Thanksgiving 2024 promises to be the busiest air travel season ever. The Transportation Security Administration estimates it will screen approximately 18.3 million passengers between Tuesday, November 26 and Monday, December 2 – a 6% increase from the same period last year.

Because Turkey Day is a culinary holiday, people are more likely to fly with edible cargo, including tasty staples like pumpkin pie. But can you fly with festive desserts and other holiday treats? Here’s what you should know:

The TSA has special rules for food. The agency’s website states: “Solid foods (not liquids or gels) can be carried in either carry-on or checked baggage. Liquid or gel foods larger than 3.4 ounces are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in your checked baggage if possible.”

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

Although one could argue that a dessert like pumpkin pie is a bit gelatinous, the TSA specifically allows cakes and pies in both checked and carry-on luggage.

“TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate from carry-on bags items such as food, powder, and any materials that may clog the bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine,” the agency’s website says. “Travellers are advised to keep their carry-on luggage organized and tidy to ease the screening process and keep queues moving.”

If you’re flying with a cake, you’ll probably want to store it in a designated shipping container or otherwise cushion this precious cargo to protect it from wear and tear before you’re ready to present it at the Thanksgiving table.

Passengers are generally allowed one carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin and one personal item to store under the seat. It is best to store a delicacy such as a cake under the seat to prevent it from accidentally being crushed in the trash can.

Also think about what kind of cake you want to take with you when traveling. Something that keeps well at room temperature is preferable to a cake that needs to be constantly refrigerated (although this can also be done with a well-insulated container).

If you plan on topping your cake with delicious whipped cream or another gooey finishing touch, consider making or purchasing it at your destination or putting it in your checked luggage (unless you can keep the amount under 3.4). ounces of course).

Other Thanksgiving favorites you can’t bring in your carry-on include cranberry sauce and gravy – neither homemade nor purchased in a can or jar. Canned foods are generally best checked because they usually contain liquid and may undergo additional testing that is difficult to do without opening the container.

Likewise, you need to check all dips, preserves, jams, and syrups that contain more than 3.4 ounces. And don’t expect to keep your wine or cider going either.

The TSA has stated that the following Thanksgiving foods are allowed in carry-on luggage: casseroles, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, turkey and other meats, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, and of course baked goods like cakes, cookies, brownies, and more.

If you have questions about a specific type of food or packaging, you can view the agency’s full list of rules for various edible items. If you are still unsure, assess the risk and check items if possible.

Finally, the TSA website states: “The final decision as to whether an item is permitted to pass through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.”