CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is prepared for a busy Thanksgiving travel period. TSA expects to screen 17.8 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Tuesday, Dec. 2, with over 3 million just on Sunday, November 30th. TSA projects that the three busiest travel days at CRW will be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Sunday after the holiday.
To help speed up security screening time, TSA is offering several packing tips for passengers planning to bring food items on board their flights. Most foods can be carried through a TSA checkpoint, but some items must be transported in checked baggage. Solid items can go through a checkpoint, but passengers carrying items that can spill, spread, spray, pump, or pour and are larger than 3.4 ounces should pack those in checked luggage.
Here are some examples of holiday food travelers can carry 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 or uncooked, in a box or bag.
- Casseroles – Solid casseroles can be brought in carry-on or checked luggage. However, casseroles with liquid or semi-liquid components (e.g., soups, sauces, or gravy) must comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. Each liquid or semi-liquid item must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or less and fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Mac ‘n Cheese – Must be solid and already cooked in a pan, or passengers may travel with the ingredients to cook at their destination.
- Fresh vegetables – Examples include potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, and greens.
- Fresh fruit – Examples include apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and kiwi.
- Candy
- Spices
Here are some examples of holiday food travelers should pack in their checked baggage:
- Cranberry sauce – Homemade or canned, as it is spreadable.
- Gravy – Homemade or in a jar/can.
- Canned fruits or vegetables – Items in liquid-filled cans or jars should be packed in checked luggage.
- Preserves, jams, and jellies – Spreadable items must be checked.
- Maple syrup
Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either, or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which includes a handy“What can I bring?” tool. Travelers can type in the item to find out if it is permitted. You can also ask questions on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA, or by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
Travelers are also reminded to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness. If items need to stay cold during travel, ice packs are permitted but must be frozen solid when going through security screening. For additional holiday food safety tips, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website.
