The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is doubling down on its food enforcement rules, meaning that food items that air commuters may think they can bring along with them could be banned. This is especially important for those who like to prep light meals to snack on for longer flights.
The golden rule is that if your food is spreadable, scoopable, or can be poured, it will now be subject to the same rules as liquids or gels and will be banned if it is more than the TSA limit.
Hummus
The first item on the list is Hummus. For those who can’t leave home without this delectable spread, perfect for veggies and crackers, now know that in the TSA’s eyes, it is now considered a gel.
For those who still want to carry it on the plane, make sure that the container it’s kept in is not bigger than 3.4 ounces. Be especially mindful that store-bought hummus in its original packaging can exceed this limit, and the TSA will not allow it.
Peanut Butter
Much like hummus, peanut butter is a widely loved spread that’s perfect for snacking in mid-flight. However, now it will have to be enjoyed in much smaller quantities, to the dismay of flightgoers.
It doesn’t matter what kind of container you’re packing; if it’s more than 3.4 ounces, leave it at home or portion it accordingly. If you like the spread on a sandwich, consider prepping it beforehand to avoid any problems with TSA.
Yogurt
Yogurt is the quintessential convenient travel snack. It’s not only delicious but also healthy. Many Americans grab a yogurt cup from the fridge as an easy breakfast, but before you head to the airport, remember that the TSA counts yogurt as a liquid.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your favorite Greek or plant-based yogurt. It must be inside a container under 3.4 ounces. This spells trouble, as many standard yogurt cups exceed this limit.
Pudding
None of us can resist the allure of a pudding cup from time to time. Their amazing consistency, which melts in your mouth, has led to their classification as gels under TSA rules.
Unfortunately, many of our favorite pudding cups already exceed the 3.4 ounces allowed as carry-on. Leave the cups for when you’re back home, or put them in checked luggage, or the TSA will have a problem.
Soft Cheese
Soft cheeses are one of the last things many might think they’d see restricted. These include Brie and Camembert, and while making a great in-flight snack, the TSA sees them as a liquid and, you guessed it, won’t allow more than 3.4 ounces on a flight.
Hard cheeses are not as restricted, so consider bringing these alternatives along with you when you’re hankering for some dairy. The soft cheeses have to go.
Honey
While passengers might not often bring honey on a flight, the TSA has banned it in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces. This could catch flyers who bring back a jar as a gift or souvenir on their flight.
It doesn’t matter what it’s found in; the TSA has strict rules, and honey is now a liquid. Keep it in checked luggage or prepare it on a sandwich ahead of time if you need the sweet boost on your journey.
Salsa
The last of the seven newly regulated items is salsa. This is another weird carry-on, but the TSA sees it as a liquid despite its chunky nature for those who can’t live without it for a flight.
The only way you can get your fix going forward is by carrying it in a container that’s the appropriate size – 3.4 ounces. Like honey, be careful when carrying premade jars, even if sealed, as most exceed this size.
The Crackdown
The enforcement of items considered liquids or gels isn’t anything new, but the TSA is enforcing the rules more aggressively now due to security concerns.
TSA scanners can flag these items as dangerous or, at the very least, hazardous. Stay informed through the proper channels to avoid hassles at TSA checkpoints, as rules can change or be updated quickly.
Pack Smart
People who fly on commercial airlines need to be mindful of what they can and can’t bring with them if they want a quick and convenient snack on a flight.
To avoid any hold-ups, try to limit snacks to solids, as the regulations are more relaxed than those for liquids. Spreadable or liquid snacks are still allowed, but only under 3.4 ounces in sealed, clear containers. The TSA has a handy “What Can I Bring?” tool that outlines what passengers can and can’t bring.