It’s that time of year! Board games with the family, dad sleeping on the couch “watching” football, mom topping off the pumpkin pie… mmm, pie. That’s right, this week is Thanksgiving and we know that going back to your dorm room can be a little heartbreaking after a relaxing break back home. To avoid getting super homesick here’s a way for you to bring a piece of home with you, (or at least a piece of that yummy pie!)

The good news is that most of your favorite Thanksgiving goodies such as pies, cakes, vegetables, even whole turkeys, casseroles and stuffing can all be brought onto an airplane in your carry on bag, or can be checked into your luggage and placed below. Here’s how to bring TSA approved holiday food back to your dorm room!

TSA Approved Travel Carry On Goodies

  1. Canned foods (that don’t have more than 3.4 oz liquid), or are drained.
  2. Bread, rolls, cornbread, pastries, and cookies.
  3. Cooked Meats such as ham, turkey, sausage, etc.
  4. Frozen foods are allowed. According to TSA, if the food is packed with ice or ice packs, they must be completely frozen when going through screening, otherwise, they will not be permitted. 
  5. Cooking utensils like spatulas, and (surprisingly), vegetable peelers are allowed on your carry on.
  6. For our 21+ students wondering, yes, you can even bring alcohol onboard (as long as it’s less than 3.4oz/100 ml).

All above items are approved by the TSA.

Basically, if it’s dry (or solid), it can fly. Always remember, if you’re bringing liquid, stick to the “3-1-1” rule for carry-on items.

(Unfortunate) Carry On Travel No’s

  1. Whipped cream canisters.
  2. Canned Foods (that have liquid) such as canned cranberry sauce, or fruit cocktail.
  3. Foods that contain liquid, eggnog, maple syrup, and even mashed potatoes.
  4. Really, anything that is packed in liquid, or will become liquid such as preserves or jellies (allowed in checked bags).
  5. Carving knives, these cannot be transported through airports at all.
  6. Cast-iron skillets are also allowed (inside your checked bag only).

Basically, if you can “spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it”, then it should go into a checked bag. 

If you’re still unsure, check out these traveling do’s and don’t during the holidays, direct from TSA. They even have a live chatbox via that’s available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and on weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Just search for @AskTSA on Twitter & Facebook Messenger, and ask away. 

Cooking in your dorm room? Check out these dorm-friendly recipes you can make for your dorm-mates, and don’t forget to use your Door To Dorm mini-fridge to keep all your delicious holiday food fresh and ready to eat over the next few days, (or weeks)!