TSA: The Do's and Don'ts of Thanksgiving Food

What Thanksgiving foods can you carry on? We've got you covered.

ByABC News
November 18, 2016, 4:39 AM

— -- Flying home after Thanksgiving? After you recover from your turkey coma, you may want to pack your Uncle John's famous mashed potatoes into your checked luggage, or they may be taken away from you at a TSA checkpoint if you try to carry them on.

Airlines for America, the industry trade organization for airlines, is projecting 27.3 million passengers traveling globally on U.S. airlines during the Thanksgiving travel period. Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration is prepping for an influx of passengers who may be unsure as to what Thanksgiving foods they can carry on the plane with them.

So what foods can you bring? Check out the TSA-approved list.

Traditional Thanksgiving Items You Can Bring in Your Carry-On Bags

    Mashed Potatoes (uncooked, instant mix)

    Butternut Squash

    Green Beans

    Stuffing

    Turkey

    Pies (may be subject to additional screening, depending on what kind of pie it is)

    Cakes

    Traditional Thanksgiving Items You Should Pack in Your Checked Bags

    Soup

    Salad Dressing

    Mashed Potatoes (cooked)

    Gravy

    Sweet Potatoes (i.e.: casseroles, etc)

    Cranberry Sauce

    Wine

    Carving Knife (Yes, people really pack these in their carry-ons!)

    So in Summary:

    If it's more than 3.4 ounces and you can spill it, spray it, spread it, dump it or pour it, it's best to pack it in your checked baggage, or you risk it getting chucked into the garbage at security. Then Grandma won't be mad at you for throwing away perfectly good gravy.

    ABC News' Erin Dooley contributed to this report.

Related Topics