The Transportation Security Administration is very clear on what types of foods you can and can not bring onto an airplane, but most people think that the “liquid” ban extends to cheeseburgers. Not so.
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UPDATE: WE’VE POSTED A NEW VERSION OF THIS STORY WITH UPDATED INFORMATION. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST LIST OF FOODS YOU CAN AND CAN’T BRING THROUGH SECURITY.
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The TSA’s only restrictions are that any food items brought through security must be either be whole, natural foods (like an orange), or be in placed in a container or otherwise wrapped up. All food must be X-rayed.
The food items that are specifically prohibited are as follows:

  • Gravy
  • Salad dressing
  • Oils and vinegars
  • Jams
  • Jellies
  • Soups
  • Creamy dips
  • Wine, liquor and beer
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Salsa
  • Sauces
  • Maple syrup
  • Any beverage that you didn’t buy at a duty-free shop
  • Gift baskets that include any of the above prohibited items

Here’s a big list of food you can bring through airport security:

  • Cakes (subject to additional inspection)
  • Pies (subject to additional inspection)
  • Sandwiches (wrapped)
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Sliced fruit (wrapped or in a container)
  • Firm Cheese (wrapped)
  • Meat (wrapped)
  • Candy
  • Gum
  • Granola Bars
  • Pretzels
  • Chips
  • Cookies
  • Pastries

…and more!
For example:

  • An unwrapped cheeseburger with fries and a big container of ketchup would not be allowed past security because a) The food is not wrapped. b) Ketchup is a gel.
  • A wrapped turkey sandwich with a small bag of potato chips would pass security because a) the food is wrapped b) there are no gels in large quantities.
    Pies and cakes are allowed, but are subject “additional screening.” This might be TSA code for “we will harass you, then eat your delicious pie.”

We can’t guarantee that some rogue TSA agent won’t give you a hard time for trying to bring your apples and pretzels to the gate, but according to the letter of the law, you’re allowed.
Traveling with Food or Gifts [TSA]
3-1-1 Liquids Rule [TSA]

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on Consumerist.