Category: Airlines

Quick Answer
⚠️ Energy drinks are liquids.
✅ In carry-on, cans/bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger cans are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased after security.
✈️ Powders or energy drink mixes are allowed, but containers over 12 oz may require extra screening.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster, G Fuel liquid, etc.) must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz permitted through security.
• Full-size cans (8–16 oz) not allowed before security.
• After security:
• You can buy full-size cans or bottles at airport shops and bring them onboard.
• Checked luggage:
• Larger cans and bottles are allowed.
• Pack carefully to avoid bursting due to pressure changes.
• Powdered mixes (like G Fuel powder, pre-workout):
• Allowed in carry-on and checked.
• If > 12 oz, TSA may require additional screening.
• International flights:
• Most countries apply the same liquid limits.

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TSA Energy Drink Rules Summary

Type	Carry-On	Checked
Liquid energy drink ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Liquid energy drink > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free sealed cans	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Powdered drink mix	✅ Allowed (extra screening >12 oz)	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Pressure risk: Carbonated cans can leak or burst in checked bags.
• ✈️ Powder screening: Containers > 12 oz may be swabbed/tested at security.
• ✈️ Customs bans: Some countries ban high-caffeine powders or supplements — check rules abroad.
• ✈️ Hack: Bring powdered energy mix and fill with water post-security.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Powders)
• CBP – Food & Drink Rules

Quick Answer
⚠️ Juice is considered a liquid by TSA.
✅ In carry-on, containers must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Juice for infants/toddlers is exempt from the limit if declared.
✅ Larger bottles are allowed only in checked luggage or if purchased after security.

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Details

• Carry-on (regular juice):
• Must be in containers ≤ 3.4 oz inside your liquids bag.
• Larger bottles not permitted through security.
• Carry-on (baby/toddler juice):
• Exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Larger containers are permitted but must be declared for separate screening.
• After security:
• Full-size juice bottles bought at airport shops or duty-free can be taken onboard.
• Checked luggage:
• Any size juice containers allowed.
• Pack tightly sealed to avoid leaks.
• International flights:
• Customs may restrict fresh fruit juices — especially unpasteurized types.

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TSA Juice Rules Summary

Juice Type	Carry-On	Checked
Juice ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Juice > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Baby/toddler juice (any size)	✅ Allowed (exempt, must declare)	✅ Allowed
Duty-free juice (sealed)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Baby exemption: Juice for infants is allowed in larger amounts if declared.
• ✈️ Spill risk: Juice boxes or bottles may leak → pack inside zip bags.
• ✈️ Customs bans: Fresh juices (especially citrus) may be banned abroad due to agriculture rules.
• ✈️ Alternative: Bring powdered or concentrate packets and mix with water after security.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Juice)
• TSA – Traveling with Children
• CBP – Food & Drink Restrictions

Quick Answer
⚠️ TSA does not allow bottles of water over 3.4 oz (100 ml) through security.
✅ You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after screening.
✅ Bottled water purchased after security is allowed.
✈️ Exceptions: Baby formula, breast milk, and liquid medications are exempt from the limit if declared.

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Details

• Carry-on (before security):
• Full bottles of water > 3.4 oz are not allowed through TSA.
• You may bring containers ≤ 3.4 oz inside your liquids bag.
• After security:
• Bottled water purchased post-screening can be brought onto the plane.
• Many airports have refill stations for reusable bottles.
• Empty bottles:
• Empty reusable bottles (metal, plastic, collapsible) are permitted through security.
• Fill them at a water fountain or station after screening.
• Checked luggage:
• Any amount of bottled water allowed, but bottles may leak or burst due to pressure changes.
• Exceptions (not limited to 3.4 oz):
• Baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks.
• Liquid medications (with declaration).

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TSA Water Rules Summary

Water Type	Carry-On	Checked
Bottled water ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Bottled water > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Empty reusable bottle	✅ Allowed	N/A
Post-security bottled water	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Baby milk / formula / meds	✅ Exempt (declare)	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Most common mistake: Forgetting a full bottle of water in your carry-on → TSA will make you dump it.
• ✈️ Reusable bottles save money: Bring one empty, refill after security, and avoid $6 airport bottles.
• ✈️ International connections: Even sealed duty-free water may be confiscated if you re-clear security.
• ✈️ Checked baggage risk: Bottles may leak due to air pressure.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Water)
• TSA – Traveling with Children (Formula/Milk)

Quick Answer
⚠️ Soda is considered a liquid by TSA.
✅ In carry-on, bottles or cans must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger bottles and cans are only allowed in checked luggage.
✈️ Full-size sodas bought after security (duty-free or airport shops) may be carried onto the plane.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• TSA only allows liquid containers ≤ 3.4 oz in your liquids bag.
• Standard soda cans (12 oz) or bottles are too large → not allowed through security.
• After security:
• You can buy full-size soda at airport shops or duty-free and bring it on the plane.
• Checked luggage:
• Any size soda cans or bottles allowed.
• Pack carefully to prevent leaks or explosions from pressure changes.
• International flights:
• Same TSA rules apply at departure. Customs rarely cares about soda, but duty-free liquids may be restricted when connecting internationally.

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TSA Soda Rules Summary

Soda Type	Carry-On	Checked
Soda ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Soda > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Duty-free soda (sealed)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Airport purchase required: Full-size sodas only allowed if bought after security.
• ✈️ Leaking risk: Carbonated drinks in checked bags can burst — double-bag them.
• ✈️ International connections: Duty-free sodas may be confiscated if you must re-clear security.
• ✈️ Alternative: Bring an empty bottle and fill it at a fountain after security.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Beverages)
• CBP – Duty-Free Liquids Rules

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows candy in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Solid candy (chocolates, gummies, hard candy) is fine in any amount.
⚠️ Liquid or gel candy (syrups, squeezable tubes, caramel sauce) must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on).

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Details

• Solid candy:
• Hard candy, gummies, chocolates, lollipops, and candy bars are all unrestricted.
• No limit for personal consumption.
• Liquid/gel candy:
• Includes caramel sauce, fudge topping, squeezable candy tubes, liquid centers.
• Must be ≤ 3.4 oz in carry-on. Larger goes in checked luggage.
• Checked luggage:
• All candy types allowed, any size.
• Protect chocolates from heat and melting.
• International flights:
• Packaged candy usually allowed, but some fresh dairy/gel-based fillings may be restricted by customs.

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TSA Candy Rules Summary

Candy Type	Carry-On	Checked
Hard candy / gummies / bars	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Candy with liquid centers ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Candy with liquid centers > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Caramel/fudge sauces	✅ ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Liquid-filled chocolates: TSA may confiscate boxes with large liquid fillings if over 3.4 oz.
• ✈️ Heat risk: Chocolates melt easily in hot climates or in checked bags.
• ✈️ Customs bans: Fresh dairy or fruit-filled candies may be restricted abroad.
• ✈️ Security screening: Large candy bags may be pulled aside for inspection.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Candy)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Food)
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows cookies in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Homemade, packaged, or bakery cookies are fine with no size limits.
✅ Frosted or cream-filled cookies are also allowed, but separate frosting/cream containers must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• All types of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal, frosted, sandwich cookies, etc.) are allowed.
• TSA does not limit quantity.
• Packaged cookies are easiest for travel.
• Checked luggage:
• Cookies are permitted, but fragile ones may break. Pack in a tin or hard container.
• Frosted or cream-filled cookies:
• Allowed as solid food.
• Extra frosting or dipping sauces in separate containers must be ≤ 3.4 oz in carry-on.
• International flights:
• Packaged cookies usually allowed, but customs may restrict those with dairy or meat-based fillings.

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TSA Cookie Rules Summary

Cookie Type	Carry-On	Checked
Homemade cookies	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Packaged cookies	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Frosted / cream-filled	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Extra frosting / dip > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Breakage: Cookies crumble easily in carry-ons → use tins or travel containers.
• ✈️ Customs: Some dairy/cream-based fillings may be restricted abroad.
• ✈️ Security screening: Large cookie tins may be pulled aside for additional screening.
• ✈️ Best option: Pre-packaged cookies travel safest and clear customs easiest.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Food)
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows cake in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Whole cakes, slices, cupcakes, and pastries are fine as solid foods.
⚠️ Frostings, creams, or sauces may be treated as liquids/gels if excessive.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Cake, cupcakes, muffins, and pastries are allowed as solid foods.
• TSA does not restrict quantity.
• Frosting, cream fillings, or sauces inside baked goods are generally permitted, but separate containers of frosting must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule (≤ 3.4 oz).
• Checked luggage:
• Cakes are allowed but may be damaged during transport. Pack in a sturdy container.
• Specialty cakes (wedding/birthday):
• Allowed, but TSA may require additional screening if frosting or decorations look unusual.
• International flights:
• Customs may restrict cakes with dairy, eggs, or fruit. Commercially packaged cakes may pass if declared.

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TSA Cake Rules Summary

Cake Type	Carry-On	Checked
Cake slices / cupcakes	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Whole cake (frosted)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Extra frosting > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Commercial packaged cake	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Frosting confusion: A cake covered in frosting is fine, but frosting in a tub > 3.4 oz isn’t.
• ✈️ Mess risk: Pack cakes in firm boxes or carriers to avoid smearing.
• ✈️ Customs restrictions: Dairy, fruit, or meat-based cakes (like cheesecakes, fruitcakes) may be confiscated abroad.
• ✈️ Security delays: Unusual cakes (tall layers, decorations) may be screened more closely.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Cake)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Food)
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows pizza in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Whole pizzas, slices, or leftovers are all permitted as solid food.
⚠️ International flights: Customs may restrict meat, cheese, or produce toppings when entering another country.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Pizza (whole box or slices) is allowed as a solid food.
• Can be carried through TSA security without limits.
• Best packed in foil, containers, or a travel box to avoid mess.
• Checked luggage:
• Pizza is allowed but will likely spoil or get crushed. Not recommended.
• Hot pizza at security:
• Allowed, but strong smells may draw attention.
• International flights:
• Customs often bans meat, dairy, and fresh produce → pizza with pepperoni, cheese, or veggies may be confiscated.
• Safe rule: eat before landing if flying abroad.

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TSA Pizza Rules Summary

Pizza Type	Carry-On	Checked
Pizza slices	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Whole pizza (boxed)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Frozen pizza	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
International (with meat/cheese/veg)	⚠️ Allowed TSA side	⚠️ May be restricted at customs

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Messy food: Pizza grease can leak; wrap in foil or sealable bag.
• ✈️ Customs bans: Don’t try to carry leftover pizza with meat/dairy into another country.
• ✈️ Odor factor: Pizza has a strong smell that may bother other passengers.
• ✈️ Frozen pizza: Allowed in both carry-on and checked; must stay frozen solid at screening.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Food)
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Melted or soft ice cream is considered a liquid/gel → must follow the 3-1-1 rule (≤ 3.4 oz) in carry-on.
✅ Frozen solid ice cream is allowed in carry-on and checked, but it must be completely frozen at screening.
✅ Dry ice (for keeping it cold) is allowed in limited amounts (≤ 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg per passenger) if properly packaged.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• If the ice cream is fully frozen solid at security, it may pass screening.
• If partially melted or soft, it will be treated as a liquid and must be ≤ 3.4 oz.
• Checked luggage:
• Ice cream is allowed, but melting risk is high.
• Use dry ice or freezer packs to keep it frozen.
• Dry ice rules:
• FAA allows up to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) per passenger.
• Must be in ventilated packaging, labeled “Dry Ice,” and approved by the airline.
• Gel packs / freezer packs:
• Allowed in carry-on only if frozen solid. If melted, declare them for screening.
• International flights:
• Customs often bans dairy, including ice cream, when entering another country.

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TSA Ice Cream Rules Summary

Item	Carry-On	Checked
Frozen solid ice cream	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Soft / melted ice cream > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Dry ice (≤ 5.5 lbs)	✅ Allowed (airline approval)	✅ Allowed
Gel packs (frozen solid)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Must be frozen solid: Even slightly soft ice cream will be treated as a liquid.
• ✈️ Dry ice paperwork: Airlines may require labeling and a declaration form.
• ✈️ Customs rules: Dairy imports (including ice cream) are often banned internationally.
• ✈️ Best option: Buy and enjoy ice cream after security or at your destination.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Ice Cream)
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Dry Ice)
• FAA – PackSafe: Dry Ice

Quick Answer
⚠️ Yogurt is considered a liquid/gel by TSA.
✅ In carry-on, containers must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller, inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Larger yogurt cups are only allowed in checked luggage.
✈️ Yogurt for infants/toddlers is exempt — larger amounts allowed in carry-on if declared.

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Details

• Carry-on (regular yogurt):
• Must be ≤ 3.4 oz and packed in your liquids bag.
• Larger cups or tubs not permitted through security.
• Infant/toddler yogurt:
• Exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
• Parents can bring larger yogurts if declared at security.
• Checked luggage:
• Any size yogurt container allowed.
• Use sealed packaging to prevent spills.
• Yogurt alternatives (Greek yogurt, kefir, drinkable yogurt):
• Same rules — treated as liquids/gels.
• International flights:
• Many countries ban bringing dairy (including yogurt) across borders.

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TSA Yogurt Rules Summary

Yogurt Type	Carry-On	Checked
Regular yogurt ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Regular yogurt > 3.4 oz	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Baby/toddler yogurt	✅ Allowed (exempt, must declare)	✅ Allowed
Drinkable yogurt	✅ ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ 3.4 oz applies strictly: TSA won’t allow larger yogurt cups, even half-full.
• ✈️ Baby exemption: Yogurt for infants is allowed in larger containers if declared.
• ✈️ Leak risk: Yogurt easily bursts in checked bags — seal containers in plastic.
• ✈️ Customs bans: Fresh dairy like yogurt often not allowed into other countries.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Yogurt)
• TSA – Traveling with Children
• CBP – Bringing Food into the U.S.