Can I bring food through TSA security?

Yes. Solid food is allowed through TSA security in both carry-on and checked bags with no restrictions. Sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, candy, chips, even a whole rotisserie chicken — all fine.

The rule that trips people up is liquids. Any food that's liquid, gel, paste, or spreadable must follow the 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, all fitting in one quart-size clear bag. That means hummus, yogurt, soup, peanut butter, and jelly are limited to travel-size containers. Frozen items are allowed if they're fully frozen solid at the checkpoint — if they've started melting, they count as liquids.

One exception: baby food, breast milk, and formula are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule in reasonable quantities. Declare them at the checkpoint. Ice packs to keep them cold are also allowed.