Snacks | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

FAQs

What is the TSA rule for snacks? ›

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

Contact us 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may call (855) 787-2227 or submit an online form.

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening.

The TSA's only restrictions on food are:

All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped. Food must be wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped.

If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

The TSA PreCheck® Application Program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. Applicants may be ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

“6. Have you ever been found by a court or other lawful authority as lacking mental capacity or involuntarily committed to a mental institution?”

Most applicants receive approval notification in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days. Considering this, applicants are encouraged to renew at least 60 days prior to expiry. TSA will notify members with eligibility results.

The online application takes five minutes to complete with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes. During the in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment.

How fast does TSA PreCheck get approved? ›

How do I know when I'm approved for TSA PreCheck®? Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in 3-5 days, though some applications can take up to 60 days.

Citizens: You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship (in addition to customs-related questions). Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials may not deny you entry into the U.S. if you have established your identity and citizenship.

This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind removing items and passing through a body scanner, then Clear may be worth it on its own.

1. Can I bring my spouse through the TSA PreCheck lane? Technically your spouse can't go through the TSA PreCheck lane without their own account.

It's not illegal to eat your own food on a plane. Some foods smell really bad to others, so if you DO bring your own food, try to make sure it's nothing too smelly. You can't bring liquids from home so you can't bring soup or drinks.

Good news for travelers who want to bring home interesting snacks from great food destinations around the world: as long as everything is sealed, you're good to go. Unopened snacks such as granola bars, nuts, chips, crackers, and cookies are safe in your carry-on or checked bag.

Yes, you can take food through airport security. Sandwiches, fruit, sweets and most other solid foods can be placed in your hand luggage. However, this doesn't apply to foods with a high liquid content if they are in a container larger than 100ml.