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.

On airplanes in 2026, prohibited food falls into two categories: security risks and "social" risks. Security-wise, the most common banned items are liquid or gel-like foods over 100ml (3.4 oz), such as soups, jars of peanut butter, salsa, yogurt, or honey. If it can be poured, squeezed, or spread, it must follow the liquids rule. Socially and operationally, many airlines have internal bans on strong-smelling foods like durian fruit or certain fermented dishes, which can cause distress to other passengers in a confined cabin. Additionally, if you are flying internationally, fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), meat, and dairy are often strictly prohibited by customs and border protection at your destination to prevent the spread of invasive pests or diseases. A peer-to-peer "best practice": stick to dry, sealed snacks like crackers, protein bars, or sandwiches, as these are universally allowed and cause the least amount of friction at both security and customs checkpoints.