Are you allowed to take pumpkin pie on a plane?

Thanksgiving The year 2024 is promising the busiest period for air travel in history. The Transportation Security Administration is expected to screen approximately 18.3 million passengers from Tuesday, November 26, through Monday, December 2, an increase of 6% over the same period last year.

Because Turkey Day is a food-centric holiday, people are more likely to fly with edible cargo, including tasty items like pumpkin pie. But can you fly with Christmas desserts and other holiday treats? Here’s what you need to know.

The TSA has specific rules regarding food. As stated on the agency’s website: “Food items in solid form (not liquids or gels) may be transported in hand or checked baggage. Liquid or gel food items weighing more than 3.4 ounces are not allowed in carry-on luggage and should be placed in checked luggage if possible.

To determine whether an item is a liquid, gel, or aerosol rather than a solid, ask yourself whether you can “spill, sprinkle, spread, pump or pour.” Another rule of thumb is to consider whether an item can maintain its own shape or whether it takes the form of the container in which it is placed.

Although you could argue that a dessert like pumpkin pie has a somewhat gel-like consistency, TSA expressly allows cakes and pies both in checked and hand luggage.

“TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from their carry-on bags, such as food, powders, and any materials that may clutter bags and obstruct clear images on X-ray machines,” the agency’s website says. “We encourage travelers to organize their carry-on bags and keep them tidy to facilitate the screening process and keep lines moving.”

If you’re flying with a cake, you’ll probably want to store it in a designated carrier or otherwise protect this precious cargo to avoid it wearing out before you can present it to the Thanksgiving table.

Airline passengers are typically allowed one carry-on bag that can be placed in the overhead bin and one personal item that can be placed under the seat. A treat like cake is best stored under the seat to prevent it from being accidentally crushed in the basket.

Also remember the type of cake you decide to take with you on your trip. Something that holds well at room temperature is better than a dough that requires constant refrigeration (though you can also make this work in a properly insulated container).

If you plan on topping your cake with tasty whipped cream or another gooey finish, you’ll want to make it or buy it at your destination or put it in a checked bag (unless you can keep the quantity below 3.4 ounces, of course).

Other Thanksgiving favorites that shouldn’t be carried in a carry-on bag include gravy and cranberry sauce – either homemade or store-bought in a can or jar. In general, it’s best to inspect canned foods because they usually contain liquid and can be subject to additional inspections that are difficult to perform without opening the container.

Similarly, you will need to check for any dips, preserves, jams, and syrups that exceed 3.4 ounces. Don’t expect to drink wine or apple cider either.

The TSA stated that The following Thanksgiving foods are allowed in hand luggage: casseroles, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, turkey and other meats, spices, fresh fruit and vegetables and, of course, baked goods such as cakes, cakes, cookies, brownies and more.

If you have questions about a specific type of food or packaging, help is available complete list of agency policies regarding various edible products. If you’re still unsure, assess the risks and consider checking items if possible.

After all, as the TSA website states, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer as to whether an item may pass through the checkpoint.”