Turkey Day Travel: Can Grandma Bring Her Hotdish On The Plane?

Will you be traveling to visit relatives this Thanksgiving? Does that travel include flying? Lots of people have to travel long distances to see their relatives. Maybe you’re the Matriarch of the family and recently moved to a retirement home in Arizona. The kids want Thanksgiving at their house in Minnesota, but it won’t be the same without Grandma’s homemade apple pie; or Aunt Carol’s stuffing. So I asked the question; can you travel on a plane with foods you’ve made from scratch for Thanksgiving?

The obvious answer seems like it would be a hard NO, but I found some information from Sixt that says it is possible.

THINGS YOU BRING WITH YOU THROUGH TSA CHECKPOINTS

Here is a list of things you can supposedly bring on the plane with you:

• Baked goods- These could be brownies, cookies, or bars
• Bread: homemade or storebought
• Pies: Careful here.  It’s probably fine if it’s a solid pecan pie or custard, but probably not if it’s runny.
• Cakes: Angel food, pineapple upside down cake…Yum.
• Canned food: I think you’ll have to clarify this one before you go.
• Meats that are cooked or uncooked,(but why would you try)? I think you’re safe bringing SPAM
• Stuffing: cooked, uncooked, or in a box or bag
• Hotdish
• Macaroni and Cheese: Cooked, or all of the ingredients to cook with later
• Fresh Vegetables
• Fresh or dried fruits
• Candy
• Spices

THINGS YOU MUST PACK IN YOUR LUGGAGE

• Cranberry Sauce
• Frozen Food
• Live Lobster (You’ll have to check with the individual airline
• Peanut Butter
• Soups
• Gravy – Homemade or in a jar or can
• Alcohol
• Canned Fruits
• Canned Vegetables
• Jellies and jams
• Syrups

Remember the general rule of thumb: If it’s a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. Any liquids that are larger than 3.4 ounces need to go in your checked luggage.

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