Can I take an unopened bag of chips through airport security?

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.



Yes, you can absolutely take an unopened bag of chips through airport security. Chips are classified as a solid food item and are not subject to the TSA’s (or international) liquid restrictions. Whether the bag is pre-packaged, a "snack pack," or a large family-sized bag, it is fully permitted in your carry-on luggage. In 2026, TSA officers may occasionally ask you to remove food items from your bag if they appear dense on the X-ray or "clutter" the image, but the chips themselves will not be confiscated. One "pro-tip" for 2026 travelers: if you are flying to a high-altitude destination, the air trapped inside the chip bag will expand due to the lower cabin pressure, which can sometimes cause the bag to pop loudly—packing them in a slightly compressed state or inside a sturdier container can help prevent a "salty explosion" in your overhead bin.

People Also Ask

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows solid food items, including opened bags of chips, through airport security in any amount. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: The bag of chips must be sealed tightly to prevent it from spilling.

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Do I have to declare a bag of chips? Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening.

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Foods you can't pack in your carry-on
Think: creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt.

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Can you take food through airport security? Are you allowed to bring your own food/snacks on board a plane, or eat your own meal while waiting for your flight to depart? Yes, you are! Did you know that (in theory) you can even take a cheeseburger with you?

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Checked Bags: Yes Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.

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The bag of chips must be sealed tightly to prevent it from spilling. The bag of chips must not contain any prohibited items, such as liquids, gels, or aerosols. The bag of chips must be able to fit in your carry-on luggage.

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Taking liquids through security
  • all drinks, including water.
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups.
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
  • pastes, including toothpaste.


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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

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The short answer is yes, you can take food through TSA—you'll just might encounter some trouble the closer those foods are to a liquid.

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The first one that comes to mind is a simple ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette with cornichons and a little butter.

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We know potato chips are brittle and fragile, so its transportation is difficult, because in the transportation process, it is easy to break the potato chips due to collision. So people will fill the packaging bag with nitrogen to prevent the potato chips from colliding during transportation and causing them to break.

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Bags are packed with some gas filler to protect the chips and gasses expand or contract with temperature and altitude. All you need to do to prevent popping open is to put a pin hole in the bag to release the air. And then, whatever air is in the bag can be vented from the pin hole.

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