The Sweet TSA Food Exception You Didn't Know About
Traveling with food through airport security is a game of guesswork and confusion. From understanding what actually counts as a liquid to special instructions about how to bring fruits and meats through the checkpoint, most travelers generally prefer to leave their goodies at home to avoid getting flagged by the TSA. Interestingly enough, the actual truth is that not all so-called "troublesome foods" are off-limits or require any special permissions. And, for travelers with a sweet tooth, that news is about to get even better. Believe it or not, cakes and pies (as well as muffins and cupcakes) are one of those odd things that the TSA is perfectly okay with you bringing on board.
Whether you're heading directly to a birthday party after you land or you're bringing back a special dessert from your favorite bakery, TSA guidelines stipulate that travelers are allowed to transport a cake through airport security and onto your flight without any added hassle or airport-related bureaucracy. Of course, you still have to follow instructions from the crew on how to safely store the treat once it's made it onto the plane. This item also counts as your personal item on board, so keep that in mind while packing.
Other things to keep in mind if you're traveling with cake
Bringing your cake or pie along for the ride is all about proper planning. For starters, previous travelers recommend that you choose cakes made with mainly buttercream frosting and that you avoid anything with fresh fruit or mousse fillings since these don't always hold up during the journey. Additionally, for extra stability, some also suggest that you freeze your cake beforehand. Don't worry — the cake's flavor won't be affected if you do.
Along with that, packing your cake well is also crucial for a successful trip. Ideally, choose a sturdy box that's slightly larger than your cake, and secure it to a strong cardboard base. If you can, cut a "window" in the top of the box and cover it with clear plastic (or purchase a pack of bakery boxes) so that TSA agents can see what's inside. However, don't forget to bring extra packing tape as agents will still likely need to open the box to check it up close.
Finally, airlines will allow travelers to bring cakes on the plane, but there are some precautions you should take while in the air. Never store your cake in the overhead bin since the shifting and tilting can cause damage and spills. Instead, keep it tucked away safely under the seat in front of you. If you're planning on bringing some frosting separately to finish decorating at your destination, keep in mind that most spreads are bizarrely considered a liquid by TSA — which means it must be packed in a container that's 3.4 ounces or less.