November is officially here, and we can practically smell the turkey roasting in the oven! As New York City’s coziest month gets underway, the countdown to Thanksgiving is on, bringing with it family gatherings, festive feasts, and plenty of delicious dishes to look forward to.
But for many New Yorkers, getting to the Thanksgiving table means catching a flight first. And if you’ve volunteered to bring Grandma’s famous gravy, your signature pumpkin pie, or a homemade side dish to the celebration, there are a few things you’ll want to know before heading to the airport.
While plenty of Thanksgiving favorites are perfectly fine to bring aboard a plane, others could land you in a bit of a pickle at the TSA checkpoint. In fact, certain holiday staples are subject to the agency’s 3-1-1 liquids rule, meaning they may need to be packed in checked luggage rather than your carry-on.
To help travelers avoid any last-minute airport surprises, travel experts at SIXT have put together a handy guide explaining which Thanksgiving foods can make it through airport security and which should be tucked away in your checked bag.
🦃 These Thanksgiving Foods Are NOT Allowed Through TSA Carry-On Security
As a golden rule of thumb, TSA advises: “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it,” and it exceeds 3.4 ounces (100 ml), it cannot go through the security checkpoint in your carry-on.
Unless they are portioned into containers of 3.4 oz or less, the following holiday staples must be packed securely in your checked luggage:
- Gravy: Whether homemade or store-bought in a jar or can, gravy is treated strictly as a liquid.
- Cranberry Sauce: Both homemade recipes and canned varieties spread and pour, subjecting them to liquid restrictions.
- Dips & Spreads: Buffalo chicken dip, spinach-artichoke dip, pumpkin butter, jams, and preserves must go in checked bags unless under 3.4 oz.
- Soft Cheeses & Condiments: Brie, camembert, and cheese spreads destined for charcuterie boards cannot pass in large quantities.
- Canned Fruits & Vegetables: Even though the food inside is solid, the packing liquid inside the can disqualifies it from carry-on luggage.
- Whipped Cream: Aerosol cans are prohibited in carry-on bags, and tubed or homemade whipped toppings fall under liquid and gel limits.
- Beverages: Bottles of wine, champagne, eggnog, and apple cider must be packed into checked bags.
- Pickles & Olives: Jars filled with brine or oil exceed liquid limits.
✅ What CAN You Bring in Your Carry-On?
The good news? Most solid Thanksgiving favorites get the green light for the cabin. You can pack full portions of the following in your carry-on bag:
- Meats: Cooked, uncooked, or frozen turkey, ham, and roast meats.
- Baked Goods & Desserts: Whole pumpkin, pecan, or apple pies, cakes, brownies, and cookies.
- Solid Sides: Cooked stuffing, roasted or raw vegetables, dinner rolls, and mac and cheese.
- Casseroles: Traditional green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and corn pudding.
- Solid Charcuterie: Hard cheeses, cured meats, nuts, crackers, and dried fruits.
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