Can You Bring Frozen Food and Ice Packs Through Airport Security?
You can bring frozen food, but it needs to stay frozen all the way through screening.
The rule
Frozen items and ice packs are generally allowed if they are frozen solid when presented for screening.
What goes wrong
If food or an ice pack is partially melted, slushy or has liquid at the bottom, it may be treated as a liquid and must meet the 3-1-1 rule, or be thrown away.
How to keep food cold
- Freeze everything overnight.
- Use a small insulated bag.
- Use flat ice packs, which freeze more evenly.
- Pack food so it’s tightly surrounded by ice packs.
- Take the shortest route and avoid long waits before security.
Good items to freeze
- Sandwiches
- Cooked meat
- Cut fruit
- Frozen meals in sealed containers
Medical exception
Medically necessary ice packs and cooling accessories have separate rules. Tell the officer when you arrive at the checkpoint.
Checked bags
For long trips, consider checking frozen food in an insulated container with plenty of ice, but remember it may thaw during transit.
Need help planning? Call +1-800-984-7414. Read this guide on can you bring food through airport security.
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