FLYERS have been warned not to pack a popular souvenir in their hand luggage – as it will be taken away if it’s over a certain size.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) posted its warning on secret sauce marinade for beef jerky on social media ahead of Father’s Day at the weekend.
In a light-hearted Facebook post, officers took the opportunity to remind anyone bringing onboard the sauce it would be confiscated – or “steaked away” – if it was more than the regulatory 3.4 ounces.
The post was accompanied by a vast array of food, including meat, sauces, salads and accoutrements.
Officers wrote: “This #FathersDay, we salute the grill masters, the pun champions, the remote-control holders… DADS! If you’re flying out to celebrate or bringing Dad’s favorite jerky along, here’s the meat of the matter:
“Jerky is A-OK in both carry-on and checked bags. Just make sure it’s properly packaged, and not moo-ving around.
“Carry-on secret sauce marinade? Keep it under 3.4oz or it’ll be steaked away.
“Whether you’re headed to see your pop or just meat-ing up somewhere sunny, be sure to #PackSmart and keep the dad jokes flying.”
In reply to the post, one traveler wrote: “Now you are making me hungry. Great looking food.”
The TSA generally limits liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller containers, all of which must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized (or smaller), resealable bag.
This is often referred to as the “3-1-1 rule”.
There are some exceptions for medically necessary liquids and baby formula.
Pack to avoid airport delays
It comes after the TSA recently warned passengers against bringing certain food items on their travels to avoid airport delays.
While travelers are familiar with the liquid and gel cabin baggage rule, restrictions also apply to certain solid food items.
Solid food items can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States.
However, anyone flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland face different regulations.
These passengers cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables in either baggage.
This restriction is due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests across countries.
While these are not allowed in carry-on bags, they can still be placed in your checked bags if possible.
This rule applies to all flights within the United States and internationally.
Donuts – and lobsters – allowed
However, there are still a wide variety of food items you can take into the cabin.
The TSA recently posted a “breakfast travel tip” on X, telling passengers: “We don’t suggest leaving this delicious pastry behind.”
The post included a photo of Homer Simpson eating a donut alongside a security checkline.
“Donuts are g2g [good to go] in carry-on or checked bags, no matter what toppings you choose,” the post said.
The TSA linked to a list of 60 food items travelers may pack in their carry-on bag or checked luggage.
Pies, cake, pizza, solid cheese, chocolate, cooked meat, cookies, crackers, candies, and cereal were among the approved items.
TSA’s 3-1-1 rule
The Transportation Security Administration regulates the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that flyers can bring through airport security with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The 3-1-1 rule consists of the following:
Each container of liquid has to be 3.4 ounces or less.
All liquids have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag.
Finally, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids each.
While these food items are allowed, the TSA advises flyers to separate anything “that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine”.
And perhaps most shockingly, even live lobsters can be packed — as long as they’re placed in a clear, plastic, and spill-proof container.
“A TSA officer will visually inspect your lobster at the checkpoint,” the restriction read.
“We recommend that you contact your airline to determine your airline’s policy on traveling with your lobster before arriving at the airport.”
