Cleared to Pack

Can you bring food on a plane?

Yes. Solid food can go in carry-on or checked bags. Liquid, gel, or spreadable foods over 3.4 oz (100 ml) must go in checked bags. Arriving from abroad, you must declare all food to U.S. Customs.

Carry-on bagWith limits

Any solid food (sandwiches, cooked meat, cookies, pizza, candy) is allowed. Liquids, gels and spreads (soups, sauces, dips, yogurt, jam) must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less per container and fit in your one quart-size bag.

Checked bagAllowed

Solid and liquid foods are both allowed in checked bags. Pack liquids so they cannot leak.

Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.

The rules in numbers

  • Solid food: no TSA quantity limit in carry-on or checked bags
  • Liquid/gel/spreadable food in carry-on: 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, all in one quart-size bag
  • International arrivals: declare all meats, fruits, vegetables, plants and animal products on CBP Form 6059B; undeclared prohibited items can bring civil penalties up to $1,000 for a first non-commercial offense

Packing tips

  • TSA officers may ask you to take food out of your bag for a separate X-ray, so pack it on top.
  • If it can be spread, poured, or pumped, TSA treats it as a liquid or gel.
  • Flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, your food is checked by USDA before departure, so eat fresh produce before the airport.
  • Many fresh, dried and some canned meats are prohibited entering the U.S. from abroad, including products made with them such as beef broth.

Outside the US

  • CanadaCATSA treats non-solid foods (spreads, sauces, yogurt) like liquids: 100 ml or less per container in one 1 L clear bag in carry-on. Source

Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.

Questions people ask

Can I bring a sandwich through TSA?

Yes. Sandwiches and other solid foods are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. Keep sauces or dips on the side to 3.4 oz or less.

Do I have to declare food when flying into the US?

Yes. CBP requires you to declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants and animal products. Undeclared prohibited items are confiscated and can bring fines up to $1,000 for a first offense.

Can I bring homemade food on a plane?

Yes, if it is solid. Wet or spreadable dishes must be 3.4 oz or less in your carry-on, or go in checked bags.

Sources