3 Warnings Issued by TSA To Make Thanksgiving Travel EASIER

Traveling for Thanksgiving this year?

Orlando International Airport

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest air-traveling days of the year. There are a forecasted 50,000+ flights expected on Tuesday, November 26th alone, with many more coming throughout the week as everyone heads to their Thanksgiving destinations. If you’re traveling for Turkey Day, you’re definitely not alone. That’s why the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is prepared and sharing useful tips for which food you can and cannot take through security with you!

This year, the TSA is projecting to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, November 26th through Monday, December 2nd. This is an increase in people by about 6% from last year. The busiest projected days this week are expected to be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following the holiday.

Allegiant at Sanford Airport

If you’ve agreed to bring a dish to share to your gathering and are planning on flying to get there, you’ll need to be aware of what you can and cannot bring in your checked bag. Most foods can be taken through security, but there are a few that cannot. Knowing what you can and can’t take with you in your carry-on and being prepared can expedite the long lines expected at the checkpoints.

Security Lines at MCO

A tip the TSA provides is simple. “If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. However, if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag.” Food items will also often need additional screening, so be prepared by placing them in easily accessible locations of your carry-on so you can quickly remove them and place them in a bin at the checkpoint.

Crowds at security

To keep things relatively simple, TSA provided a list of foods you can take through a security checkpoint and those that you cannot.

Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint

Baked goods — Homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats
Meats — Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked
Stuffing — Cooked, uncooked, in a box or in a bag
Casseroles — Traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic
Mac ‘n Cheese — Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination
Fresh vegetables — Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, greens
Fresh fruit — Apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, kiwi
Candy
Spices

Also, if you plan to bring cold or frozen foods, the ice used to keep them cold must be frozen solid in order for them to go through security and not melted. Keeping foods properly stored and chilled is important in preventing foodborne illness, so consider this when packing as well.

©TSA

Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage

Cranberry sauce — Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them.
Gravy — Homemade or in a jar/can
Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider
Canned fruit or vegetables — It’s got liquid in the can, so check them.
Preserves, jams, and jellies — They are spreadable, so it is best to check them.
Maple syrup

©TSA

If you have questions prior to getting to security about what you can and cannot take through the checkpoints, you can download the myTSA app and check the “What can I bring?” feature. Or you can ask on Twitter or Facebook at @AskTSA. You can also send your questions to AskTSA by texting “Travel” to 275-872.

©AP

Being properly prepared and packed can help keep security lines moving during these very busy holiday travel days. Consider these tips and rules as you prepare to fly this week! Have a great Thanksgiving and safe travels!

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