I know there’s a lot of last-minute travelers and planners and just like every year, I get a lot of questions from friends, family and readers on what they can and cannot bring through airport security. If you’re flying today, you’re not alone. It’s Wednesday, Nov. 26, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects today to be one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel days on record. In total, TSA is projected to screen 18.3 million passengers from Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Monday, Dec. 2, marking a 6 percent increase over last year and a 17 percent jump since 2022.
The three peak travel days remain:
- Tuesday, Nov. 26 (yesterday, already huge)
- Wednesday, Nov. 27 (today, expect crowds and long lines)
- Sunday, Dec. 1 (the big post-holiday rush)
So if you’re heading to the airport today, arrive early, expect congestion on airport roads, and give yourself extra time for parking, security checkpoints and grabbing food before boarding.
And if you’re flying with Thanksgiving dishes, desserts or ingredients, knowing what can go through TSA screening can help you avoid delays or losing something intended for the dinner table. This is straight from the TSA.
The TSA Food Rule
Remember this easy guideline:
If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it and it’s more than 3.4 ounces, it belongs in a checked bag.
In short, solid foods are carry-on friendly. Liquids, gels and spreadables must be checked.
Thanksgiving Foods Allowed in Carry-On Bags
These can travel through security with you:
- Pies, cookies, brownies, cakes, breads
- Turkey, ham, chicken, steak, frozen, cooked or raw
- Stuffing, boxed, bagged, cooked or uncooked
- Green bean casseroles and other traditional sides
- Mac n Cheese, cooked or boxed
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Spices
- Candy
Yes, travelers really do fly with whole turkeys and TSA allows it.
Foods That Must Go in Checked Luggage
These exceed the liquid limit:
- Cranberry sauce, canned or homemade
- Gravy
- Wine, champagne, sparkling cider
- Jams, jellies, preserves
- Canned vegetables or fruit
- Maple syrup
Security Screening Tip
Food often needs extra screening, so pack items where they’re easy to remove just like laptops and toiletries. Do not bury them under sweaters or gifts.
Keeping Perishables Safe
If you’re traveling with items that must stay cold, ice packs are allowed but they must be completely frozen solid at the checkpoint. Melted or slushy packs may be tossed. For additional holiday food safety advice, the FDA recommends keeping perishables chilled below 40°F to avoid foodborne illness.
Not Sure If Something Can Fly
Use TSA’s traveler tools:
- myTSA app, “What can I bring?” search
- @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger
- Text 275-872 with the word Travel
Bottom line today is one of the busiest airport days of the year. Don’t believe me? Check out this photo of traffic from last night at LAX (embedded below) and today is supposed to be worse. Arrive early, expect long security lines and double-check your Thanksgiving food items before packing. A little preparation now means a smoother trip and ensures your holiday favorites make it to the table.
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Thanks