TSA prepared for busy Thanksgiving travel in Cleveland, offers special packing tips

CLEVELAND - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for travelers who are planning to fly out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) during the Thanksgiving travel period. Nationally, TSA expects to screen more than 17.8 million people from Tuesday, Nov. 25 to Tuesday, Dec. 2, with more than three million people on Sunday, Nov. 30.

"TSA works closely with airlines and airports to ensure that we are fully prepared for the increase in passengers around the Thanksgiving travel period," said TSA's Acting Federal Security Director for Ohio, Daniel Narowitz. "Our dedicated workforce is committed to ensuring that airline travelers have a safe and efficient Thanksgiving travel experience as they make their way to their flights."

TSA offers these tips for all flyers as they plan their upcoming holiday travel:

• Pack smart: Start with an empty bag and listen to instructions from TSA officers while at the security checkpoint. Have questions about airport security? Text 275-872 ("AskTSA") to engage our virtual assistant 24/7.
• Have valid ID: Bring your REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable form of identification and have it out to show the TSA officer at the checkpoint entrance.
• Enroll in TSA PreCheck: Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck for free - see guidelines here. Enroll through our extended BOGO offer today!

Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions may contact TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 to request assistance while at the TSA checkpoint. For general information, visit TSA.gov.

TSA is also offering several special packing tips for people planning to take a family favorite food item on board their flights. Passengers may carry most foods through a TSA checkpoint, but some items are required to be transported in checked baggage. Solid items can go through a checkpoint. However, passengers with items you can spill, spread, spray, pump or pour and are larger than 3.4 ounces should pack those goodies in a checked bag. Food items packed in carry-on bags often need additional security screening, so it is best to place those items in an easily accessible location of the carry-on when packing them and removing those items from your bag and placing them in a bin for screening at the checkpoint.

Here are some examples of holiday food travelers can carry through a TSA checkpoint:

• Baked goods - homemade or store-bought pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats.
• Meats - turkey, chicken, ham, steak (frozen, cooked or uncooked).
• Stuffing - cooked or uncooked, in a box or in a bag.
• Casseroles - If solid, it can be brought in either carry-on or checked luggage. However, if the casserole contains liquid or semi-liquid components (e.g., soups, sauces, or gravy), those components must comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids, aerosols and gels rule. This means each liquid or semi-liquid item must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or less and fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag.
• Mac 'n Cheese - Must be solid and already cooked in a pan, or passengers may travel with the ingredients to cook at their destination.
• Fresh vegetables - potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, beets, radishes, carrots, squash, greens.
• Fresh fruit - apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, kiwi.
• Candy
• Spices

Here are some examples of holiday food travelers should not bring through the TSA checkpoint but may carefully pack in their checked baggage:

• Cranberry sauce - Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them.
• Gravy - homemade or in a jar/can.
• Canned fruits or vegetables - With liquid in cans or jars, travelers should pack in a checked bag.
• Preserves, jams and jellies - They are spreadable.
• Maple syrup
• Wine, champagne, sparking apple cider

Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy "What can I bring?" tool that allows you to type in the item to find out if you can fly with it. You can also ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send questions by texting "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872).

Travelers are also reminded to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illness. If items need to stay cold during travel, ice packs are permitted but must be frozen solid when going through security screening. For additional holiday food safety tips, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website.