There is no limit to the quantity of solid cheese you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as much solid cheese as you'd like and will fit into your allowable hand luggage. Creamy and spreadable cheeses, on the other hand, can only pass through airport security in individual quantities of 3.4 ounces or less.

Yes, you can carry cheese on a plane in 2026, but the TSA (and international security) distinguishes between "solid" and "soft" cheeses. Solid cheeses—such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda—are considered solid food items and can be carried in your hand luggage in any quantity without restriction. However, soft or "spreadable" cheeses—such as brie, camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese—are classified as liquids, aerosols, or gels. This means they must comply with the 3-1-1 rule: the container must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, and it must fit inside your quart-sized clear plastic bag. If you have a large wheel of brie or a tub of ricotta, it must be placed in your checked baggage. A "pro" tip for 2026 travelers is to keep any cheese in a clear, separate container, as organic material can sometimes look dense on X-ray scanners, potentially leading to a manual bag search. If you are traveling internationally, always check the customs rules of your destination, as some countries have strict bans on importing dairy products to prevent agricultural diseases.