Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. 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.

Yes, you can bring almost any solid food on a plane in 2026, but liquids and gels are strictly regulated. Solid items like sandwiches, burgers, pizza, fruit, and snacks are perfectly fine in your carry-on. However, "liquid or spreadable" foods—including yogurt, peanut butter, hummus, salsa, and soups—must comply with the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 oz / 100ml or less per container). A common "pro-tip" is that frozen food (like a frozen steak or ice pack) is treated as a solid as long as it is frozen solid when passing through security; if it’s slushy, it counts as a liquid. Special exceptions are made for baby food, formula, and breast milk, which can be carried in larger, "reasonable" quantities but must be declared for separate screening. For international flights, be cautious: while you can eat the food on the plane, most countries (like Australia, the US, or the UK) strictly prohibit you from "importing" fresh fruit, vegetables, or meats once you land, so be sure to finish your snacks before clearing customs.