The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a reminder to travelers about what food items are allowed on airplanes. In a lighthearted social media post, the agency highlighted which breakfast foods are safe to bring through airport security.
On Monday, TSA shared a post on its official X account featuring a picture of Homer Simpson enjoying a donut. The caption read, “We don’t suggest leaving this delicious pastry behind,” and confirmed that donuts are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. “How many you decide to bring is up to you,” the post added.
The agency also provided a link to its complete guidelines on traveling with food. TSA lists about 60 food items and specifies which can be packed in carry-on bags or checked luggage. Some items have restrictions, especially those that are liquid or gel-like.
Travelers are allowed to bring solid foods such as pies, cakes, pizza, hard cheese, chocolate, cooked meat, cookies, crackers, candy, and cereal. According to the TSA website, “Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags.”
However, the agency recommends packing food separately to avoid cluttering bags and obstructing X-ray scans.
Surprisingly, even live lobsters are allowed through security, but they must be packed in a clear, plastic, and spill-proof container. “A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint,” the agency says. TSA also advises checking with the airline first, as individual airline policies may vary.
Other allowed items include tamales, with no restrictions. But liquids and semi-solid foods, like coffee, creamy cheese, canned goods, gravy, ice cream, and hummus, must weigh less than 3.4 ounces to be packed in carry-on bags.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally allowed, but travelers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland face stricter rules. “Passengers cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests,” TSA notes.
For a full list of permitted food items and travel tips, passengers are encouraged to visit the TSA website before flying.
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