Ensure a Smooth Thanksgiving Travel with Proper Food Handling
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through TSA checkpoints
Baked goods bring a sweet touch to any journey. Whether it's homemade pies, store-bought cakes, or delicious cookies and brownies, they can easily fit in your carry-on. Meats like turkey, chicken, ham, and steak, whether frozen, cooked, or uncooked, are also allowed. Stuffing, whether in a box or a bag and cooked or uncooked, makes for a comforting addition. Casseroles, from traditional green beans and onion straws to more exotic varieties, can be carried along. Mac 'n Cheese, whether cooked in a pan or with the ingredients to cook it at your destination, is a favorite. Fresh vegetables such as potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, and squash add a healthy touch. Fresh fruits like apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and kiwi are also permitted. Candy and spices complete the list of carry-on-friendly Thanksgiving treats.
These food items can bring a taste of home and celebration during your travel. They add a personal touch to the journey and make the Thanksgiving feast even more special when you reach your destination.
Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage
Cranberry sauce, whether homemade or canned, is spreadable and thus should be checked. Gravy, whether homemade or in a jar/can, also falls into this category. Wine, champagne, and sparking apple cider have liquid content and are best packed in checked luggage. Canned fruit or vegetables with liquid inside need to be checked. Preserves, jams, and jellies are spreadable and are more suitable for checked baggage. Maple syrup also requires careful packing in checked luggage.
By following these guidelines, travelers can avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport and ensure a hassle-free travel experience. It's important to be prepared and know which items can and cannot be carried on.
To see if dishes not listed can fly, be checked or neither, travelers can check the TSA’s “What can I bring?” tool, or inquire with @AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or X, formerly known as Twitter.