TSA shares three helpful packing tips ahead of Thanksgiving

The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving will be very busy at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints around the country, and it is important to ensure that there are no prohibited items among your carry-on items.

TSA is projected to screen 18.3 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 26 to Monday, Dec. 2, representing a volume increase of approximately 6 percent from this time last year. TSA projects the three busiest travel days will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday.

It's not easy to remember what you tossed in your backpack, messenger bag or handbag two weeks ago, so perhaps there's something in there that is not permitted through a checkpoint. Or perhaps you're eager to bring along a gift or favorite food item and you're not certain if it can be transported in a carry-on bag or checked bag.

With that in mind, TSA offers these three helpful tips when packing for your Thanksgiving flight.

1. Start with an empty bag. When packing for your trip, start by dumping all the contents out of your backpack, roller bag, messenger bag, duffle bag, handbag or whatever else you are using to tote along your belongings. Open those zippered or Velcro pockets to make sure there is nothing inside those compartments. Then start packing from scratch. This way you know with certainty that there are no prohibited items inside. There's no knife in a zippered pocket; no bullet that is lodged in a corner; no bottle of water in that side pocket. Yes, starting with am empty bag when you're packing can save you a headache at the checkpoint.
2. Know before you go. If you are ever unsure as to where an item should be packed-in a carry-on or a checked bag-just ask us. Yes, really! We have several ways to help you quickly find out where to pack an item. Our www.tsa.gov web site has a handy "Can I bring?" feature in the top right-hand corner of the homepage. Type in an item and you'll find out where it should be packed. Another helpful way to find out where to pack an item is to download the free myTSA app, which has that same handy "What can I bring?" feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask us on social media via X (Twitter) or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may also send a question by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).
3. Thanksgiving is a food-lovers holiday, and we know that passengers will be traveling with food. We're okay with that as long as you've packed it in the right place. Most foods can be carried through a checkpoint, however there are some items that will need to be transported in checked baggage. Here's some food for thought. If it's a solid item, then it can go through a checkpoint. However, if you can spill it, spread it, smear it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it's larger than 3.4 ounces, then it should go in a checked bag. TSA has an online list of common Thanksgiving-themed foods that people travel with and where to pack them.

Food items often need some additional security screening, so it is best to place those items in an easily accessible location of the carry-on when packing them and then removing those items from your bag and placing them in a bin for screening at the checkpoint.

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