15 foods that can get you flagged by TSA

Packing snacks might seem like an easy way to make flying a little easier – who wants stale airline pretzels anyway? But the Transportation Safety Administration rules for things like electronics, liquids and firearms cover some snacks as well and the list of what is and isn’t allowed, along with the permitted sizes, may be surprising.

In general, solid snack items that aren’t liquids or gels can be brought on the plane or in checked luggage. You will want to make sure they don’t clutter your luggage to interfere with screenings, TSA warns. Failure to follow the guidelines can get you flagged by TSA and potentially slow down your screenings.

Here’s a look at some TSA food and snack rules on what’s allowed when flying:

Candy – You’re in the clear if you need a sweet treat during takeoff. Solid food items are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Liquid or gels foods items larger than 3.4 ounces aren’t allowed in carry-ons, however, so those will need to go in checked baggage.

Canned foods – Not that you’re planning on carrying soup on board, but there are some special rules for canned foods, TSA said. There are some canned items that are on the permitted list but because of how they appear on X-ray and other security concerns, they could land you in a line for extra review. TSA suggests you pack canned goods in your checked bag, ship them to your destination or leave them at home.

Cheese – Solid cheeses are allowed in carry-on and checked bags but TSA asks that you make sure they can be removed easily in case they interfere with screenings. Creamy cheeses fall under the 3.4 ounce rule, meaning any more requires it to go into checked baggage.

Chocolate – Like cheese, solid chocolate items are OK to carry on. Liquid or gel chocolates must be below 3.4 ounces or they have to go in checked luggage.

Coffee – Coffee beans and grounds are allowed in all luggage; liquid coffee has to be less than 3.4 ounces. You can bring an empty thermos and fill it up past the checkpoint, TSA said.

Cookies, crackers and nuts – Allowed in all luggage. Again, it is best to keep in a separate bag to remove easily if TSA requests for screening purposes.

Dips and spreads – These fall under the 3.4 ounce rule so anything larger needs to go in checked baggage.

pests – Most of these are allowed but this is one where destination comes into play. Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. Mainland cannot bring fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. Dried fruits are allowed.

carry-on Who travels with meat? You’d be surprised. Meat and seafood and other non-liquid items are permitted in carry-onfive-pound and checked luggage. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs, those have to be completely frozen when you go through screenings. Any liquid at all and the items will not be permitted. Dry ice is allowed but there’s a 5-pound limit.

Ice cream, jam and jelly – Allowed in carry-on bags but anything above 3.4 ounces must be in checked bags. Syrup is allowed too, based on the size restrictions.

Live lobster – If you feel the overwhelming desire to travel with a live lobster, TSA recommends you check with your airlines. They are allowed in checked bags but must be transported in a clear plastic spill-proof container.

carry-ons – Yes for checked luggage, 3.4 oz. limit applies to peanut butter in carry-ons.

Pies, cakes and pizza – Yes, yes and yes. There are no limitations on pies, cakes or pizzas and you’re free to carry them on or put them in your checked luggage.

Sandwiches – You can carry on any sandwich, just make sure it doesn’t interfere with screenings on carry-on luggage.

Soda – You can bring your favorite cola on but only if it’s below the 3.4 ounce threshold.