Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. 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 generally take food on an international flight, but you must navigate both security rules and customs regulations. For the flight itself, solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, and snacks are permitted through security. However, any "liquid" or "gel" foods—such as yogurt, peanut butter, hummus, or soups—must comply with the 100ml (3.4 oz) rule for carry-on luggage. The more complex part involves your arrival at a foreign destination. Most countries, particularly the US, Australia, and those in the EU, have very strict biosecurity laws prohibiting the import of fresh "agricultural products." This means you should consume any fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, or unpasteurized cheeses before you land. If you have leftover snacks in your bag when you reach customs, you must declare them on your arrival form. Failure to declare a single apple or a ham sandwich can result in significant fines (sometimes exceeding $500) and the loss of expedited entry privileges like Global Entry. When in doubt, "processed" and sealed snacks like crackers or chocolate are usually the safest bet for international transit.