Flying With Alcohol and Food: TSA Carry-On and Checked Bag Rules
What TSA and the FAA allow for alcohol and food in your bags.
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Alcohol rules (TSA and FAA)
| Alcohol content | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| 24% ABV or less (most beer and wine) | 3.4 oz or less, in your quart bag | No limit |
| Over 24% up to 70% ABV (most spirits) | 3.4 oz or less, in your quart bag | 5 liters (1.3 gal) per person, unopened retail packaging |
| Over 70% ABV (over 140 proof) | No | No |
Mini bottles in carry-on must fit comfortably in a single quart-sized bag, the same bag as the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA says to check with your airline before bringing alcohol on board.
Baby food and formula
Baby food is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-ons. Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and puree pouches over 3.4 oz are treated as medically necessary liquids. Details are in our guide to flying with formula and breast milk.
On-board drinking rules
The TSA notes that FAA rules prohibit drinking alcohol on board unless a flight attendant serves it. Flight attendants also may not serve a passenger who is intoxicated. So a mini bottle in your quart bag is fine to carry but not to drink in your seat. Check with your airline before bringing any alcohol on board.
Solid vs. liquid food
The TSA’s general rule: solid food can go in carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food over 3.4 oz (100 ml) cannot go in a carry-on and should be checked if possible. Officers may ask you to take food, powders and other clutter out of your bag so the X-ray image is clear, so pack food where you can reach it.
| Food (TSA list) | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Bread, cookies, crackers, candy, cereal, snack bars, sandwiches | Yes | Yes |
| Solid chocolate and solid cheese | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee beans or grounds, dry tea, dry spices | Yes | Yes |
| Cooked meat, seafood and vegetables (no liquid) | Yes | Yes |
| Fresh eggs, dried fruit | Yes | Yes |
| Creamy cheese, dips, spreads, hummus, jam, honey, salsa, sauces, gravy, yogurt, soup | 3.4 oz or less | Yes |
| Liquid coffee, soda, bottled water | 3.4 oz or less | Yes |
| Empty thermos or bottle | Yes, fill it after security | Yes |
| Canned food | Special instructions; TSA suggests checking or shipping it | Yes |
Coolers, ice and dry ice
- Meat, seafood and frozen food are allowed in both bags. If you pack them with ice or ice packs, the ice must be completely frozen at screening. Partly melted ice with liquid at the bottom is not allowed.
- Gel ice packs must be frozen solid. Slushy ones must meet the 3-1-1 rule. The exception is medically necessary gel packs in reasonable quantities. Tell the officer about those.
- The TSA cites the FAA’s limit of 5 pounds of dry ice, properly packaged (vented) and marked. Ask your airline as well. For other hazardous materials, see the FAA PackSafe guide.
Fresh produce from Hawaii and the territories
The TSA says travelers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland cannot bring most fresh fruits and vegetables, because of the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.
Baby food and water
Baby food and water for babies are allowed in reasonable amounts in carry-ons. Take them out to be screened separately. The TSA says X-ray machines do not harm food or medicine. If you do not want formula or breast milk X-rayed or opened, tell the officer and expect additional screening.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink my own alcohol on the plane?
No. TSA notes FAA rules prohibit drinking alcohol on board unless a flight attendant serves it.
How much wine can I check?
Drinks at 24% alcohol or less, which includes most wine and beer, have no limit in checked bags, per TSA.
