Food and travel go hand in hand, but when it comes to airport security, some of them can make the process more complicated than it needs to be. Certain items may appear innocent but violate TSA guidelines, and this slows you down. To avoid hassle, here’s a look at 10 foods you should think about before bringing them.
Sauces And Dips
Airport security frequently raises eyebrows when it comes to sauces and dips. These items are considered liquids and must adhere to the same strict rules as beverages. If you’re carrying salsa or guacamole, it’s best to place them in a sealed container and keep them under the 3.4-ounce limit.
Honey-Roasted Insects
Sure, edible bugs are trending, but bringing honey-roasted crickets or mealworms through security might land you in the “special inspection” line. Some countries ban the import of insects, even if they’re snacks. Play it safe—leave the critters at home and avoid a crunchy confrontation.
Liquid-Like Snacks
Exceeding the TSA’s 3.4-ounce rule for carry-ons can lead to unexpected security delays, even for seemingly harmless items. Yogurt, pudding, and other liquid-like snacks often fall into this restricted category. To keep things moving smoothly, pack them in smaller containers or tuck them into checked luggage.
Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are fine for travel within the continental U.S., but restrictions apply when flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or international locations. The reason is that agricultural rules aim to prevent invasive pests, so items like apples or leafy greens might face inspection or even confiscation.
Soft Cheeses
Cheese lovers, take note! Hard cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan usually pass through security with no issue. However, soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or ricotta might raise concerns due to their spreadable texture. The 3.4-ounce rule matters here as well.
Packaged Snacks With Powdered Seasonings
Powdered seasonings in snacks like chips or instant noodles can prompt closer inspection by airport security. Larger amounts of powders are flagged as part of safety checks. Keep quantities small and in original packaging to avoid delays, especially when traveling internationally, as local restrictions may apply.
Salad Dressings
Foods in spill-prone or oversized containers often cause security delays, and salad dressings are one of the culprits. Many exceed the 3.4-ounce limit, which makes them tricky for carry-ons. If you want to avoid hold-ups, opt for small packets or check that bottles meet TSA guidelines.
Homemade Baked Goods With Hidden Fillings
That innocent jelly donut? It doesn’t succeed at deceiving TSA. Hidden fillings can look suspicious on X-rays—turning your breakfast into a brief security drama. If your baked goods are packing a surprise filling center, expect a longer wait. So, stick to snacks that don’t play hide-and-seek with airport scanners.
Frozen Foods
Frozen foods are allowed through security as long as they’re completely solid when screened. If partially thawed, they could be treated as liquids. While there’s no size limit for solids, larger frozen items might trigger additional screening.
Strong-Smelling Foods
One thing that can create discomfort for passengers and attract attention at security checkpoints is intense odors. Foods with strong smells, such as durian, garlic-heavy dishes, or aged cheeses, may prompt additional inspections. While TSA doesn’t ban items based on scent alone, some airlines impose restrictions.
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