travel with food on plane

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TSA Rules for Food in Your Carry-on & Checked Luggage [2023]

Christy Rodriguez

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Baby Food, Formula, and Breast Milk

Canned foods, dips and spreads, frozen foods, fruits and veggies, mashed potatoes, meats and seafood, pies, cakes, and baked goods, bottled water and drinks, everything else, final thoughts.

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Whether you like to plan healthy meals while you’re traveling, you have small children, or you have medical reasons for needing access to food during your flight, questions related to what food you can bring in your carry-on are extremely common.

A small bottle of water and a few snack-sized packages of pretzels or crackers are pretty much all you get on domestic economy flights these days — and that’s not going to cut it for a cross-country flight, making bringing your own food even more critical. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the rules regarding what food and drinks you’re allowed to bring through TSA security, highlight some notable exceptions, and let you know how the rules might change when you travel internationally.

TSA Rules for Food in Luggage — Carry-on or Checked?

The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, regulates what can pass through security checkpoints at the airport. Surprisingly, it allows almost all food items to pass through , so long as they are solid or comply with the 3-1-1 rule in the case of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. 

Hot Tip: The 3-1-1 rule states that you can carry on items   that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in a 1-quart-sized bag.

There is no limit to the amount of food you can bring on board , as long as it can fit in your carry-on luggage! You can also pack your food any way you’d like — in a lunch bag, in resealable plastic bags, in Tupperware, etc.

As the TSA says , “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,” or it will be thrown away.

Let’s dig into the details of what food is allowed through TSA security checkpoints and what food should likely go in your checked bag.

Thankfully, if you’re traveling with young children, the TSA makes exceptions to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule for breast milk, formula, juice, and baby food . You can bring these items on board in “ reasonable quantities ,” but be sure to notify the TSA officer as you’re going through the security checkpoint.

According to the TSA , “Inform the TSA officer if you do not want the formula, breast milk, and/or juice to be X-rayed or opened. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, [including] a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property.” This also applies to baby food pouches and jars.

This is also one of the few times partially melted ice packs  are allowed through security.

Hot Tip: Our detailed guide to flying with breast milk has everything you need to know, plus tips for making TSA screenings easier!

Generally speaking, canned foods are allowed in carry-on luggage. However, the TSA recommends keeping them in your checked bag because m ost contain more than 3.4 ounces of liquid and they are hard to view on the X-ray machine, meaning that they will require extra screening.

Is the cheese you’re packing soft or solid? This will make the difference as to whether or not it will be allowed through TSA screening. While all solid cheese (like cheddar or manchego) is allowed, you cannot carry soft, creamy cheeses (like brie) that weigh more than 3.4 ounces in order to comply with the 3-1-1 rule. If you’re hoping to bring a larger quantity of soft cheese, it will need to be checked.

All types of cheese may require additional security screening at the discretion of the TSA agent.

A snack-sized portion of dips — such as French onion or hummus — is fine to put in your carry-on. But if you’re hoping to bring a large container of your famous 7-layer dip, make sure you pack this in your checked luggage or just make it once you’ve reached your final destination.

This also applies to things like jelly, jams, honey, and peanut butter. So while your PB&J sandwich is allowed in the cabin, jars containing the individual ingredients won’t make it through TSA security unless they weigh 3.4 ounces or less.

If you are going to bring anything frozen (like gravy, ice cream, or soup) through airport security, it must be completely solid. This includes whatever you’re using to keep your item frozen, such as ice, gel packs, or ice packs.

The TSA notes that items that are presented at security that “are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container…must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements.”

An alternative is to pack the frozen or partially frozen item in your checked luggage.

Good news — fresh snacks, like fruits and vegetables, are  allowed on the plane. Depending on your destination though, you may need to be sure to eat them all (or throw away any leftovers).

For example, if you are  flying to/from Hawaii , Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from the U.S. mainland, you won’t be able to enter with most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website for more details.

International destinations may also have similar restrictions when it comes to fruits and vegetables. If you don’t finish or dispose of the items, you will need to declare them, and some items are prohibited altogether.

Any kind of mashed potatoes or mashed veggies are allowed in your carry-on luggage. Be sure that there are no liquids (like gravy or stew) of more than 3.4 ounces, though!

Meat and seafood, whether cooked, raw, whole, or sliced, are fine to bring on board your flight. These items might be subject to additional screening, so be prepared for a TSA officer to ask you to remove the meat or seafood from your luggage.

Be careful — while meat and seafood items are allowed, you may still run into issues with any cooling equipment you bring. For example, if you bring an ice pack to keep your meat or seafood cool, it must be completely frozen or it will be subject to the 3-1-1 rule. It would be unfortunate for your meat or seafood to be spoiled upon arrival!

Pies, cakes, and other baked goods are permitted through the TSA security checkpoint. They may require additional screening, so be sure they are easily accessible.

Drinks on Airplanes

As we’ve noted, any liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces are off-limits to bring through security. This makes bringing water (or enough of it to make a difference) or even your morning cup of coffee on your travels difficult. Generally, you have 3 options when it comes to bringing drinks through TSA security checkpoints:

• Buy an overpriced drink once you pass through security. Everything from a latte to a smoothie or a bottled soda to overpriced water is OK to bring on board and to your airport seat.
• Bring frozen water or juice.  See more details below.
• Bring your own water bottle  or coffee mug and fill it up once you’ve passed through security.

All water bottles and drinks must be less than 3.4 ounces unless they are considered solid . Freezing your drinks may or may not help as they will obviously need to thaw before you’re able to consume them. If you have a long flight or are limited in your diet, this trick could definitely come in handy, though!

Hot Tip: If you have a medical condition that requires you to travel with liquids, you are allowed for these items to exceed 3.4 ounces. It is always best to inform the TSA officer before screening and be prepared for the liquid to receive additional screening.

Alcohol is actually allowed in your carry-on as long as it’s less than 140-proof, but …

While you are able to bring mini-liquor bottles under 3.4 ounces through security, you aren’t actually allowed to consume them during your flight. This applies to any duty-free alcohol you might purchase in the airport as well. So make sure you keep alcohol securely stashed in your carry-on!

As a reminder, once you’re through security, all food and drinks are fair game. This means anything you buy post-security, you can bring and consume on the plane. 

Still not sure about carry-on a specific item? Check out our article on what not to pack in your carry-on luggage according to the TSA or our more exhaustive list of items you can and cannot bring through TSA security . 

If you’re still not finding the answer you want, you can also try the “Can I Bring?” feature on the MyTSA app or send a message to TSA via Facebook Messenger or Twitter . Representatives usually respond within a few hours if you contact them during business hours.

We hope we’ve been able to break down what food and drinks you can (and can’t) bring on board your next flight. There are definitely a lot of options if you’re hoping to find some TSA-approved snacks for your next flight. Solid foods and smaller portions of soft cheeses, dips, and liquids are perfectly acceptable and will go through the screening process with no issues.

Just remember, if you’re in doubt, you can always put the item in your checked luggage or purchase some food or drinks after you go through the TSA security checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you bring food through airport security.

Yes, solid food is allowed through TSA security in any amount. If the item is considered a liquid, paste, cream, gel, or aerosol, it is still allowed, but must be smaller than 3.4 ounces. Otherwise, you’ll be required to check the item or throw it out.

Can you bring snacks on a plane?

What snacks you can bring (and the amount) depends on what you’re hoping to bring. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, sandwiches, chips, etc. are fine, but if the item you’re hoping to snack on is a paste or a cream (think dips or spreads), then it will need to be smaller than 3.4 ounces.

Can I bring food on an international flight?

You can bring food on an international flight, but for fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll need to finish eating those before arriving at your destination. This also applies to certain domestic locations, like Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Always check your final destination’s rules and regulations before arriving to avoid any issues.

What food can’t you take on a plane?

Liquids, creams, and pastes that are larger than 3.4 ounces (like jars of peanut butter and jelly, honey, and big containers of hummus), won’t be allowed through TSA security checkpoints. You can always check these items, though!

Also, if you’re hoping to bring liquids that are larger than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on, they must be totally frozen.

Why is TSA checking food?

All items that pass through TSA security checkpoints are screened, including food and drinks. The TSA screens items to “prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport.”

It can be hard to tell exactly what an item is when items pass through the X-ray machine, so TSA might need to check your food items to ensure they are allowed.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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TSA Rules for Traveling with Food

Most frequent travelers know that they need to streamline what they’re carrying in order to make it through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints at airports quickly and easily. If you’re a frequent traveler, the 3-1-1 rule for liquids should be old-hat to you by now. According to the 3-1-1 guidelines, travelers are allowed to bring on most liquids—from shampoo to hand sanitizer gels—as long as they meet the requirements of the 3-1-1 rule. Typically this means you can carry up to 3.4-ounce bottles of shampoos, contact lens solution, and other liquid necessities (3) as long as they are all contained within one 1-quart zip-top bag (1) and are carried by one passenger (1).

However, if you have something unusual that you’ve picked up as a gift for someone during your business trip or want to bring a little bit of food with you on the plane, there are certain items that are allowed through the TSA security checkpoints.

When it comes to bringing food through a TSA security checkpoint, you need to keep the 3-1-1 rule in mind, and either pack, ship, or leave behind anything that has a high liquid concentration, and keep in mind that certain liquids and foods are not allowed.

Foods to Pack While Traveling by Airplane

Surprisingly, the TSA allows almost all food items through the security checkpoint, so long as none of them are liquids in amounts exceeding 3.4 ounces. This means you can even bring pies and cakes with you through the checkpoint—though they will be subject to additional screening.

Items allowed for travel in your carry-on include baby food, bread, candy, cereal, cheese, chocolate, coffee grounds, cooked meats, cookies, crackers, dried fruits, fresh eggs, meat, seafood, and vegetables, frozen foods, gravy, gum, honey, hummus, nuts, pizza, salt, sandwiches, and all sorts of dry snacks; even live lobsters are allowed in special clear, sealed, spill-proof containers.

There are some exceptions to the rule, such as breast milk and baby formula, and some special instructions for liquids. Be sure to check out the official TSA website if you have any questions about the specific foods you plan to travel with during your trip.

Foods That Are Banned on Airplanes

As with non-food items, you cannot bring any food item in liquid or cream form that is over 3.4 ounces. This rule, known as the TSA liquids rule , stipulates that you can only carry cranberry sauce, jam or jelly, maple syrup, salad dressing, ketchup, and other condiments, liquids of any type, and creamy dips and spreads including cheese, salsa, and peanut butter in a container under that quantity. Unfortunately, your liquid will be thrown out if its quantity exceeds this amount.

Canned foods, partially melted ice packs, and alcoholic beverages provide the most trouble in getting through security checkpoints as these come with specific stipulations on when they can and cannot be transported in carry-on luggage .

For example, alcoholic beverages over 140 proof (70 percent alcohol by volume) including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum are prohibited from checked baggage and carry-on luggage; however, you can bring small bottles of alcohol (the same you would purchase in-flight) as long as they do not exceed 140 proof. Note that many airlines will not allow you to consume your own liquor on board.

On the other hand, ice packs are completely fine as long as they are fully solid while going through security. If they have any liquid inside of them at the time of screening, the ice packs will be taken out. Similarly, if canned food items that contain liquids appear suspicious to TSA security officers, they may be taken out of your checked bag.

Yes, you can bring most food items through airport security, including baby food, cheese, chocolate, coffee grounds, cooked meats, meat, seafood, and vegetables. However, foods that come in liquid or cream form—think peanut butter, ketchup, and maple syrup—must be left behind if they exceed 3.4 ounces.

Yes, frozen food is allowed in both your carry-on and checked luggage. However, if you're using ice to keep your food cold, keep in mind that it must be completely frozen at the time of security screening.

You can bring however much food as you want, so long as it all fits in your carry-on and personal item, and the liquid food items (e.g. peanut butter, jam, salsa) follow TSA's 3-1-1 rule.

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The Complete Guide to Bringing Food on a Plane

Melanie Wynne

August 8, 2023

Remember the carefree days of receiving free food and drinks on an airplane? <wistful sigh> Yeah, those are all but over—especially if you’re flying a budget carrier. And since the threat of Covid-19 first emerged, most airlines have even reduced their for-purchase offerings, prompting more travelers to tuck store-bought sustenance in their carry-on bags. But while you might think your snacks pose no security risk, if a TSA officer disagrees, those munchies won’t make it past the checkpoint. 

Some airlines have begun to bring food and beverage service back to their aisles, but it can still be a challenge to know who’s serving what—so the home-packed snack is still a safe bet for now. However, to avoid confusion (not to mention hunger and thirst) about what’s on the no-fly menu, read on to get the full scoop. 

TSA Food Rules for 2022 - Updated 

You can bring just about any snack on your flight, but if any part of the snack is a liquid, paste, or gel, that particular part is subject to the 3-1-1 rule : 

• 3 (all liquids, pastes, or gels must be in 3.4-ounce or less containers) 
• 1 (all your liquid bottles must fit in one quart sized bag) 
• 1 (one bag per person)

The upshot: liquid/liquid-ish things you bring on a plane must be 3.4 ounces or less. 

This includes hummus, cream cheese, and other spreadable dips; nut butters; honey and maple syrup; ice cream; jams and jellies; oils and vinegars; salad dressings, salsas, and sauces; soups; and yogurt. 

Note that if said liquid-ish things are already on a sandwich or salad that’s safely packaged/contained in your carry-on, you’ll be fine. Otherwise, if you can spill, spread, spray, pump, or pour it and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag—or TSA will throw it away.

What kind of TSA-approved food can I bring on a plane? 

You can bring just about any ​​solid, packaged food on a plane, as long as it fits comfortably in your carry-on. This includes bread, cooked meat, hard-boiled eggs, candy, cereal, cookies, crackers, chips, dried fruit, and nuts, as well as sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, and salads. (Just remember the 3-1-1 rule for separately packaged dressings, sauces, etc.) Fresh fruit and veggies are generally okay, too, but continue below for a few exceptions. 

Special TSA rules for baby food, breastmilk, and baby formula

Formula, breast milk, and juice for your kiddos are allowed through security, as long as they’re in “reasonable quantities” (per the TSA’s vague description) and you take them out of your carry-on bag so they can be separately screened. A TSA officer may ask you to run these items through the X-ray, open their containers, and/or pour out a little liquid for their inspection; you don’t have to consent to these requests, but if not, you may have to undergo a pat-down, inspection of your carry-on bag, etc.—whatever that TSA officer decides.  

Wondering if you need to have a child with you in order to bring breast milk through security or onto your flight? Well, you don’t. Have breast milk, will travel. 

Special TSA rules for fruits and vegetables

If you’re flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland, you can’t take fresh fruits and vegetables with you in either your carry-on or checked bags, due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. Otherwise, you can take fresh fruits and vegetables with you in any piece of luggage you please. 

Some of the most unusual food items allowed on a plane

Bet you didn’t think you could bring a live lobster on a plane, am I right? Well, you’d be wrong: a live lobster is allowed through airport security as long as it’s packed in a clear, plastic, spill proof container, making it easy for a TSA officer to give it a look-see. In case your particular airline feels differently about you traveling with your lobster, ask them to share their thoughts before you show up at the airport with said lobster. 

Bringing your own alcohol on a plane

In your carry-on, you can bring mini bottles of alcohol if they don’t exceed 70% alcohol (140 proof) and fit comfortably into a single, clear, quart-sized bag. You may not, however, drink this alcohol onboard your flight. 

In your checked bags, you can pack alcoholic beverages as long as they’re in their unopened retail packaging. You’re limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) if your booze is between 24%-70% alcohol (48-140 proof). If your hooch is less than 24% alcohol (up to 46 proof), you can pack as much as your airline’s checked baggage weight allows—generally 50 pounds for domestic flights, and sometimes up to 70 pounds for international flights. 

Which foods are prohibited by the TSA?

No foods are technically prohibited by the TSA, just amounts of food. Ensure that the amounts of liquid/liquid-ish things you bring through security are 3.4 ounces or less and safely packaged, and you should be just fine. 

Frozen ice packs

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other cooling accessories are allowed in carry-on as long as they’re frozen at the time you go through security. If TSA finds they’re partially melted and/or have any liquid at the bottom of their container, they won’t be permitted.

What foods should I not eat on a plane? 

“Should” is a word fraught with controversy, but which generally points to common decency. Commonly indecent on a plane? Anything that reeks, stinks, or smells so strongly that it would cause even your direct seatmate to hold their nose. Just say no to tuna or egg salad, moldy cheeses like Limburger, fish sauce as a condiment, copious amounts of garlic, curried anything, or fried fast food (looking at you, McDonald’s). Also skip things that can easily explode under cabin pressure or simply spill on you or your seatmates, like yogurt, hot soup, or shelled nuts.   

Checking food you can’t bring on board

If you get stopped going through security with food/drink items/sizes that TSA deems unacceptable, you have two choices: 1) surrender the item to be thrown away, or 2) step out of the security line, re-pack the unapproved item(s), and return to your airline’s ticketing desk to check that piece of luggage. Yes, you’ll have to adhere to your airline’s checked baggage weight limits, and yes, you’ll have to go through security again.

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Frequently asked questions about bringing food on a plane.

Freelance Writer

Published August 8, 2023

Last updated December 21, 2023

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Table of Contents

Can you pack food in a checked bag?

What about traveling with baby food, breast milk or formula, can you bring frozen food on a plane, can you bring food and drinks purchased after the security checkpoint, what food can't you bring on an airplane, food you can bring on an airplane, recapped.

If you don't frequently travel by plane and have a trip coming up, you may be wondering: Can you bring food on an airplane? In most cases, yes, you can bring food with you. What’s more, you don't necessarily have to buy food at the airport or wait until you get to your destination to buy it.

Here's what you need to know about the general rules for flying with food.

Yes, you can bring food in your suitcase on an airplane — but there are some exceptions to consider. The Transportation Security Administration has several rules in place and knowing what's allowed before arriving at the airport can help you better prepare. Here are the essential TSA food rules for checked luggage.

Solid food items

You can bring solid food items in your carry-on bag or checked luggage without adhering to size restrictions. Of course, bag and weight restrictions apply, and if your item is larger than allowed, you may have to pay extra fees.

Liquid and gel food items

In general, TSA liquid food rules are more strict. Liquid and gel food items are treated like liquid and gel toiletries — and the same rules apply.

All liquid or gel food items above the 3.4-ounce maximum liquid carry-on size requirements must be packed in your checked baggage; otherwise, they won't be allowed past the security screening process.

If any of your liquid or gel food items meet the 3.4-ounce sizing requirements and you plan to bring them in your carry-on luggage, you'll need to ensure that all liquids fit in a single quart-size bag.

Some additional foods that are are subject to the 3.4-ounce sizing limitation in your carry-on include:

Creamy cheeses.

Canned foods.

Liquid chocolate.

Other creamy dips and spreads, like hummus or peanut butter.

You’d be better off packing these items in your checked luggage or not at all.

» Learn more: Can you bring food through TSA?

There are different TSA liquid rules in place for food and drink items for babies. “Reasonable quantities” of baby food — even greater than 3.4 ounces — are allowed in a carry-on bag. Formula, breast milk and juice are considered allowable liquids; further, these don’t need to fit in a quart-sized bag (like other carry-on liquids).

Be prepared to remove these items from your bag and alert the TSA staff so they can be screened. These items will likely be screened separately from other belongings.

You can travel with breast milk and formula, even if your child isn't traveling with you. That's because breast milk and formula are considered medically necessary fluids.

» Learn more: How to fly with your baby

You can bring frozen food on an airplane in certain circumstances. For instance, if your frozen food is a solid — like meat, seafood or vegetables — you can bring it on the plane with you in either your carry-on or checked luggage without being concerned about the container size.

If, however, your frozen food or drinks are partially melted or slushy, they must meet the 3.4-ounce liquids sizing requirements to be allowed through security in carry-on bags.

You can bring ice packs with you to properly store food items. Ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening; even if these items are partially melted, they won't be permitted.

Once you make it through security, the size of liquid food and drink items is no longer a concern, as bringing food and liquids purchased post-security is allowed. You can bring coffee on a plane after security, as well as take-away meals or other snacks.

All larger liquid or gel items, as well as food, purchased after you’ve cleared the TSA checkpoint can be brought on board. If you want to buy a snack or lunch before boarding your plane, that's allowed.

» Learn more: TSA carry-on restrictions — what you need to know

There are certain banned food items on airplanes, like:

You can't bring liquid or gel food items in carry-on baggage if they're larger than 3.4 ounces. If they're completely frozen, they're allowed without size restrictions.

You can't bring alcohol in containers larger than 3.4 ounces in a carry-on bag. Alcohol with more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol is limited to 1.3 gallons per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcohol with more than 70% alcohol is not allowed on the airplane, period — even in checked baggage.

You can't bring most fresh fruit or vegetables in your checked bags or carry-on bags when flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.

Now you know what food you can bring on an airplane the next time you travel by air. Baby food has some exceptions, as do frozen foods. All liquids in carry-on bags cannot exceed 3.4 ounces in size; otherwise, most liquids can travel via your checked luggage (save for restrictions on alcohol).

Bringing food onto an airplane is allowed so long as you follow all of the TSA rules. Be mindful of exceptions and consider sizing limitations when traveling with edible liquids or gels.

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Can You Bring Food Through TSA? These 9 Types of Snacks Are Allowed in Carry-On Luggage

By Cynthia Drescher

Can you bring food through TSA checkpoints ? The question is common enough that the agency itself frequently shares clarifications on social media—such as its March 2023 tweet declaring peanut butter a liquid, that, much to the chagrin of fliers, is limited to 3.4 ounces in carry-on bags. But whether you're trying to bring home a local delicacy, pack breast milk or formula to keep a baby fed in flight, or just plain forgot about the cured meats in your carry-on until you were in the airport security line, TSA food rules can be confusing.

The short answer is yes, you can take food through TSA—you'll just might encounter some trouble the closer those foods are to a liquid. The long answer is that whether your food meets airport security's requirements comes down to a few guidelines. 

“If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel,” says Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for the TSA. That means it falls under the 3-1-1 liquids rule , which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

Still, even if a food item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the airport security checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other airport security concerns.

Here's everything you need to know about bringing food through airport security and onto your flight.

What foods are—and are not—allowed on a plane?

1. baby food, baby formula, and breast milk.

Baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks like juices, and baby or toddler food (including puree pouches) of “reasonable quantities” are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag, as the TSA considers them to be medically necessary liquids. The TSA also recommends using clear or translucent bottles when possible for these items.

This allowance to bring baby food notably extends to breast milk and baby formula–cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs. This is true whether or not your child is traveling with you. The TSA does, however, recommend letting the officers know that you are carrying these things at the beginning of the screening process so they can be properly handled and potentially flagged for additional screening.

2. Creamy dips and spreads; canned, jarred, and bottled items

If a cheese or other foodstuff is spreadable, like cream cheese, peanut butter, ranch dressing, or Nutella, then traveling with it in your carry-on means packing in line with that 3-1-1 liquids rule explained above (unless it's already in a sandwich, in which case you should be fine.) 

Cranberry sauce may be integral to a holiday meal, but unless you’ve decanted it into a bottle of 3.4 ounces or less, its gelatinous consistency puts it too far into liquid rules territory to be allowed in a carry-on. Cans of cranberry sauce—along with other similarly jiggly and pourable foods or creamy dips and spreads—must be in checked baggage. These include gravy, containers of frosting, jams, jellies, soft butter, honey, syrups, salsa, dips, chutney, spreads, soup, pudding, salad dressing, and other food items that resemble these, such as mustard or hummus, which respectively qualify as a spread and a dip.

As always,  alcohol goes with other liquids are allowed in your carry-on, provided they are in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, all fitting inside that clear, quart-size baggie. It is against FAA law , however, to consume personal alcohol on an airplane.

3. Seafood and meats

Meats—whether cooked, raw, whole, or sliced—are fine to bring onboard your flight. Nonetheless, be courteous when you take food through TSA; seal it up well, and aim to keep any smells or juices contained. Consider extra packaging materials that seal, just in case the cling wrap hits a snag. Eggs are also allowed onboard, and they don’t even need to be hard-boiled—but again, packaging here is crucial.

As we discovered in 2017 when the TSA found (and cleared) a 20-pound lobster in someones luggage , clawed crustaceans and other frozen seafood are allowed as carry-on or checked baggage, with the proper packaging and labeling. Some airports, like those in Boston and Halifax, even sell ready-to-fly boxes of lobsters, fitting up to 10 in one box and packing them with bags of frozen peas, instead of ice packs or gel blocks.

4. Pies, cakes, and donuts

A fresh-baked pie or cake in your bag may tempt TSA agents into a weak joke about taste-testing, but pies and cakes are allowed as carry-ons—whether whole or sliced. Apple dumplings, cupcakes, brownies, fritters, donuts (filled or not, interestingly), cookies, gingerbread, dry baking mixes, and even fruitcake are okay to fly in the cabin. They do count as carry-on items , though, and you may be asked to put them underneath the seat in front of you, as opposed to the overhead bin.

Sweets still must pass through the X-ray machine at the airport security checkpoint, so TSA agents will quickly determine if the item needs additional screening to see if there’s anything more dangerous than ganache at the center of those truffles.

5. Hand sanitizer

Although not a food, hand sanitizer is food-adjacent in that you’ll be happy to have it on-hand (pun intended) when and if you decide to snack, for cleaning your tray table and hands before eating. It is a specific exception to the 3-1-1 rule, initiated in March 2020 when the U.S. declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency and the TSA relaxed the limitation on hand sanitizer in carry-ons, raising the allowance from 3 to 12 ounces (one bottle per traveler). This is still the case, “until further notice,” according to the TSA’s official website . 

6. Everything else

Still not finding your answer? Double-check that the food item that you want to fly with isn’t in the TSA list of prohibited items. If still in doubt, try the “ What Can I Bring? ” feature on the MyTSA app and website, or snap a photo of the item and send your question directly to the TSA via Twitter (@AskTSA), Facebook Messenger , Apple Business Chat (AskTSA), or text ‘Travel’ to AskTSA (275-872). 

Foods you shouldn't bring on a plane

In general, we recommend abiding by a version of the Golden Rule modified for air travel: Only take food through TSA and onto a plane that you yourself wouldn't mind smelling if someone else brought it.

Jessica Puckett

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Traveler editors have a lot to say when it comes to the controversial topic of what foods are socially acceptable to bring and consume on a plane. In summary? Leave the ridiculously crunchy, overly pungent, and grossly sticky foods at home. As for problematic foods, anything which could cause another passenger to have an allergic reaction—such as peanuts—is always a risk, so opt for another impulse snack at the airport grab-n-go.

Remember: You can always check it

Whether it’s ingredients for mom's famous casserole or a batch of brownies, tucking your food into your checked baggage is almost always a safer bet. Checked bags aren’t party to the liquid rules of carry-on luggage, so liquids, creamy dips and spreads, and foods like honey, salsa, jam, and soft cheeses—the ones that fall into that questionable gray area between a liquid and solid and won't be let through at TSA security checkpoints—are always best in checked baggage.

If your food needs to stay cold, pack it in your checked baggage with frozen ice packs or gel packs (or use bags of frozen peas), but remember to be careful to always pull them out of the freezer the moment before you leave for the airport to ensure maximum frozenness.

As with any food you bring into the cabin, be mindful of the odor of foods you check into your luggage, too. If you’re flying with food that has a strong scent—say, onion bagels or certain cheeses—wrap them well or place them in a sturdy freezer bag so the other contents of your luggage don't spend the flight simmering in the stench. That Roquefort you purchased in Paris may taste great, but it's not as nice as a perfume.

Additional reporting by Louis Cheslaw.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The complete guide to bringing food on a plane

Broadly speaking, you can almost always bring food on a plane. There are some limits and procedures to follow though, so it’s important to know all the rules before heading to the airport.

Types of foods allowed on a plane

You’ll be happy to know there are no specific food items that are banned on airplanes in the United States or by major US airlines. Similarly, food items are essentially unrestricted worldwide. What this comes down to is a question of which foods you can take through TSA versus which need to be packed in carry-on luggage . And that relies exclusively on whether your food items are completely solid. If not, they’ll need to comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rule of traveling in 3.4-ounce containers (or smaller), all sealed in one clear, zip-top bag of 1-quart volume or less.

Foods allowed on a plane

Specific food items are generally unrestricted on airplanes, either in your carry-on or in checked luggage. As mentioned above, the only true consideration is whether your food contains any liquid elements, in which case it must be packaged in containers that meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule if you prefer to carry it on.

Among the most amusing mysteries of TSA, the only announced exceptions to this rule are pizza, cake, and pie, which are TSA approved for carry-on even though they typically include some non-solid elements. They’ll need to be x-rayed for safety, though. To avoid repackaging partly liquid food items or recipes into several 3.4-ounce containers, simply check them instead.

Foods not allowed on a plane

Alcohol above 70% ABV (140 proof) is prohibited by TSA in both carry-on and checked luggage. Opened alcohol cannot be packed either, but alcohol between 24%–70% ABV (48–100 proof) is permitted up to 5 liters in checked luggage if it remains sealed. There’s no limit to the amount of sealed alcohol you can pack under 24% ABV (48 proof).

Packing food for air travel

Packing food for air travel is primarily a matter of common sense. There are no specific requirements for how foods are packed, other than the 3-1-1 rule for those with liquid elements in your carry-on, so pack food as you would pack any other fragile item in your luggage.

Tips for packing food items securely

If you think it’s just a joke that baggage handlers are rough with luggage, guess again. Checked luggage is tossed, pushed, stacked, and abused throughout its journey. It’s key to protect any packed foods by using sturdy containers and cushioning them with clothes and other soft items, to keep them away from the edges of the suitcase. For carry-on, food should be presented separately to TSA, so pack your snacks and other foods at the top of your bag for easy access.

Appropriate containers for flying with food

Choose lightweight yet sturdy containers when packing food in your checked luggage or carry-on bags. Airlines can be strict with weight limits, so don’t waste your allowance on heavy containers. Still, it’s important to make sure your snacks and meals won’t be crushed by other items in your luggage by using flimsy packaging, like bags or flexible containers. Also, avoid breakable materials like glass whenever possible.

Avoiding leaks and spills

Avoiding leaks and spills in checked luggage and carry-on is essential for protecting your belongings, including the bag. Securely tighten all bottles, tubes, and containers, and consider taping them for additional security. Masking tape should travel in a checked bag — this is typically not allowed in a carry-on , as I learned the hard way. Painter’s tape is allowed in both bags and works just as well to keep containers sealed.

Finally, carefully surround any glass containers (like wine bottles) with as much soft clothing as you can and don’t pack them against the edge of a suitcase where they’re more likely to suffer from impact in transit. You can also check out these expert travel packing tips for more insights on perfecting your luggage.

Contain anything holding liquid in an additional plastic bag in case it breaks or leaks in transit.

International travel considerations

Typically, neither check-in agents nor TSA agents will be concerned with what specific foods are in your bag. But if you’re flying internationally, there are a couple of added considerations.

Customs and import restrictions for food items

While you’ll often be able to check your bag and board your flight regardless of what foods are inside, you may run into hiccups on arrival if you haven’t paid attention to your destination’s import laws, especially regarding foods. Agricultural products like meats, dairy, produce, seeds, and nuts are often banned from crossing national borders to prevent diseases and pests from affecting local goods. 

If you’re discovered attempting entry with prohibited foods like these, they’ll be confiscated and you may face additional consequences like fines, or even being denied entry yourself.

Tips for researching destination-specific rules

The best resource for understanding any country’s specific customs laws is its own website. For return trips to the United States, for example, consult the official U.S. Customs & Border Control guidelines for food , and seek the same from any country you visit, especially if you’re considering bringing agricultural foods. Most importantly, always declare all food when you arrive to avoid attracting fines or worse.

 In the US, you’ll never be fined for illegal foods if you’ve declared them, but you could face up to $10,000 in penalties if you’re found sneaking them in, even unwittingly. Just declare.

Additional regulations when traveling internationally

If you’re connecting through another country, you may be required to pass through a security checkpoint again before boarding your next flight. In this specific case, you may be subject to carry-on rules that differ from TSA’s, and food items may be subject to additional scrutiny. 

Because it’s often not possible to know exactly what another country’s practice will be when it comes to transporting and packaging food as carry-on, it’s safest to pack questionable foods in checked luggage during journeys with international connections. It’s unlikely that foreign regulations would differ significantly from TSA regulations regarding food, but it can happen.

Airline policies

While you’ll need to pay attention to your airline’s carry-on and checked baggage requirements to determine which is best for your food needs, you won’t have to do much more based on airline alone. All major carriers in the United States permit any food packed in the appropriate bag (checked versus carry-on), except MREs (meals ready-to-eat).

These packets, traditionally made for emergency military rations, often have a self-heating component that airlines consider dangerous. Technically, TSA does not ban them and only advises you to check with your airline, but all major US carriers currently prohibit them. 

Other than that, you may need to be aware that you can’t carry fresh durian in most airports or airplanes in Southeast Asia, because of the fruit’s extreme odor, but this is not an airline-specific rule.

Some favorite routes

If you need a little inspiration of where to go with all your packed up foods and beverages, consider some of these popular routes.

On the East Coast cheap flights to New York can easily get you to The City That Never Sleeps, or cheap flights to Miami can have you basking in the sun of Southern Florida in no time.

To the west, check out these cheap flights to Los Angeles for spot some celebs, or these cheap flights to San Diego for idle afternoons in paradise. If you’re looking to bring your bites abroad, you can get to Europe quickly with these cheap flights to London .

How was this guide created?

I travel every week, averaging more than 100 flights per year, and I’ve taken plenty of food onboard for snacking and avoiding those sometimes-questionable inflight meals. I’ve also transported many food gifts around the world, frequently navigating customs both in the US and abroad. I’ve combined years of this frequent flyer experience with KAYAK’s expert tips and advice to create this guide so you can travel smoothly with your favorite foods, too.

Now that you understand how easy it can be to fly with your favorite foods, it’s time to put your skills to the test. KAYAK’s comprehensive flight guide delivers all the tips you need for planning and taking flights of every kind, so pack your favorite pizza and get going. Don’t miss the KAYAK Bag Measurement tool, which determines if your bags are size-compliant using only your phone’s camera. It’s as fun as it is helpful.

Flying with food FAQs

Homemade meals are allowed on planes, both in checked luggage and as part of your carry-on. If carrying on, be sure your homemade meal has no liquid elements (including pastes, creams, or anything not completely solid). If there are any liquids, it must be portioned and sealed in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces.

Many countries impose limitations on which food items you can bring into the nation. These are often agricultural products, including various meats, dairy, and nuts. Your luggage will rarely, if ever, be screened for this pre-departure. Instead, import concerns are addressed on arrival at customs, and violations can bring steep penalties.

You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and compliant foods onboard, but it’s not always necessary. Most airlines can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions if informed with enough notice, typically 24 hours in advance. Food allergies should always be reported to the airline when booking, and again to the flight attendant when boarding, so accommodations and precautions can be made.

Yes! You can bring frozen food on a plane in your carry-on luggage, under certain conditions. The food, along with any cooling accessories (like ice packs) must remain fully frozen at the time of TSA inspection. If there is any melting or visible liquid present the items will not be allowed to board with you.

For checked baggage, the only food item that is universally prohibited by major US airlines is an MRE. The self-heating element contained in many of these makes them a danger in the opinion of airlines, though TSA does not actually ban them. In carry-on, there aren’t specific bans on particular foods, but any food that is not completely solid will need to comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids.

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A Complete Guide to Every Food You Can (and Cannot) Fly With

Figuring out how to pack souvenirs can be a tricky business, especially when you're taking home anything remotely edible. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stringent rules for liquids , you may be surprised by how many things you can bring along in your carry-on, including hard cheese, frozen seafood, and even fresh eggs.

Confused? To help you avoid having to toss out your purchases at the airport, we've broken down the regulations for common foodstuffs. Certain creamy or liquid foods, such as peanut butter , olive oil, and salsa, simply have to comply with TSA's 3-1-1 rule or be placed in a checked bag. Bear in mind that while the organization has a handy list of foods you can and cannot fly with on its website, in practice it's often the TSA agent in your security line who makes the call about a particular item.

Take It With You

The following foods are all TSA-approved, so you should have no issue taking them in your carry-on. Just note that some items, like baby formula, require extra screening. If you want to be on the safe side, make sure you label any food items that may not be easily recognizable, such as protein powder or spices.

Vacuum-sealed Meats and Hard Cheeses

Since both of these items are non-liquid, they are perfectly fine to fly in your carry-on or checked bag. To be safe, ensure they're in vacuum-sealed packaging. Shops all over the world have pre-sealed products or even equipment to seal them for you, according to My Recipes . Creamy cheese products can be carried on if they're less than 3.4 ounces.

Since spices are dried, they're generally good to go. Make sure they're clearly labeled and unopened, so they're not mistaken for other substances. Pro tip: Only buy spices that you can't find at home if you're looking for a good souvenir for a foodie. These can be in your carry-on or checked bag.

Dried Goods

This includes pasta, dry beans, grains, and other pantry items that contain no liquid. These can be in your carry-on or checked bag.

Packaged Snacks

Good news for travelers who want to bring home interesting snacks from great food destinations around the world : as long as everything is sealed, you're good to go. Unopened snacks such as granola bars, nuts, chips, crackers, and cookies are safe in your carry-on or checked bag.

Chocolates and Candy

Confectionary candy and chocolate (hardened) are perfectly alright to carry on your flight. Keep everything neat and packaged, and feel free to pack the sweets in your carry-on or checked bag.

Yes, you can even take home that baguette. Ask the bakery to give you some packaging so you can avoid crumbs in your bag, but otherwise, bread of any kind is good to fly in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Coffee Beans and Tea Leaves

Coffee beans, loose tea leaves, or dry tea sachets are all considered dry goods, so the same rules apply.

Cooked Food (Non-liquid)

Tell your family that you're happy to take home extra Thanksgiving turkey, but leave the gravy in your checked bag. Cooked foods of any kind, as long as there are no liquids, are safe to fly in both carry-on and checked bags.

Dried Fruit

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be a little tricky, but in their dried form, they're officially A-OK. The same rules for dried goods and packaged snacks can be applied here.

Yes, even fresh eggs are okay in both carry-on and checked bags, oddly enough. Even though they're technically liquid on the inside, they're still solid food by TSA standards. It can be a little risky to take them, though, for obvious reasons.

Juice and Baby Formula

There are special guidelines for parents traveling with baby formula and juices in carry-on bags. These items are fine in checked luggage, but if you want to bring them on the plane with you, they will need a special screening .

Feel free to take that extra-large pepperoni pie with you, because TSA is pizza friendly. It might be a little messy to pack as a souvenir, but this is good news for people who want to pick up a quick bite before getting into the security line.

Pies and Cakes

Pies and cakes are cleared for take-off as well, so holiday travelers can breathe a sigh of relief. It's unclear how TSA feels about fruit filling, but according to its website, these items are OK in both carry-on and checked bags.

Protein and Energy Powder

Even though these need to be mixed with liquid to be consumed, they are still a dry product, much like a spice. Therefore, the same rules apply here. Just make sure everything is labeled and sealed properly.

That episode of "30 Rock" where Liz had to scarf down an entire Teamster sub is accurate, but only because she couldn't give up the dipping sauce. Feel free to stop by the deli for a sandwich before getting on your flight, but leave the liquid dipping sauce behind (if it's over 3.4 ounces, that is).

Pack It, Ship It, or Leave It

If you want to travel with something on the list below, your only option might be to pack it in your checked luggage. In some cases, there are items you are not allowed to fly with no matter what, such as high-proof alcohol.

High-alcohol Liquor

Anything over 70 percent alcohol (140 proof) is not permitted on planes. This includes liquors like Everclear, grain alcohol, and certain types of whisky, vodka, absinthe, and rum, so make sure you know what you're buying before you fly. When in doubt, just ship it home.

Canned Food

Canned goods are fine to fly in a checked bag, but they are usually subject to TSA's 3-1-1 rule. This can be a big problem because most cans are more than 3.4 ounces and they would require additional screening. It's best to check it or ship it home.

Oils, Vinegars, and Honey

Olive oil, special cooking oils, vinegars, honey, and similar items make excellent foodie gifts , but there's just one problem: They're all liquids. Feel free to put them in checked luggage, but if you want to carry on you'll have to buy the small size to comply with the 3-1-1 rule.

Dips, Jams, Creamy Cheese, and Spreads

Sadly, the 3-1-1 rule isn't just for liquids, it also applies to creamy or spreadable items, since they have a soft consistency (like a gel). Salsa, creamy cheese, dips, peanut butter, jams, preserves, and other items like these are all OK to put in checked luggage, but can only be carried on in containers less than 3.4 ounces.

Yogurt, Gravy, and Other Liquid Food

If you can bring these in solid form (by freezing them, for example), that's great. But if not, liquid foods like yogurt or gravy aren't allowed in carry-on luggage if they're in containers larger than 3.4 ounces and are best put in checked baggage or shipped home.

Fresh Fruits or Vegetables

Packing these items needs to be done with care. Fresh fruits and vegetables are cleared by TSA in checked bags, and most of the time TSA is OK with bringing solid, fresh foods in carry-ons. If they are soft, mashed, or liquid, they are subject to the organization's 3-1-1 rule. Passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands cannot travel with most fresh fruits and vegetables. These rules may change for people traveling internationally.

Fresh Meat or Seafood

According to TSA, these foods must be packaged properly and completely frozen at the time of screening. This rule also applies to ice and ice packs used to keep the food frozen in its container. If you comply with these rules, you should be able to bring these items in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Wine or Other Alcoholic Beverages

Beverages, including wine, that are over 24 percent alcohol (but under 70 percent alcohol) are fine in checked luggage only. However, there is also a limit of five liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger. Mini bottles are okay to bring in your carry-on as long as they are under 3.4 ounces and fit comfortably in your single, one-quart bag. But remember that the FAA restricts passengers from drinking alcohol on board planes unless it is served by a crew member.

International Travel

If you are entering the United States from another country, you will have to go through customs where your bag might be screened. The rules and regulations about what you can and cannot bring into the U.S. are different from what TSA allows. Check the latest regulations from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for a list of permissible items. If you want to know what foods you're allowed to travel with outside of the U.S., you will have to check the regulations for your destination country.

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The Best Foods to Pack for the Plane

By Sheela Prakash

The media may try to convince you otherwise , but come on. You know better. Airport food is overpriced and overprocessed. And the food they serve on the plane ? Please.

But a traveler's gotta eat, right? So instead of wasting your money or trying to swallow the in-flight meal, plan ahead and pack your own sustenance. The trick to doing this is to pack foods that are safe to eat at room temp, and are, um, subtle enough to eat in crowded situations (sorry, egg salad—you're staying home).

Salty Snacks

These days, even sub-par peanuts are no guarantee on your flight. So what are you going to munch on when you're deep into your second or third movie? Pack your own popcorn or spiced nuts to keep the in-flight entertainment munchies at bay.

Hearty Sandwiches

A big sandwich is the ultimate answer to flight-friendly eats—it's easy to pack and fills you up. The key is to choose fillings that keep well for a handful of hours without refrigeration: cheese, cured meats (think prosciutto), hummus, grilled vegetables, and greens. To prevent soggy bread, stay away from juicy fillings like sliced tomatoes and choose a thick bread like ciabatta, focaccia, or a baguette.

When picking a pasta to pack for a plane, use this rule of thumb: If you'd eat it at a cookout, you can eat it in the air. That means leaving the linguini Bolognese at home and opting for more pasta salad-esqe pastas instead. Dressed in olive oil and tossed with vegetables and cheese, pastas hold up well and are great at room temperature. But leave the fork at home—TSA won't allow it through security. Pick up a plastic fork at one of the post-security terminal concessions instead.

Grain or Lentil Salads

Grains like rice, farro , and barley maintain their bite hours after they've been tossed in a vinaigrette, making them perfect for travel. Lentils are an equally great choice and have the added benefit of containing a high level of both protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied for the duration of the flight.

And Don't Forget a Few Sweets

Pack up your favorite chocolate chip cookies or brownies and reward yourself for successfully avoiding the unappetizing in-flight meal.

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Skip Overpriced Airport Food: How to Pack Food and Drink for a Flight

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her adventures around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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If you’ve ever reluctantly spent $7 on a bottle of water or $30 on a mediocre meal at an airport, know that there’s a better way. Packing a meal and snacks ahead of time for your next flight will not only save you money, but will also be way tastier and more satisfying than buying food at the airport (or subjecting yourself to the in-flight meal).

Follow these tips to pack the best food for your next flight and save your money for a splurge meal at your destination.

What Foods Can’t You Bring on a Plane?

There aren’t any foods that are specifically banned from bringing on a plane—the important thing to consider is if the TSA will consider your food a liquid. The TSA’s definition of “liquid” is stricter than most people’s, as the agency considers spreadables, like peanut butter or cream cheese, to be liquids. You can still bring these foods through security, but they will have to meet the 3-1-1 rule .

Although you can bring alcohol onboard a plane, you can’t consume it. Per FAA regulations , passengers can only drink alcohol that was served by a flight attendant. This applies to alcohol purchased at duty-free shops in the airport as well, so make sure you keep your liquor bottles sealed in-flight.   

8 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Flying

The Best Foods to Pack for Air Travel

Flying at a high altitude of 35,000 feet puts your body (and digestive system) under stress, so the best pre- and mid-flight meals are ones that are easy to digest. Opt for foods that are low-sodium (to reduce swelling) and skip the fried, greasy foods in favor of lean protein that will keep you satisfied but won’t upset your stomach.

Remember—just because you can bring it on a plane, doesn’t mean you should. Since you’ll be tightly packed in next to your seatmates, avoid bringing food that’s smelly or messy to eat. 

These are my favorite snacks and meals to bring on a plane. 

Catalina Crunch Cereal

Regular cereal makes for a quick and easy breakfast or snack, but it’s not very filling. Instead, pack Catalina Crunch , a high-protein cereal that comes in tasty flavors like cinnamon toast. It’s as delicious eaten dry for a snack as it is with milk. Single-serving pouches make these easy to throw in your bag for an on-the-go snack. 

Ginger Chews

If you tend to get motion sick while flying, pack some ginger chews —ginger is a proven natural remedy for nausea. Plus, chewing on something while the plane is taking off and landing can help with any pressure in your ears. 

Bada Bean Bada Boom

For a healthier alternative to the chips being served as an in-flight snack, try Bada Bean Bada Boom . These roasted fava beans come in chip-like flavors such as mesquite barbecue and sweet sriracha, but offer four times the protein and five times the fiber of potato chips—so you’ll stay full until you land.

GoMacro Bars

Protein bars are the easiest snacks to pack for travel. We like GoMacro because of the bar’s simple ingredients. Opt for the FODMAP friendly variety pack which only includes flavors with stomach-friendly ingredients.

ZENB Pasta Agile Bowls 

If you want a bargain-priced hot meal while traveling, pack Zenb Pasta’s Agile Bowls . Get a cup of hot water from an airport coffee shop and add it to the bowl, and you’ll have a warm and filling pasta dish ready in about five minutes. 

Should You Recline Your Seat on a Plane?

The Best Gear for Traveling With Food

Traveling with food requires a little prep work, as well as investing in some gear that will keep your food at the perfect temperature and contained (without leaks) throughout your whole trip. These gadgets can help.

Ninja Foodi Power Blender Ultimate System

Before a recent long flight, I stopped at a cafe and impulse bought a smoothie bowl, accidentally discovering my new favorite travel food. When frozen solid, a smoothie or smoothie bowl can be brought through airport security. It stays cold for hours, and will become the perfect consistency to eat once you’re in the air. Packed with fruits and vegetables, a smoothie bowl is a very soothing and filling meal that’s easy to digest and will also help keep you hydrated. 

To save money and make the perfect smoothie bowl at home, I use the Ninja Foodi Power Blender Ultimate System . This powerful blender is designed for makings smoothie bowls, and comes with a smoothie bowl that you can blend right into for an easy meal on-the-go.

All I have to do is dump in a small amount of liquid and any frozen ingredients that I want, and the Ninja instantly pulverizes it into the perfect smoothie bowl consistency. 

The system doubles as a food processor too, so you can also use it to chop vegetables and make dip to bring with you (vegetables and dip make a great plane snack). 

It might seem impossible to have a good, warm, in-flight meal (we’ll pass on the reheated meals served by the airlines), but it’s easy to do if you have a Ho t Logic . This magic lunchbox can actually cook a hot meal for you—you just need access to a regular plug like you’ll find on most planes. 

The Hot Logic uses conduction heating and can warm up leftovers in about 30 minutes, or cook a frozen meal in two hours. You can even cook it from scratch—it will make a meal in about one to two hours. 

Don’t worry about making all the other passengers jealous (or mad) with the Hot Logic—the enclosed container keeps the smell of your food inside while it’s cooking. 

How to Score Affordable Airport Lounge Access

Ice packs can leak, cause a mess, and potentially be confiscated by the TSA. Eliminate them entirely by using the PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag to keep your food cold instead. This uniquely designed lunchbox has a freezable gel built directly into the walls of the bag. Simply freeze the entire bag and it will keep your food cold for up to eight hours. 

Add in the brand’s bento containers , which have removable dividers, to create your own custom snack box that’s cheaper and better than anything you can buy on the plane. I like to use it to pack a fun deconstructed snack board with cheese, crackers, veggies, and dips.

Although you can’t bring a full water bottle through airport security, you can bring an empty one—which you can then fill up from the airport’s water fountain. Zojirushi’s Stainless Steel Mug will keep that water cold for hours, and it has a leak-proof lock that will prevent any spills in your bag. 

When you get to your destination, you can reuse it as a coffee mug, as it will keep beverages piping hot for a really long time.

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The Best And Worst Foods To Eat On A Plane, According To Nutritionists

On Assignment For HuffPost

Two years into the pandemic, many of us finally feel comfortable with air travel again — and the slowly warming weather and spring blossoms have us dreaming of our next vacation.

When we think of travel prep, we often think about what we’re going to pack, how we’re going to entertain ourselves on the plane, and of course, what we’ll actually do on vacation. One thing we don’t think about? What we’re going to eat on the plane. But we should, because the foods we choose to eat can make or break our flying experience.

“Traveling of any kind tends to disrupt digestion,” explained Anthea Levi , a registered dietitian with Culina Health. “The combination of altered morning routines, less regular meals, and new foods can mess with regularity and promote sluggishness.”

Add being on a plane, and you’re pretty much destined for tummy troubles. “Changes in air pressure on airplanes can contribute to gas buildup in the GI tract, hence why your belly may feel extra bloated up in the air,” Levi noted. “The more gas that’s introduced into the stomach and intestines, the more puffy we may feel.”

Before you accept bloat as an inevitable side effect of travel, consider this: What you eat and drink — and what you forgo — could help make flying a lot more comfortable. Here are the best foods and drinks to eat on a plane, and the ones to avoid.

What you should eat on a plane

Sure, abstaining from food altogether while on a plane might help your stomach feel a little better. But if you’re going to fly for longer than a few hours, that isn’t realistic. So what should you eat and drink on a plane?

A protein-packed smoothie

This one might be a little tough to get through airport security, but if you can find any restaurants or cafés in the terminal that sell smoothies — and healthy ones, not the types packed with sugar! — you’ll have a great airplane snack. “When you drink an easy-to-digest protein smoothie, the gut is responsible for less of the ‘breakdown,’ which makes for easier digestion,” explained Abby Grimm, a registered dietitian for FWDfuel .

Fruit is an easy, affordable food that you can bring with you and snack on mid-flight without worrying about bloat. “Oranges, bananas or other fruits can be a great source of immunity (vitamin C) as well as minerals (potassium, magnesium) that can support digestion and inflammation reduction,” Grimm said.

This might be the most boring suggestion, but it’s also one of the most important ones. “Air travel tends to dehydrate us thanks to low humidity levels in the aircraft, so it’s important to keep up your water intake in-flight,” Levi said. “Bring a large (empty!) water bottle with you to the airport and fill it up before you board. Bonus points if you also ask for two cups of H2O every time the flight attendants come by with the beverage cart.”

Hard-boiled eggs or other lean protein

No, you probably won’t become best friends with your seatmate if you bring eggs with you, but your stomach will thank you for it.

“Lean proteins like hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu or plain Greek yogurt are great options since protein is the most satiating of the macronutrients,” Levi said. “In fact, some research suggests that high-protein snacks improve appetite control and promote satiety even more so than high-fat snacks. Packing protein-rich meals or snacks for your flight will help keep you full for longer than a bag of pretzels or salted peanuts.”

Just make sure you eat them within 2 hours of removing them from refrigeration.

String cheese with cucumbers

Sodium can be very bloating, and most of the snacks at the airport and on the plane are packed with it. So before you leave for the airport, assemble a few low-maintenance, low-sodium snacks. “Think Greek yogurt and walnuts, string cheese with cucumber or carrot sticks, or a homemade whole wheat wrap filled with grilled chicken, veggies and a low-sugar BBQ sauce,” Levi suggested.

Peppermint tea

Peppermint is oh-so-soothing for the gut, so pack a few tea bags and ask for hot water on the plane. “This will help support digestion,” Grimm said.

What you should avoid on a plane

Now for the not-so-fun part: What foods should you avoid when you fly?

Anything with carbonation

Sorry, but you’ll want to skip the mid-flight soda. “Avoid anything with carbonation,” Levi said. “Travelers love ginger ale, but bubbly drinks introduce more gas into the digestive tract. Since airplane travel tends to bring on bloat already, it’s helpful to avoid anything fizzy and instead choose something flat and hydrating, like plain old H2O.”

Broccoli, kale, beans, and other high-fiber veggies

You may think you’re making the healthy choice by eating fiber-packed veggies while on board, but you’ll probably want to wait until you land to eat them. “You’ll want to avoid high amounts of fiber like a kale salad or broccoli because these fibrous foods take longer to pass through the GI tract and may allow for fermentation of carbs from bacteria in the small intestine,” Grimm said.

Additionally, beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can trigger a not-so-great reaction in the gut. “Though incredibly good for us, highly fermentable foods like beans and cruciferous vegetables are not ideal plane fare,” Levi explained. “These foods contain short-chain carbohydrates that can trigger gas and bloating in sensitive individuals.”

Chicken fingers and french fries

There’s no shortage of fast food in airport terminals, but trust us on this one: You’re better off just saying no. “Skip fatty foods like chicken fingers or fries, because high amounts of fat require high amounts of enzymes and bile to be produced and these processes are less efficient when the pressure of the gut is high,” Grimm said.

We’re all about indulging on vacation, but you may want to wait until you’ve reached your destination to sip on your celebratory “I’m on vacation” Champagne. “ Since these beverages can act as diuretics, they may contribute to dehydration while traveling,” Levi explained.

Salty snacks

As it turns out, the very foods the flight attendants push on you are the ones you should avoid. “Salty packaged snacks like pretzels, salted nuts and potato chips can contribute to dehydration thanks to their high sodium content,” Levi said.

Air travel is famous for being tough on the gut. But with the right tweaks, you’ll arrive at your destination bloat-free and ready to fully enjoy your vacation.

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17 Healthy Airplane Snacks You Can Bring Through TSA

Published September 23, 2019

Written by:

Jessie Beck

Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home...

Fred Perrotta

Co-founder, tortuga.

Fred Perrotta is the co-founder and CEO of Tortuga. His first backpacking trip to Europe inspired him to start the...

The Tortuga Promise

At Tortuga, our mission is to make travel easier. Our advice and recommendations are based on years of travel experience. We only recommend products that we use on our own travels.

Table of Contents

Can you bring your own snacks on an airplane? Yes, absolutely!

To avoid spending money on expensive airport food and make sure you have lots of healthy options while flying, bring your own DIY snacks and food packed in your carry on or personal item .

For health-conscious and budget-savvy travelers, there’s even more motivation to pack your own airplane snacks. Bringing food from home helps you avoid unhealthy choices at the airport, saves money, and gives you something to look forward to on your flight. 

You don’t have to be a master chef to level up your in-flight food game, either. Many of our favorite in-flight snacks are quick to make and easy to pack. If you’re not sure where to start, these packable, healthy, airplane food ideas will keep you and your travel crew satiated.

Can You Bring Snacks on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring your own snacks from home as long as they’re TSA compliant. Spreadables, like peanut butter, and liquids, like yogurt, must follow the standard 3-1-1 liquid rule . 

Read the Travel Toiletries Packing List for more details on carry on liquid rules.

Foods you purchase after the security checkpoints at the airport do not need to follow the 3-1-1 rule. As long as you’re buying it at the airport, you can enjoy all the in-flight hummus and coconut water you want.

TSA Food Rules: What Snacks Can You Bring on a Plane?

When we talk about food that’s not allowed on an airplane, we’re actually talking about food that’s not allowed through TSA. As mentioned above, you can bring solid foods like chips, crackers, sandwiches, and pasta through TSA in your carry on , but anything liquid or spreadable will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule. So, a 1.15 ounce squeeze pack of Justin’s nut butter is fine, but a four ounce tub of yogurt will be thrown out.

Once you’re past security, this rule no longer applies, and you can bring liquids and spreadables of any size purchased in the airport. So, yes, you could technically bring a sixteen ounce bowl of soup on your flight from the Panera Bread at the airport.

The TSA’s snacks page states:

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

Common foods you can’t bring through airport security include:

• Any liquid (e.g., yogurt, juice, coconut water) over 3.4 ounces
• Any paste (e.g., peanut butter, hummus) over 3.4 ounces

If you have questions about a specific food item, check TSA’s foods page .

What Snacks Can You Bring on an International Flight?

For international flights, there are no restrictions on what you can or cannot bring on the flight. However, at some borders, there are restrictions on what you can or cannot bring into the country. For example, Australia has strict regulations on what travelers can bring past customs and will confiscate any fresh produce or homemade meals you have in your luggage.

If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to eat your food in-flight so you don’t get it tossed at the border. If you want to pack something just in case you’re hungry, but aren’t sure if you’ll eat it, go for a packaged snack like crackers or a protein bar.

Snacks Not to Bring on a Plane

While technically allowed, you should also avoid smelly foods and allergens as a courtesy to your fellow passengers. For your own sake, skip messy foods you could easily spill.

Foods to avoid bringing on an airplane include:

• Smelly foods like tuna
• Allergens like peanut butter or any peanut-based snack
• Liquids that are likely to spill and harder to get through security due to size limits

Also, a word about yogurt. We all know it’s a good last-ditch breakfast option when your airport has few healthy options, but it has a tendency to explode when you open it at high altitudes. If you choose to bring yogurt on your flight, open it veerrrry slowly to escape an in-flight disaster. The same goes for anything else that feels pressurized at altitude.

The best airplane snacks are un-messy, un-stinky food you can enjoy at room temperature, like dried fruit or a sandwich. If you’re bringing anything from home, make sure it’s TSA compliant, and won’t stink up the cabin.

If you’re not sure what to bring, use this list of healthy, packable airplane snack and meal ideas. Even the most amateur chef can pull off these recipes.

Healthy, Packable Meals (with Recipes)

If you have the time and motivation, make one of these healthy, easy-to-pack airplane meals before you hit the road.

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie (Vegan, Dairy-Free)

For a quick, in-flight breakfast that won’t get smashed, explode, or cause a mess, reach for one of these nutrient-rich and antioxidant-filled blueberry oat breakfast cookies.

Banana Bread (Vegetarian)

Banana bread is another packable airplane breakfast option. For health-conscious travelers, choose a whole-wheat recipe that uses coconut oil instead of butter. Whatever you don’t pack, you can freeze until you’re back from your trip.

Chickpea Salad (Vegan, Dairy-Free)

This easy lunch recipe also works as a make-in-advance airplane meal. The salad is healthy, TSA-approved, and doesn’t need to be reheated. Plus, the recipe is flexible: toss in some feta cheese or cucumbers to make this meal your own.

Chicken and Vegetable Wrap (Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options)

Wraps are one of the best sandwiches for flights. For a healthy option, make this chicken and vegetable-filled version from the New York Times. If you’ll be on a long flight, skip the lettuce to avoid a wilted mess at mealtime.

Fruit, Vegetable, and Cheese Bento Box (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Dairy-Free Options)

Fancy-looking but simple to make, a DIY snack pack is a versatile and easy-to-pack homemade airplane snack. Simply cut up a variety of fruits, cheeses, veggies, and meats. Throw in a few crackers or a piece of bread if you’d like.

Grapes and blueberries are good options for fruits. For cheeses, stick to something low-odor and hard, like parmesan. For meat, go for a dried salami, which is preserved and doesn’t need refrigeration. 

Kale Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free Option)

Salads, the world’s go-to for a healthy meal that’s still tasty at room temperature, are another good airplane food option. To make sure your salad isn’t a mushy mess by the time you board, keep your dressing in a separate (smaller than 3.4 ounce) container. Also, opt for a heartier green like kale, shaved brussels sprouts, or cabbage, which won’t wilt like lettuce or arugula.

Cold Asian Noodles (Gluten-Free and Vegan Options)

You’re an intrepid eater, so why not give your airplane food an international twist with an Asian-inspired cold noodle dish? Sesame soba noodles are a simple classic, but if you want more ideas, check out Brit+Co’s line-up of cold noodle dishes.

Vegan Pasta Salad (Vegan)

For vegans and omnivores alike, recipes like this creamy vegan pasta salad from Love and Lemons are a great food option for air travel . Not only is it delicious, but meat and dairy-free dishes don’t require refrigeration. Even if you don’t end up eating it until halfway through a long flight, it’ll keep.

Chickpea Pan Bagnat (Vegetarian)

A French picnic classic, the pan bagnat is an easy and delicious make-in-advance sandwich option that actually gets better (not sad and soggy) the longer it sits. However, the original recipe has tuna, a major airplane no-no. Instead, try this vegetarian twist with chickpeas to make one of the best sandwiches for long flights.

Airplane Snacks

For short flights or just-in-case-I’m-hungry moments, toss one of these healthy airplane snacks in your bag.

• Dried fruit: Unlike real fruit, you can’t crush these babies. If you’re crossing time zones, go for dried berries. Target (Good & Gather) and Trader Joe’s both have good options without added sugar. I’m partial to Target’s dried mango and pineapple.
• Popcorn: The perfect accoutrement to your in-flight movie binge.
• Almonds: A protein-filled snack to keep you feeling full for longer.
• Crackers: Go for a healthier whole-wheat option that’s great for kids and adults.
• Fruit and veggie slices: Pack a bag of snap peas, apple slices, or any other fruit or veggie you love. 

There are also a few snacks you can make with hot water from the drink service.

• Miso soup : For a warming, in-flight snack, bring a packet of instant miso soup. Just be sure to keep your cup ¾ full, or use a thermos with a lid to avoid any turbulence-induced soup burns.
• Instant oatmeal : Grab a packet of oats or throw some quick oats in a thermos with your favorite toppings.
• Instant noodles : Choose a low-sodium instant noodle, since salty foods exacerbate the dehydration caused by air travel. Again, keep your bowl or food jar only ¾ full.

How to Pack Snacks for an Airplane

With most homemade airplane meals, your food is only as portable as its container. When packing your carefully crafted sandwich, salad, or noodles, make sure to choose a leak-proof container that will keep your food intact. 

Vremi Collapsible Food Container ($20)

Vremi’s line of collapsible containers is leak-proof and will keep your food safe in transit. After you’ve finished your snacks, the container collapses flat so you can stash it in your bag without it taking up as much room as traditional Tupperware.

Zojirushi Food Jar ($28+)

Japanese brand, Zojirushi, makes an affordable but high-quality line of thermoses and food jars designed to keep your warm food warm and cold food cold. If you prefer sturdier Tupperware or want to keep your food hot or cold in transit, use Zojirushi’s food jar to transport your pasta, salads, or snacks.

Stasher Bags ($8+)

Use a reusable, silicone bag from Stasher to transport your sandwich, pretzels, dried fruit, or any other snack you’d normally toss into a Ziploc bag. These bags pack even smaller than collapsible Tupperware and can be reused during your travels or on your return flight home. Like Bee’s wrap, they’ll also help you create less trash while you travel.

Bee’s Wrap ($15+ for 3)

Unlike foil or plastic wrap, you can wash and reuse these natural, beeswax-covered wraps — a plus for eco-friendly travelers who want to reduce the amount of trash they create on the road. Use them to transport sturdier foods, like sandwiches or carrot slices, and pack them on the outside or top of your bag.

Humangear Spork ($4)

If you’re bringing a dish like noodles or salad, you’ll need a utensil. Toss one of these petite, BPA-free sporks by Humangear  in your bag, instead of disposable forks and spoons from airport stores. Go for the titanium spork ($14) for an upgrade.

Snow Peak Chopsticks ($38)

Prefer chopsticks with your noodles? Grab a pair of portable chopsticks from Snow Peak . Made from high-quality stainless steel and bamboo, these chopsticks break in half when not in use and, when put together, form a full-sized chopstick. They’re expensive compared to the $4 spork but incredibly well-made and designed to last. My partner, Jon, has been using his for over ten years.

Snacks on a Plane

You can eat healthier while saving time and money by packing your own foods and snacks in your personal item . Just make sure your food:

• Follows TSA’s 3-1-1 rule : Spreadables, liquids, and liquid-ish foods like hummus, yogurt, and nut butter must be in 3.4 ounce containers or smaller.
• Tastes good at room temperature : Consider sandwiches, cold noodles, and salads.
• Isn’t smelly or messy to eat : Just say no to in-flight tuna.

When packing airplane snacks, consider using eco-friendly collapsible Tupperware, beeswax wraps, silicone sandwich and snack bags, and camping sporks you can reuse throughout your travels.

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Jessie is a writer, editor, and content marketer who covers travel gear and adventure travel. She’s called many places home and traveled to 45+ countries.

She now lives in San Francisco with her husband where she splits her time between traveling, adventuring outdoors, and cooking (okay, eating).

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What happens if you don't use airplane mode on your flight? Here's the answer to that, and more common travel questions.

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

What is airplane mode, anyway? 5 travel questions about flying with phones answered

In many ways our phones have become the keys to our lives. We use them to bank, take photos of our families, and share those pictures on social media. We use them to buy everything from clothes to groceries to gasoline. And there's a good chance your phone holds an entire archive of every for-friends'-eyes-only texts you've ever sent. 

Even if we're planning to unplug on a trip, it feels almost unthinkable to leave our phone at home. We use them to check in for flights, act as our boarding passes, book ride-shares or plan bus routes, find restaurants, check museum hours, or just kill time. But given all the extra phone usage that comes with travel, we're presented with myriad new concerns. What's safe and what isn't? Can you trust this public Wi-Fi network? Our pocket-sized devices may feel even more necessary outside of our comfort zones (not to mention time zones), so protecting them and all the info they hold seems even more critical when we're away from home.

In partnership with  Visible , Stacker looked at recommendations from manufacturers and consumer experts for smart and safe ways to fly with your phone. Can you use an unprotected Wi-Fi network at a cafe? Should you trust the chargers on the plane? Find out the answers to those questions and more.

Is it safe to use airport Wi-Fi?

The fear of public Wi-Fi hotspots is something of a relic , according to experts who spoke with the Washington Post. These days, most reputable websites and apps use HTTPS. This protocol encrypts data, making it very hard for potential digital eavesdroppers to spy on you. Before leaving home, make the most of HTTPS by setting your web browser to use only that connection type.

Check to ensure your web activity uses HTTPS by looking for these letters at the start of any URL or website address. Pages that start with HTTP are not encrypted. It's more difficult to tell whether mobile apps encrypt their traffic, so surfing for entertainment is better than accessing sensitive information while out and about.

If you're checking particularly sensitive information—say, your bank account—you can upgrade your security with a trustworthy virtual private network. VPNs further encrypt your digital traffic, making it virtually impossible for any eavesdropper to access it. Still, before connecting to an unsecured public Wi-Fi, use your mobile network to turn your phone into a hotspot.

What happens if you don't use airplane mode?

The Federal Aviation Administration bans cell phone calls on flights because of how the phone's signals interact with the plane's electronics. However, you can still use your phone if you put it in the aptly titled "airplane mode." This mode, which is standard on all modern smartphones, disables the phone's cellular connection as well as its Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. 

It's worth keeping in mind that forgetting to turn on airplane mode is extremely unlikely to endanger your flight. As it turns out, according to a 2017 survey by Allianz Global Assistance , 2 in 5 people report leaving their cell service enabled on flights, and there's no evidence signal interference from a cellphone has ever caused a crash. It's still best to listen to the airline's guidance regarding cell phone use in-flight.

Can you trust the chargers on the plane?

While not quite an out-of-date belief, " juice jacking "—a technique where a hacker uses public chargers to install spyware on your phone—is relatively unlikely, according to experts who spoke with the Washington Post. According to the FCC, cybersecurity experts warn that general public USB ports can have malware installed. If a public USB charging port prompts you to share data once you plug in your phone or mobile device, don't.

There are safer ways to charge your phone. Use your own charging cable and turn your phone off while it charges. If you want to be extra cautious, use a data-blocking adapter. These plugs connect to your USB cord and block its ability to transfer data, allowing you to charge safely.

How can you conserve your battery on a long flight?

If your phone is your boarding pass, your ride planner to your hotel, and credit card to pay for said hotel, you need it to be on. Airplane mode will save you some precious battery time by disabling a few energy-draining features of your phone. Even more useful are the battery-saving modes, which turn off certain features like email fetching or lower the phones brightness, that most phone manufacturers offer.

If you're still getting dinged with low-battery warnings, invest in a portable charger—a compact, spare power bank that can get you back to 100%.

What's with all the rules about lithium batteries?

If you've taken a flight recently, you've undoubtedly heard the rules about lithium batteries. For instance, if you check a bag with a lithium-battery-powered device, that device must be powered off. You must also keep any spare lithium batteries in your carry-on luggage.

The reason for all this? It's a lot more vital than keeping your phone in airplane mode. In the past five years, the number of fires related to lithium-ion batteries has jumped over 40% , according to a CBS News analysis of Federal Aviation Administration data. Before the next time you jet off, check the FAA's website for what to do with all your electronic devices.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick.

This story originally appeared on Visible and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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The sad, stale state of in-flight vegetarian meals

Who ordered the limp cucumber sandwich.

Last month, a traveler posted a photo to Reddit of his girlfriend’s vegetarian meal for a 12-hour flight. It wasn’t pretty.

The sandwich featured two grim cucumber slices and wan tomatoes. On the top half of the dry roll, faint oval imprints of the filling resembled cupping therapy marks. If the flight attendants had tried to revive the meal, they failed.

As a vegan, I could relate. For travelers who don’t eat animal products, the special meal delivered to our seat is often a mystery: What will the ingredients be? How was it prepared? Will it be halfway palatable?

We know the usual suspects all too well, tomato-soupy ratatouille, salty rice the color of pale sunshine or an anemic salad. We squirrel away extra packets of Biscoff not because we are members of the cookie’s fan club; we’re just trying to survive the flight.

The pitiful cuke is the latest publicly shared slight to vegetarian and vegan travelers seeking sustenance on airplanes. In 2023, a Japan Airlines passenger received a solitary banana with chopsticks for his vegan business-class breakfast. In March, Donna Zeigfinger, founder of Green Earth Travel , ordered a quinoa plate on a United flight. The travel adviser’s plant-based meal came with a side of chicken strips.

“They’re not quite getting it,” said Zeigfinger, a longtime vegan. “They’re still not understanding.”

On a 12 hour flight and this was my gf’s veggie sandwich around 8hrs in. by u/pestopopcorn in mildlyinfuriating

Airlines are constantly investing in meal service , especially in the higher ticket categories. American Airlines recently unveiled its reimagined menu, which included such meat-free dishes as truffle ricotta ravioli and vegetable and garbanzo bean tagine with couscous. Yet, veg travelers are discovering a disconnect between what’s on the menu and what lands with a thud — or whimper — on their tray table.

“One word — disgusting,” said Nikki Dewan, a Vegetarian Society member who participated in a recent Facebook survey about airplane food. “Airlines don’t make an effort to bring good, delicious and wholesome food for the airline customers.”

In a Gallup poll conducted in July, 4 percent of Americans said they were vegetarians. So, why aren’t airlines doing better? And can they please cheer up that sad cucumber with a little dressing?

Missing meals force airlines to improvise

In general, a catering company or in-house culinary team plans the in-flight menus and prepares thousands of meals and snacks in an industrial kitchen on the airport grounds. The airlines assume that all of the passengers will eat the standard meals unless they are otherwise informed.

No different from a restaurant or wedding reception, it is the diner’s responsibility to inform the host (in this case, the airline) of dietary restrictions or meal preferences. Most carriers require passengers to submit their meal choices at least 24 to 48 hours before departure, so the chefs can fill the special orders. If you wait until you’re on the plane to share your requirements, you could end up with an improvised meal conjured in the galley.

“I was always amazed by the time it takes to put together a special meal, which is actually not that easy,” said Daniel Klein, executive chef for research and development at LSG Group, one of the world’s largest airline catering firms. “That’s why I can sometimes see why you might just get a banana, because it’s a last-minute request.”

However, reserving a meal is no guarantee that you will receive it. The flight attendant might not deliver the dish to its rightful owner because of a technical glitch, human error or passenger interference.

“It’s not just the quality of the food or the availability. It’s actually the service,” said Deirdra Barr, director of communications for the U.K.-based Vegetarian Society. “So many people’s vegetarian or vegan meals go missing or someone else gets them, and that means they’re left with nothing.”

Grace Philips, a Vegetarian Society member, knew exactly what happened to her veg meal on a recent flight: Another passenger didn’t “fancy the meat option” and asked for the vegetarian option instead. When the flight attendant reached her seat, all of the veg meals were gone. “I was hungry,” she shared on the group’s Facebook page.

In these instances, the flight attendants will often assemble an improvised plate of food for the neglected passenger. They will forage in the galley or pinch items from their own mini-coolers.

On a flight from New York to Scotland, Elyse Mercedes King said a flight attendant donated her two apples. Vanessa Winsor once survived a long-haul trip with three segments of a satsuma mandarin, six grapes and a bread roll.

When Zeigfinger flew United from Washington Dulles to Berlin, her preordered vegan meal never materialized. The flight attendant tried to correct the injustice with a slapdash meal, plus 700 frequent-flier points.

“The flight attendant was really angry,” Zeigfinger said. “She acknowledged that this was a serious thing.”

The best and worst airlines for vegetarians and vegans

In the 1990s, many travelers who identified as carnivores on the ground became temporary vegetarians when flying. The meatless meal seemed like the tastier and less enigmatic option.

“People who weren’t vegetarian were ordering the vegetarian meal because it was so much better than the chicken or beef they would serve on the plane,” said James Doran, director of business development, tourism and hospitality practice at SIS International Research.

As airlines chase after loyalty members and elite travelers, they are paying more attention to overall meal service, including the previously maligned proteins. Some carriers have teamed up with celebrity chefs, such as Delta’s partnerships with Michelle Bernstein, Michael Chiarello and Linton Hopkins. Air France works with Michelin-starred French chefs and award-winning pastry chefs.

Charles Platkin, founder and executive director of the Center for Food as Medicine , described vegan and vegetarian meals as an “afterthought” in this profit-driven market. Even so, the major airlines are still providing special meals, including several that go beyond the traditional veg diet. The subcategories include Asian vegetarian, vegetarian lacto-ovo, fruit platter and Jain , a vegetarian diet that eschews root vegetables.

Travelers note that airlines that cater to populations inclined toward vegetarianism, for cultural or religious reasons, often excel in this department. Doran fondly recalled a vegetarian Malay meal on Malaysian Airlines and an Indian-style vegetarian dish on Emirates. However, this rule doesn’t always apply.

“Very surprisingly Air India is terrible on the occasions I’ve flown with them,” Teresa Dawkes shared on the Vegetarian Society’s Facebook page. “Pretty inedible and they didn’t have any gin.”

Ashley Isaacs Ganz, the vegetarian founder of the luxury tour operator Artisans of Leisure , said she wishes carriers based in countries with strong vegetarian traditions would better showcase their culinary heritage. For example, she suggested Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways incorporate Japanese temple cuisine into their menus.

“I always want to have the Japanese meal, but the different components of the meal are, for the most part, not vegetarian,” she said. “I would love for them to take it to the next level.”

In a Vegetarian Society Facebook post about airplane food, more airlines were panned than praised. Patricia Thompson called Irish carrier Aer Lingus “woeful” for serving dry veggie pasta for dinner and canapés with chicken bits that the flight attendants offered to pick off.

Not just pasta and salad anymore

To be fair, some airlines have been refining their palates.

Since 2009, Swiss has partnered with Hiltl , which claims to be the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant (it was founded in Zurich in 1898). The airline celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a three-course meal that included spicy beetroot tabbouleh, penne with vegetarian bolognaise or massaman curry for the main course, and a vegan mango mousse for dessert.

In November, Australian carrier Qantas launched new vegan menu items in all of its classes. Economy passengers can dine on lemon herb pearl couscous with roasted carrots, baby beans and toasted almonds. Higher classes can sample such dishes as pumpkin and ginger soup with sourdough croutons; stir-fried shiitake mushrooms with tofu, chrysanthemum greens and jasmine rice; or plant-based orecchiette with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower cream and pangrattato.

For its latest vegan and vegetarian menus, Air New Zealand introduced such dishes as cannellini bean smash with pan-fried tofu spinach and jackfruit with coconut red curry and black mustard seed steamed rice.

Klein recently developed a Western-themed vegan menu for Korean Air. For first class, he created a trio of amuse-bouches, including an onion puree flavored with passion fruit; smashed Yukon potatoes with fresh truffles and a chestnut puree; and a risotto with roasted vegetables.

He said the biggest challenge in crafting innovative in-flight meals is not the altitude, which dulls the taste buds, but the cost of some products. He said alternative meats are too expensive to include on menus.

“They are still very pricey,” he said. “We’re not there yet, so we go with regular items, but we try to be creative.”

Platkin is not clamoring for fake proteins on flights. He advocates for clean, healthy ingredients, and said the airlines already rely too heavily on processed foods and easy carbs.

When asked to review new menu options on American Airlines, he said the dishes look tasty, but he was concerned about the heavy use of cheese and the fake meat.

As for the meal plan for international economy passengers, his critique was short and to the point: “It is all pasta.”

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

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Should the Middle Seat Passenger Get Both Armrests on a Plane? A Travel Expert Answers the Controversial Question

The debate was recently reignited by a passenger who claimed their flight attendant had specific “armrest rules” in a post shared on Reddit

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

An airline passenger reignited a classic travel debate after they claimed a flight attendant was enforcing “armrest rules” during their recent trip. 

The passenger said the flight attendant told everyone on the plane to use one armrest only , either to the right or left of them depending on where they were sitting, in a post shared to Reddit earlier this month. 

“To my surprise, he was very emphatic that no person gets two armrests,” user littleike0 wrote on the forum. They claimed that the crew member’s reasoning for the rule was to “keep the armrest on the aisle clear for carts and people walking down the plane.” 

“He emphatically stated that no armrest drama would be tolerated,” the user continued. “Feeling sorry for all the folks in middle seats on this flight, [I] mentioned to my seat mate she was welcome to use both armrests.”

The original poster (OP) ended their retelling by asking their fellow Redditors if they’ve ever heard of these “rules” before. The comments section was quickly flooded with users’ opinionated responses.

“That's a ‘no’ for me. I'm an aisle seater, and that aisle armrest is mine,” one person wrote. “The middle seat gets his/her two, I get mine on the aisle.”

Another added, “I only ride aisle, cause I'm a short stocky wide dude...armrest is mine so I can lean that way, and not on the middle…”

One user asked, “Why do we need rules like this? 🙄 If I’m on the aisle and get bumped it’s my bad.”

Others emphasized that the middle seat passenger should always get both armrests as they have the least amount of space.

“I always assumed the middle seat got both armrests because, let’s be honest, the middle seat SUCKS. I always felt like it was the least I could do for their troubles.”

However, some thought that the flight attendant’s alleged rule did serve a valuable purpose. 

“I actually agree with that. It’s always so annoying brushing past people who are leaning out into the aisle.”

PEOPLE spoke to travel advisor Nicole Campoy Jackson of Fora Travel to get to the bottom of the airplane etiquette issue. 

“My rule of thumb is: always be considerate of the person in the middle seat,” Jackson says. “If you're in a three-across seating setup on a plane, the window passenger gets the window and window-side armrest; the aisle passenger gets the aisle armrest; and the middle passenger gets to decide how they'd like to use the two in the middle.”

She emphasizes that the middle seat is “claustrophobic enough” and those passengers shouldn’t have to be “relegated to one armrest.”

However, there are situations where sharing the middle armrest may be the best option, according to Jackson.

“If you're a taller person and have a hard time getting comfortable without the use of a bit of that armrest, then there's no harm in sharing. Give the right of way to the middle passenger, but also get comfortable.” 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Jackson says that while she understands where the flight attendant is coming from with their rules, there is no reason to avoid the aisle seat armrest for the entire flight.

“I assume that bumping into passengers left and right down the aisle would get annoying for everyone involved. But there are many hours on a plane during which the cart is not being pushed. So, must you avoid that aisle armrest the entire time? Of course not. If you're awake and can scoot in a bit to avoid getting bumped? Then, do!”

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What Can I Bring?

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Read about civil penalties for prohibited items .

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The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device.

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Aerosol Insecticide

• Carry On Bags: No
• Checked Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)

Aerosol insecticides are not allowed in carry-on; however they are allowed in checked bags as long as they are not labeled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).

Air Mattress with Built-in Pump

• Carry On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
• Checked Bags: Yes

Air mattresses with built-in pump are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.

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Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage.  Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.

For more information to portable electronic devices, see the FAA regulations.

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• Carry On Bags: Yes (Less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml allowed)

Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol beverages on board. FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant.  Additionally, Flight Attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who is intoxicated.

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. 

Mini bottles of alcohol in carry-on must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.

For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof

• Checked Bags: No

Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol (over 140 proof), including grain alcohol and 151 proof rum. For more information, see FAA regulation: 49 CFR 175.10(a)(4).

Check with your airline if ammunition is allowed in checked bags. Small arms ammunitions must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask the airline about limitations or fees. Read the guidelines for traveling with firearms.

When traveling, be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international government.

• Carry On Bags: Yes

You may transport this item in carry-on or checked bags. For items you wish to carry on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

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Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include, but are not limited to: removing the battery from the lighter; placing the lighter into a protective case; and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter's activation button.

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Recharging of the devices and/or the batteries on board the aircraft is not permitted.

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In-flight catering during the Gate Gourmet strike

Airlines have temporarily adjusted food service on some flights

Food and beverage services on some flights to and from Toronto Pearson are being affected by a strike at in-flight catering firm Gate Gourmet. As a result, food and drink choices on some flights are currently more limited than usual.

All restaurants and retail outlets in the terminals are operating as normal; Gate Gourmet is an airline caterer, not a Toronto Pearson caterer. The airport has no direct role in the dispute but it is working to help minimize disruption to passengers – for example, by working with the airlines to mitigate related gate delays.

Here’s what you need to know about temporary changes to on-board catering:

What is Gate Gourmet?

It’s a multinational company and a major supplier of food and beverages to the airline industry globally. It operates an in-flight meal preparation facility at Toronto Pearson that is currently experiencing a labour disruption. Toronto Pearson is one of seven Canadian airports and 135 locations where Gate Gourmet does business worldwide.

Which flights are affected?

Gate Gourmet supplies catering services to several airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet. While all airlines have taken steps to minimize disruption, some adjustments to onboard services have been unavoidable.

To find out if your flight’s catering is affected, contact your airline’s customer services team. Your airline may also email you a few days before departure to advise you of the in-flight catering options.

What can I expect on the plane?

Air Canada has said that food choices on its North American flights will be limited, but packaged snacks and water will be available on all services. Customers in premium cabins can expect a light meal and more limited beverage service than usual. There is minimal impact to international flights.

WestJet has said that flights operating on its Boeing 737 jets could experience inconsistent food and beverage service. It has advised passengers to pack snacks and beverages or purchase them in the terminal. Service on its other flights should operate as normal.

Can I take larger beverages through security while the labour dispute is on?

No. Canadian government regulations only permit liquids in bottles of 100ml or less in carry-on baggage. You can bring an empty bottle and fill it at drinking fountain beyond security or purchase water and other beverages in the departures area.

What are Gate Gourmet and the airlines doing to minimize the impact of the strike?

Gate Gourmet and the affected airlines have implemented contingency plans to reduce disruption. This includes adjusting food choices on board and stocking some flights at locations not affected by the strike.

Are restaurants in the airport affected?

No. All restaurants and retail outlets in the terminals are operating as normal.

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'Roughest landing': Watch video of plane bouncing off runway as it attempts to land at LAX

A Boeing 747 operated by Lufthansa Airlines ran into a couple of bumps as it landed at LAX Airport in Los Angeles.

Video footage of the landing, captured by Airlines Videos Live , shows the aircraft skidding on the runway and then bouncing off the ground as it attempts to land. The plane then takes off again, flying for a few minutes before successfully landing.

"What? Whoa, whoa, whoa," the commentator of the livestream could be heard saying. "We're getting that go around. Holy moly. Wow. That is the roughest landing I think we've ever caught on our broadcast."

A Boeing 747-8 Lufthansa flight was scheduled to land around 1 p.m. ET at LAX after a more than 11-hour flight from Frankfurt, Germany, LAX's website shows.

Columnist: Another Boeing plane issue? Don't fall for the headlines.

No injuries reported

Lufthansa Airlines, in an email statement to USA TODAY, said that Flight LH 456 from Frankfurt to Los Angeles had a "rough landing" Tuesday. 326 passengers and 19 crew members were on board the flight and no injuries were reported.

The airline said the plane later flew back to Frankfurt following "an assessment by the cockpit crew, a consultation with the technical department on site and in Frankfurt and an initial visual inspection," where it will undergo further inspection. Lufthansa did not specify if the plane flew back empty or had passengers on board.

Airline Videos Live captures planes as they take off and land at LAX Airport. The livestream was created in 2019 by Los Angeles TV News photojournalist Kevin Ray, according to the YouTube channel account description .

While Boeing incidents have been in the news in recent months after a series of high-profile incidents , aviation experts maintain you shouldn't worry about flying .

“We don’t have to worry that there’s something systemically wrong with aviation,” Clint Balog, an associate professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, previously told USA TODAY.

Contributing: Staff, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.