Yes, You Can Bring a Whole Thanksgiving Turkey Through TSA
But leave the gravy behind.
I'm one of those people who likes learning about all the things I can do, even if I'm not going to do them. I like knowing, for example, that if one day I woke up and wanted to climb Mount Everest, I technically could, though my lung capacity might disagree.
Along the same lines, I like knowing that if I wanted to bring an entire, hot, fully cooked, and seasoned-to-perfection turkey through TSA, I could. And, in the event that I was running behind with Thanksgiving dinner preparations, a frozen turkey would do as well, and it would seamlessly make its way before the TSA officers' eyes and through the scanner.
I do not make the rules—TSA does. "Are you going to be in feast mode this Thanksgiving? We've got you covered!" reads a recent X post on the administration's account. "You can stuff as much stuffing, turkey, and other solid foods into your suitcase and carry-on as you'd like."
Whether you're heading somewhere for Thanksgiving or coming back, any solid food is an acceptable item to have in your carry-on or personal item. If I were you, I wouldn't pass on the opportunity to bring back a good amount of leftovers once your return flight date arrives.
Definitely leave gravy and cranberry sauce behind, though. Similarly to peanut butter, TSA considers them liquids and will not allow them through security if they exceed the maximum amount of 3.4 ounces per container.
So here's a pro tip: Either pour gravy and cranberry sauce in TSA-approved travel-sized reusable containers or, to avoid the extra step, drench your turkey with them before boxing it up. That is technically a TSA-friendly way to go.
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