The ultimate guide to bringing food aboard a flight

In general, you can usually bring food with you on a flight. However, there are some restrictions and procedures to be aware of, so it's crucial to understand all the regulations before arriving at the airport.

Permissible food items on flights

You'll be pleased to know that no specific food items are prohibited on flights within the United States or by major US airlines. Likewise, food items face minimal restrictions globally. This primarily revolves around which foods are allowed through TSA versus those that should be placed in carry-on luggage. The key factor is whether your food items are completely solid. If they're not, they must adhere to the TSA 3-1-1 rule, meaning they should be in containers of 3.4 ounces (or smaller), all contained in a single clear, zip-top bag of no more than 1 quart capacity.

Food items permitted on flights

Most food items are typically unrestricted on flights, whether in your carry-on or checked luggage. The primary consideration is if your food has any liquid components; if so, it must comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on items.

One of the more amusing quirks of TSA is that the only stated exceptions to the liquid rule are pizza, cake, and pie, which are allowed in carry-on bags despite often containing non-solid elements. However, they must be x-rayed for safety. To avoid the hassle of repacking partially liquid foods into multiple 3.4-ounce containers, it's easier to check them instead.

Prohibited food items on flights

TSA bans alcohol over 70% ABV (140 proof) in both carry-on and checked luggage. Opened alcohol is also not allowed, but you can bring up to 5 liters of sealed alcohol between 24% and 70% ABV (48–100 proof) in checked bags. There are no limits on sealed alcohol under 24% ABV (48 proof).

Tips for packing food for air travel

When it comes to packing food for air travel, common sense is your best guide. There are no specific packing requirements aside from the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry-on, so treat your food items as you would any other fragile possessions in your luggage.

Advice for securely packing food items

If you think it's just a myth that baggage handlers are tough on luggage, think again. Checked bags are tossed, pushed, and stacked throughout their journey. To protect your packed food, use sturdy containers and cushion them with clothing and other soft materials, keeping them away from the edges of your suitcase. For carry-on items, present your food separately to TSA, so place snacks and other food at the top of your bag for easy access.

Suitable containers for flying with food

Opt for lightweight yet durable containers when packing food in your checked bags or carry-ons. Airlines often enforce strict weight limits, so don’t waste your allowance on heavy containers. However, ensure your snacks and meals are protected from being crushed by other items; avoid flimsy packaging like bags or soft containers. Try to steer clear of breakable materials such as glass whenever you can.

Preventing leaks and spills

Preventing leaks and spills in checked luggage and carry-on bags is crucial for safeguarding your belongings, including your bag itself. Make sure all bottles, tubes, and containers are securely tightened, and consider using tape for added security. Remember, masking tape should be packed in checked luggage — it's usually not permitted in carry-ons, as I found out the hard way. Painter’s tape, however, is allowed in both types of bags and works just as effectively to seal containers.

Additionally, make sure to cushion any glass containers (such as wine bottles) with plenty of soft clothing and avoid packing them near the edges of your suitcase to reduce the risk of damage during transit. For more expert travel packing tips, check out additional insights on optimizing your luggage.

Considerations for international travel

Generally, neither check-in staff nor TSA agents will pay much attention to the specific foods in your bag. However, if you’re traveling internationally, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind.

Food item customs and import restrictions

Although you can usually check your bag and board your flight regardless of the foods inside, you may encounter issues upon arrival if you haven't paid attention to your destination's import regulations, particularly concerning food items. Agricultural products such as meats, dairy, fruits, seeds, and nuts are frequently prohibited from crossing borders to prevent the spread of diseases and pests that could harm local produce. 

If you are caught trying to bring in prohibited foods like these, they will be confiscated, and you may face additional penalties, including fines or even being denied entry.

Advice for researching destination-specific regulations

The best source for understanding a country's specific customs regulations is its official website. For trips returning to the United States, for instance, check the official U.S. Customs & Border Protection guidelines for food, and do the same for any country you plan to visit, especially if you're thinking of bringing agricultural products. Most importantly, always declare all food upon arrival to avoid fines or worse consequences.

Extra regulations for international travel

If you have a layover in another country, you may need to go through a security checkpoint again before boarding your next flight. In this situation, you might encounter carry-on rules that differ from TSA's, and your food items may face closer examination. 

Since it's often impossible to know precisely how another country handles the transportation and packaging of food as carry-on, it’s safest to pack any questionable foods in checked luggage when traveling with international connections. While it’s unlikely that foreign regulations will vary significantly from TSA guidelines regarding food, it can occur.

Policies of airlines

While it’s important to pay attention to your airline’s carry-on and checked baggage policies to find out what works best for your food items, there’s not much more to consider based solely on the airline. All major U.S. carriers allow any food packed in the correct bag (checked or carry-on), with the exception of MREs (meals ready-to-eat).

These packets, originally designed for emergency military supplies, often contain a self-heating element that airlines deem hazardous. Technically, TSA doesn’t ban them but recommends checking with your airline, yet all major U.S. carriers currently prohibit them. 

Aside from that, be aware that fresh durian is typically banned from most airports and airplanes in Southeast Asia due to its strong odor, although this isn’t an airline-specific regulation.

Popular travel routes

If you’re looking for inspiration on where to go with your packed foods and drinks, consider some of these well-loved travel routes.

On the East Coast, affordable flights to New York can whisk you away to The City That Never Sleeps, while budget flights to Miami will have you soaking up the sun in Southern Florida in no time.

Head west and explore these affordable flights to Los Angeles for a chance to spot some celebrities, or consider these budget flights to San Diego for leisurely days in paradise. If you want to take your snacks overseas, you can easily reach Europe with these affordable flights to London.

What’s the story behind this guide?

I travel weekly, averaging over 100 flights each year, and have packed plenty of food for snacking and to avoid those sometimes dubious inflight meals. I've also brought numerous food gifts around the globe, often navigating customs in both the US and internationally. This guide is a culmination of years of frequent flying experience combined with Dinogo’s expert tips, aimed at helping you travel seamlessly with your favorite foods, too.

Time to hit the road

Now that you see how simple it can be to travel with your favorite foods, it’s time to put your skills into action. Dinogo’s thorough flight guide offers all the insights you need for planning and enjoying all types of flights, so pack your beloved pizza and get ready to go. Don’t forget to use the Dinogo Bag Measurement tool, which helps you check if your bags meet size requirements using just your phone’s camera. It’s both enjoyable and practical.