Does TSA Consider Guacamole To Be A Liquid?

Guacamole can be a healthy snack paired with chips or eaten as a yummy condiment on tacos and burgers. Though it can be a little messy, it makes for the perfect travel grub. Guacamole is packed with vitamins and offers up satiating fiber, healthy fats, and some protein to boot — all things your body needs to push through those exhausting airport days.

However, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), toting the green stuff might get you flagged in the airport security line. As innocent as guacamole might be, the ingredient is among the most bizarre items TSA considers to be a liquid. And just like other liquids, guac is subject to certain restrictions when kept in carry-on luggage.

The agency confirmed its rules for packing guacamole on X (formerly known as Twitter): "While you may be able to eat a whole pound of guac (we can), it is only allowed in quantities of 3.4 oz or less in your carry-on." Even if your go-to guacamole recipe is thick and chunky, it falls under the same category as other salsas and sauces, which TSA states on its website are allowed in carry-on bags but must be limited to 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) per container. The guac and other liquids should also be kept in a clear quart-sized bag during the screening process.

Generally, you can bring food through TSA without issue, but liquids and spreadable goods like guacamole may be confiscated if they exceed the official rules for liquids. However, you don't have to cancel your in-flight chips and dip party just yet. There's an easy way around the rule that will keep you on TSA's good side.

All you have to do is freeze your guac before heading to the airport. Liquids that have been frozen and solidified are no longer subject to the 3.4-ounce limit and will be treated like any other solid item in your carry-on. With that said, there are a few rules to follow if you want to pack frozen food in your luggage. First, bringing a cooler and some ice packs to keep the guac icy cold is a fabulous idea. If your guacamole starts to melt and becomes soft, it will be considered a liquid by security officers. The same goes for your ice packs: They must be kept completely frozen when going through airport security, or else they'll count toward your liquids limit.

Once you've been screened by TSA, you can let your guacamole thaw to be enjoyed on the plane. Remove the ice packs and allow the condiment to gradually defrost in your bag. Alternatively, ask for a cup of hot water after boarding your flight and place the container of guacamole inside to warm it up.

Guacamole is creamy enough to be considered a liquid by TSA, but what about plain ol' avocados? As long as your avocados aren't especially old and mushy (in which case it's probably best to toss them in the trash), they should be allowed through airport security. This applies to both whole avocados and 'cados that have been sliced up and tucked into a sandwich (FYI, sandwiches with condiments are also usually okay to bring through TSA).

Keep in mind, however, that you won't be able to easily cut your whole avocados on the plane, in case you were hoping to make some fresh avocado toast at 30,000 feet. Most knives are prohibited by TSA, with the exception of plastic knives and butter knives. Any cutlery sharp enough to cause injury must be kept wrapped in your checked bag.

Also, not all destinations allow travelers to carry some fresh foods, such as avocados. This can sometimes depend on your point of departure. For example, passengers coming from Hawaii to the contiguous U.S. are barred from traveling with most fresh fruits and vegetables, including avocados. Check for any restrictions in your destination before packing for your trip.