireworks, according to the FAA.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Finally, to make the process smoother at TSA checkpoints, it is recommended to use clear plastic bags and containers.
This way, items can be easily inspected when necessary.
Fox News’ Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.
