Thanksgiving is projected to be the busiest travel period on record, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
In an effort to help travelers, TSA compiled a list of Thanksgiving food items that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint.
TSA said they’re projected to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2. That is an increase of approximately 6% from this time last year, according to officials.
It’s important to think about how you’re planning to transport your Thanksgiving feast if you are flying to spend the holiday with family or friends.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske said there’s also one popular question this time of year.
“Can I bring a turkey?” Pekoske said Thursday during a news conference Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia.
Most foods can be carried through a TSA checkpoint, but there are some items that need to be transported in checked baggage.
If it’s a solid item, it can go through a checkpoint. However, 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.
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA checkpoint:
- Baked goods. Homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats.
- Meats. Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked.
- Stuffing. Cooked, uncooked, in a box or in a bag.
- Casseroles. Traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic.
- Mac ‘n Cheese. Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination.
- Fresh vegetables. Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, greens.
- Fresh fruit. Apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, kiwi.
- Candy.
- Spices.
Thanksgiving foods that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage
- Cranberry sauce. Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them.
- Gravy. Homemade or in a jar/can.
- Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider.
- Canned fruit or vegetables. It’s got liquid in the can, so check them.
- Preserves, jams and jellies. They are spreadable, so best to check them.
- Maple syrup.
No matter what, there’s one thing Pekoske urged people to remember to bring.
“Pack a little patience,” Pekoske said.
During the news conference, Pekoske was joined by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. They said they while they expect a busy holiday travel season, they are taking steps to keep air travel smooth, safe, and efficient.
Learn more at tsa.gov.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
