TSA's Top Tips for Travelers Flying Home for Thanksgiving

There are few places more stressful than the airport during the holidays. Imagine you debated all morning about whether you could pack the cranberry sauce in your carry-on bag, only to arrive and find a security line snaking to the door. 

Thankfully, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some tips and essential information to make flying during the holidays easier. Below are some recommendations to help you smoothly arrive at your destination in time for the turkey carving.

Know the Rules for Traveling With Food

As always, there are the typical Thanksgiving questions around flying with food: Can I bring home my famous apple pie? What about traveling with a turkey? The good news is that solids like pies, meats, cakes, casseroles, and stuffing can be packed in your carry-on with no quantity limits. If you're bringing food on board, TSA recommends keeping it in a clear plastic bag. When passing through the security checkpoint, remove the bag containing the food from your luggage and place it in a separate bin, as it could trigger a security alarm. 

Remember that not all food items can go in your carry-on. Liquid, spreadable, or creamy items (e.g., gravy, cranberry sauce, or preserves) exceeding 3.4 ounces should be placed in your checked bag.

Need to keep your perishable items cool? Make sure any ice packs are completely frozen when presented for screening. If they're partially melted, they'll be considered liquids and may be confiscated.

Forgo Gift Wrap

If you’re traveling with gifts, whether in your carry-on or checked bag, resist the urge to wrap them before packing. TSA advises that they may need to inspect the gift — meaning they’ll have to unwrap it. To be safe, wait until you’ve reached your final destination to wrap any presents or use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.

Check Your Booze

It’s not uncommon for people to bring alcohol to a Thanksgiving gathering, but there are limits on how much you can fly with. Passengers can bring up to five liters of beverages with more than 24 percent but not more than 70 percent alcohol in their checked bags. There are no quantity limits on alcoholic beverages with 24 percent alcohol or less in checked bags.

While you can bring mini bottles of alcohol in your carry-on (as long as they fit into a single quart-sized bag), remember that FAA regulations prohibit travelers from drinking alcohol on board an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant.

Pack Smart

Traveling with a carving knife or any other sharp objects? Remember that these items must be placed in your checked bag. TSA reminds travelers that bringing prohibited items to the security checkpoint will trigger a bag check, slowing down the entire process, so be mindful when packing. To avoid unnecessary delays, empty your pockets in advance, ensuring valuables like your wallet, phone, and keys are safely tucked away in your carry-on bag.

Arrive Early

TSA recommends travelers get to the airport early in case there are long baggage, check-in, or security lines. If you're looking to pass through the checkpoints as quickly as possible, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck. Registered travelers do not have to remove their shoes, belts, light jackets, or electronics, and the wait is typically five minutes or less. However, convenience comes at a cost — expect to pay $78 for a five-year membership.

Ask TSA

Still confused about what you can bring? Download the free MyTSA app from the App Store or Google Play. It has a "Can I Bring?" database, which allows you to search for specific items and see if they should go in your checked or carry-on bag. The TSA Twitter account also answers FAQs and shares helpful holiday travel tips.