KENNER, La. — More than 341,000 passengers are expected to make their way in and out of Louis Armstrong International Airport between Tuesday and Monday, Dec. 2. The Thanksgiving holiday is usually when TSA agents see a spike in foods making their way through checkpoints.
Tuesday Shari Koshetz, a spokesperson for TSA, reminded passengers to be cautious this week as they plan to pack those beans, greens, potatoes and tomatoes on board their Thanksgiving flights.
“These canned goods are here because they all have a certain amount of liquid in them,” she said. “It’s an indiscernible amount of liquid but clearly it's more than 3.4 oz so these items could have been placed in your checked bag.”
But not every food item is banned from your carry-on, Koshetz pointed out. Passengers can bring solid foods on board like a whole frozen turkey.
“Yes, you may fly with a turkey,” she said. “It can be frozen, or it can be cooked as long as it’s not sitting in a tin of gravy.”
Below is a list of the most common food items you can bring on the plane and what you have to check:
Thanksgiving foods that can be carried through a TSA Checkpoint:
- Baked Goods
- Meats
- Stuffing
- Casseroles
- Mac ‘n Cheese
- Fresh Vegetables
- Fresh Fruit (If you are traveling to another country or even a U.S. territory you should check on their agricultural rules for fruits and vegetables.)
- Candy
- Spices.
Thanksgiving food that should be carefully packed with your checked baggage:
- Cranberry Sauce. Homemade or canned.
- Gravy
- Wine, champagne, sparkling apple cider
- Canned fruit or vegetables
- Preserves, jams, jellies
- Maple syrup.
If you are unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither, you can download the free My TSA app. Or ask on X or Facebook messenger at @askTSA. You can also send a question by texting “Travel” to ASKTSA (275-872).
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