These Are the Thanksgiving Foods You Can (and Can't) Fly With

If you plan to fly with only a carry-on bag during the holiday season, you may need to get creative when transporting your favorite Thanksgiving foods. Can you bring a turkey on a plane? How about homemade pumpkin pie? As it turns out, the answer is yes. Guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) specify the Thanksgiving foods that can be brought in a traveler's carry-on and those that need to be checked.

Which Thanksgiving foods can travel in a carry-on bag?

Solid items, including turkeys, steaks, hams, and other meats — either cooked, uncooked, or frozen — will clear TSA security, along with casseroles and stuffing.

Travelers can also carry on certain fresh fruits or vegetables (think green beans, yams, and cranberries), as well as spices to brighten up the meal. Baked goods (homemade or store-bought) like cakes and pies, including those with fruit filling, are also good to go in your carry-on.

Ice packs and frozen liquids are allowed on board, but they must be frozen solid when they go through security screening so as not to break TSA's 3-1-1 rule, which prohibits liquids over 3.4 ounces.

Travelers should organize their carry-ons effectively to avoid any delays. TSA recommends packing food in clear containers so these items can be easily removed from your bag and screened separately.

Which Thanksgiving foods must go in a checked bag?

Not every element of a Turkey Day dinner can fly in your carry-on bag. Certain items, like cranberry sauce or gravy (canned or homemade), must go in a checked bag, along with festive beverages like wine, champagne, and sparkling cider.

Not all canned foods are prohibited, but because they're often more than 3.4 ounces and because of how they appear on the X-ray, it's best to either check them or ship them ahead of time. Similarly, creamy foods like mashed potatoes must be no more than 3.4 ounces and fit in a single quart-sized, sealable bag, so you're better off packing these items in your checked bag.

Travelers can visit the "What Can I Bring?" section of the TSA's website and type in specific food items to verify whether they should be checked. If you can't find the answer there, pack your food in your checked bag, or ship it to be safe.