Packing Snacks for Your Flight? Here’s What the TSA Actually Lets You Bring

If you’ve ever stood in an airport security line wondering whether that granola bar or tub of hummus will make it through, you’re not alone. The rules around bringing food on a plane can feel like a guessing game. We all know the drill with liquids—3.4 ounces or less, in a quart-sized bag—but food? That’s where it gets tricky. Whether you’re packing dietary essentials, a sandwich for the flight, or souvenirs from your trip, knowing what’s allowed can save you from an unpleasant surprise at the checkpoint.

The good news: solid, dry foods are almost always fine in your carry-on. Think chocolate bars, dried fruit, baked goods, and even homemade sandwiches. The TSA says any solid food can go in either your carry-on or checked luggage. But watch out for anything that’s spreadable, pourable, or mushy—hummus, peanut butter, soft cheese, soups, and sauces all fall under the liquid rule. That means they need to be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. One loophole: you can buy those items after security in the airport or on the plane, though the airline may still restrict things like nuts due to allergies.

There are a few special cases worth noting. Fresh fruit is generally allowed within the continental U.S., but if you’re flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland, most fresh fruits and veggies are banned to prevent spreading pests. International travelers should also check destination rules—many countries restrict fruit and dairy imports. For parents, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food in quantities over 3.4 ounces are allowed as medically necessary liquids, but you’ll need to declare them at security and expect extra screening. And if you’re carrying melted chocolate or a gooey sandwich, keep in mind that anything that resembles a liquid at the checkpoint could be subject to the 3.4-ounce limit. When in doubt, pack dry snacks and check with your airline before you go.