Prepare For Takeoff

As passengers take to the skies for summer vacations, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has published a list of recently banned or restricted items which may surprise some passengers.  Bringing your own snacks on a flight is a smart way to save money and stay full—but not everything in your bag will make it through TSA.

TSA limits liquids, gels, and anything spreadable to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. These must be placed in your 3-1-1 clear plastic bag which is limited to one per passenger.  That includes things like creamy cheese, honey, hummus, peanut butter, salsa, pudding, and yogurt. If you're bringing any of those, make sure the container is small enough or plan to pack it in your checked luggage.

They have also updated restrictions on some common travel essentials like lithium batteries: portable chargers, spare/rechargeable lithium batteries, phone charging cases, and external battery packs must only be carried in carry-on luggage—no longer allowed in checked bags—to reduce fire risks in cargo holds.

As a reminder, TSA has strict rules about traveling with anything that resembles a weapon. Even toy guns and prop weapons are banned from carry-on luggage. Even water guns or bubble guns are banned, which may concern families traveling to water parks or theme parks.

🛄 What You Can Bring

The official TSA What Can I Bring? list (click button) clearly outlines what's permitted:

• Solid food items (e.g., granola bars, chips, whole fruit, solid cheese): OK in both carry-on and checked bags.
• Liquids, gels, spreads > 3.4 oz (e.g., hummus, peanut butter, soups): Not allowed in carry-on—must go in checked baggage or under the 3-1-1 rule.
• Baby food/formula and medically necessary liquids get exemptions but still must be declared and screened.
• Lithium batteries & power banks: carry-on only

✈️ Why This Matters

These changes are part of TSA’s ongoing effort to make air travel safer and smoother. Enforcing the 3-1-1 rule keeps security lines moving, while tighter battery rules help prevent fires in cargo holds—making for safer skies.

Bottom line- if you're packing snacks for your flight, double check the size and type before tossing them in your carry-on. Anything creamy, spreadable, or gel-like needs to be 3.4 ounces or less or it won’t make it past security.