Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - Packing Strategies for Cookies and Other Baked Goods
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - TSA Rules on Carrying Holiday Treats in Your Carry-On
Email for Collabs or Business inquires.'>
When packing holiday treats to bring on your flight, it's important to be aware of TSA regulations to avoid any hassles or confiscated confections at airport security. While the TSA wants you to enjoy Aunt Betty’s famous snickerdoodles at your destination, they also have to balance dessert with safety.
The first rule of thumb is to avoid putting anything liquid or gel-like in your carry-on bag. That means no homemade eggnog or fruitcakes slathered in brandy sauce. Solid baked goods like cookies, pies, quick breads, and traditional fruitcakes are all fine, but anything that could be considered a liquid, gel, paste, or spread is a no-go for carry-ons. You’ll have to check these items if you want to transport them by air.
Of course, the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons applies. You can only bring travel-sized containers of jams, jellies, syrups, or other toppings in quantities of 3 ounces or less. Each container has to fit in a 1 quart sized bag, with only 1 bag per passenger. So you may have to sacrifice grandma’s homemade cranberry sauce unless you want to check your luggage.
The next consideration is food items that could trigger additional screening. Anything with frosting, glaze, chocolate, or nuts could get flagged by TSA scanners. Dense fruitcakes packed with nuts and candied fruit are notorious for getting pulled out of carry-ons for additional checks. You may have your bag searched by hand if the x-ray machines can’t clearly identify what’s inside. While it’s not prohibited, it can slow you down at security.
Some travelers try to ship holiday baked goods ahead rather than deal with TSA rules. But that strategy comes with its own hassles. You have to properly package items to avoid damage and pay extra shipping costs. Perishable goods may not even arrive in an edible state if they get delayed.
Experienced holiday travelers recommend packing cookies, brownies, or other treats in a plastic container rather than tin or foil to allow easy screening. Avoid overly decorated cookies or cakes that could get crushed in transit. And always keep treats in your carry-on, not checked luggage, to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures in aircraft cargo holds.
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - Checking Food Items vs Carrying Them On The Plane
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - How to Transport Fragile Holiday Foods Safely
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - Airport Security Tips When Traveling With Holiday Meals
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - Innovative Ways to Pack and Transport Holiday Dishes
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - Airline Policies on Flying with Holiday Meals and Sweets
When packing holiday treats to enjoy at your destination, it’s critical to know and follow airline policies. Otherwise, you may find TSA or gate agents confiscating that pan of Aunt Edna’s pecan pie you slaved over. Nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than losing grandma’s rum cake to an ignorance of airline rules. The policies of major U.S. carriers on transporting holiday foods vary, so research before you pack.
We baked a test fruitcake and trotted it to the airport to learn the hard way what airlines do and don’t allow. Like us, you’ll want to avoid fruitcake frustration on your next holiday flight.
Of the big three legacy carriers, Delta Airlines has the most restrictive policies on holiday food transport. Do not attempt to bring your famous homemade cranberry sauce orMallory’s award-winning maple glazed ham in your carry-on. Only “solid foods” like cookies, brownies, and factory packaged snack items are permitted. No homemade anything - come on Delta, have a heart!
United Airlines shows more compassion for holiday revelers. Homemade treats are allowed as long as they clear TSA inspection. The same goes for American Airlines. So if TSA gives the green light to your figgy pudding, these airlines will let it onboard to spread holiday cheer. Just don’t attempt any liquids, gels or spreads outside the 3-1-1 limits.
We fondly remember the year Grandma Violet tried to check an entire pecan pie to enjoy with cousins in Florida. Sadly that pie never made it thanks to the dubious baggage handling of a budget airline that shall not be named. The suitcase arrived battered and pie-less. Don’t make Grandma Vi’s mistake - never check precious holiday foods or baked goods as luggage.
Another holiday traveler learned this lesson the hard way when attempting to check a frozen turkey to celebrations overseas. The bird thawed mid-flight and contaminated other bags when it started leaking. Not so happy Thanksgiving! Our advice is avoid checking holiday entrees at all costs. You don’t want your lovingly prepared meal to wind up as lost luggage.
Instead, maximize your carry-on allowance by packing cookies, fruitcakes, small quick breads, brownies, or other hardy items that travel well. Some ovens even allow you to carry on a small casserole in a heat-safe dish. Get creative with muffins, cupcakes, or other portable baked goods. Pop some bubbly and celebrate the holidays TSA style!
With airlines cutting amenities left and right, chances are that special holiday meal won’t be served onboard. We fondly remember the days when festive cookies and cocoa were a standard part of holiday flights. No more. Like us, you’ll have to DIY it these days.
Grandma's Cookies and TSA Don't Mix: A Guide to Flying with Holiday Foods - Enjoying Holiday Flavors at Your Destination After the Flight
After all the hassle of navigating TSA rules, surviving grueling flights, and transporting holiday treats to your destination, it’s time for the best part - enjoying those flavors and foods you worked so hard to bring. Like us, you’ve probably spent hours searching Pinterest, cookbooks, and Grandma’s faded recipes for the perfect holiday dishes to make and take. Now comes the time to savor all your efforts.
Set aside time after arriving to properly chill or reheat foods as needed. Refrigerate pies, cheesecakes, or other items packed in coolers. Let your suitcase of cookies and fruitcakes come to room temperature before digging in. For an added treat, take a small pie or batch of cookies to a nearby restaurant and have them warmed to perfection in the oven. We fondly remember the cozy cafe that heated Grandma’s apple pie to a gently bubbling state for an unforgettable post-flight treat.
If you successfully managed to transport a casserole or side dish in your carry-on, make use of the in-room microwave or stovetop to gently reheat. Be careful not to overcook! For optimum flavor and food safety, only reheat small portions at a time. Nothing beats collapsing on the hotel bed and enjoying still-warm mac and cheese fresh from your carry-on. Don’t forget to Snapchat it for the jealous folks back home.
One of the best parts of transporting holiday flavors is sharing them with loved ones upon arrival. Make an event out of unpacking and sampling the treats you schlepped across state lines and TSA checkpoints. Pass around cookies as you swap tales from your journeys. Break out eggnog or mulled wine and let the crumbs fall where they may. Laughter is the best seasoning!
When based in a rented home for the holidays, take advantage of the kitchen to prepare some dishes you couldn’t fly with. Use local markets to source fresh greens, roasted nuts, citrus fruits, or other ingredients to augment your transported treats. Whip up a new batch of crostinis as an appetizer before tucking into Aunt Edna’s lovingly packed turkey tetrazzini. Nothing beats gathering with far-flung loved ones to enjoy the tastes of the holidays together.