A TSA agent at LAX.
An estimated 25 million seats are expected to fly over the Thanksgiving holiday period this year.
Many people are likely to bring leftover food with them on their flight home.
Here’s what the Transportation Security Administration says can be carried on and what must be checked.
Each year, an estimated 46 million turkeys are consumed in the US during the country’s annual Thanksgiving — or Friendsgiving — feast.
Mphillips007/Getty Images
Source: USDA
About 88% of Americans will partake in the November holiday, with a collective $1 billion spent nationwide on the traditional bird, according to a study by comparison website Finder.A family enjoying Thanksgiving dinner together.
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images
Source: Finder
But that’s just the start of the festivities. There are also potatoes, gravy, casseroles, bread, and stuffing — or dressing if you’re from the South — among many other homemade recipes to go with Thanksgiving dinner.
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With so much food, there are bound to be leftovers. And, if you’re in one of the 25 million seats expected to fly over the holiday, you’ll need to figure out a way to take it home.
Delta Air Lines
Source: Hopper
According to the Transportation Security Administration, travelers have two options for bringing leftovers with them: carry-on bags or checked luggage.A TSA agent at LAX.
Brady MacDonald/Insider
Source: TSA
The basic rule of thumb is if it’s solid, it’s probably safe to take it through security. These include cooked and uncooked items like baked goods, turkey, chicken, stuffing, casseroles, fresh fruits and vegetables, and spices.
TSA
Source: TSA
The TSA reminds travelers to be conscious of food safety and properly store items to avoid any potential illness. Ice packs are permissible as long as they are completely frozen when passing through the checkpoint.A list of Thanksgiving leftovers allowed through TSA, per the agency’s website.
TSA
Source: TSA
There are also a handful of items, like liquids and sauces, that need to be checked if they are over the carry-on allowance limit.
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Source: TSA
The TSA says if you can “spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces,” then it should be checked. This includes cranberry sauce, gravy, wine, jams, maple syrup, and any canned items with liquid.Thanksgiving food that must be checked.
TSA
Source: TSA
If you prefer to check your food, the TSA advises you carefully pack it to ensure it won’t spill in your luggage.A list of Thanksgiving food that must be checked.
TSA
Source: TSA
Again — remember to properly store the food for transport. If an item needs to be refrigerated, use a cooler. More tips can be found on the US Food and Drug Administration’s website.A passenger putting food in her check luggage.
Steve Russell/Contributor/Getty Images
Source: USFDA, TSA
If you’re still unsure about what you must check versus what is permissible in a carry-on, you can search for your item using the TSA’s “what can I bring?” tool on its website.Searching for “meat” on the TSA “what can I bring?” tool.
TSA
Source: TSA
