Bringing Food Through Security at Atlanta Airport: What You’re Allowed to Take

If you’re flying out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and wondering, “Can I take food through security?”, the answer is yes — with some important rules.

Below is a clear guide tailored specifically to Atlanta travelers, whether you’re a local heading out of town, a visitor flying home, or someone connecting through the world’s busiest airport.

The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Bring Food Through ATL Security

At ATL, you can bring most solid foods through TSA security checkpoints in both the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal (Concourse F).

The main rule to remember:

• Solid food = usually okay
• Liquid or gel-like food = must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule or be checked

This is based on TSA rules, which apply at all security checkpoints at Atlanta airport, including:

• North and South Security Checkpoints (Main Terminal)
• International Terminal / Concourse F Security

TSA at ATL is managed by the Transportation Security Administration, not by the airport itself, so the rules are national — but how they feel on the ground at ATL is covered here.

What Food You Can Bring Through Security at Atlanta Airport

Solid Foods That Are Generally Allowed

You can usually bring solid, non-liquid food in your carry-on through ATL security, such as:

• Sandwiches and wraps (from home or a local spot like Chick-fil-A or your neighborhood deli)
• Baked goods: muffins, bagels, croissants, cookies, pastries
• Chips, crackers, pretzels, nuts
• Granola bars, protein bars, energy bars
• Whole fruits and vegetables: apples, bananas, oranges, carrots
• Dry snacks: popcorn, trail mix, cereal
• Candy and chocolate
• Dry foods in containers: rice cakes, jerky, crackers

All of these can be packed in your personal item or carry-on and taken through security at ATL.

💡 Tip: Put your food in clear, resealable bags or containers so TSA agents can see what it is quickly. This can make the ATL security lines move smoother, especially during busy times.

Foods That Count as Liquids or Gels (And Have Extra Rules)

Anything that can be poured, spread, squeezed, or scooped is usually treated like a liquid or gel at TSA checkpoints.

These foods can still go through Atlanta airport security, but only if they meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule:

• Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less
• All containers must fit in one clear quart-sized bag
• One bag per traveler

Common Atlanta-traveler examples:

• Yogurt
• Pudding or mousse
• Hummus, guacamole, salsa
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Cream cheese
• Dips and spreads
• Sauces, gravies, dressings
• Soups, stews, broths
• Smoothies, shakes, protein drinks
• Jams, jellies, honey, syrup

If you bring a full-size tub of hummus from home or a big cup of smoothie you grabbed driving in on I-85, it will likely be stopped at TSA unless:

• It’s 3.4 ounces or smaller, and
• It fits inside your quart-sized liquids bag.

Otherwise, you’ll probably have to throw it away at the checkpoint.

Common Atlanta Situations: What Happens at Security?

Food from Home

Bringing your own meal or snacks from your house, hotel, or Airbnb in Atlanta is very common.

Usually fine:

• Homemade sandwiches and wraps
• Leftover pizza slices (boxed or wrapped)
• Simple rice or pasta dishes without much sauce
• Dry snacks for kids

Check carefully:

• Saucy dishes (like wings covered in sauce, soups, curries)
• Containers full of stew or chili
• Large jars of peanut butter or spread

If something looks like a liquid or paste, expect it to be treated as such at ATL security.

Food Purchased Before Security at ATL

If you buy food outside security at the airport (for example in the Atrium or pre-security shops), it still has to follow TSA rules.

• Solid items: you can take them through
• Drinks, smoothies, or soups: you usually cannot take them through, unless in small 3.4-oz containers in a quart bag

It’s often easier to wait and buy drinks and liquid-heavy foods once you’re past security.

Food Purchased After Security at ATL

Once you have already passed security, you can buy:

• Bottled water, sodas, coffee, tea
• Full-size smoothies or juices
• Hot meals with sauces
• Alcoholic drinks from bars

You can take these on your plane departing from Atlanta as long as the airline allows it onboard.

Special Cases at Atlanta Airport

Baby Food, Formula, and Breast Milk

If you’re traveling through ATL with a baby or young child, TSA allows special exceptions for:

• Breast milk
• Infant formula
• Baby food (purees, pouches, jars)
• Juice for toddlers

These items:

• Can exceed 3.4 ounces
• Do not need to fit in a quart bag
• Should be declared to a TSA officer at the checkpoint
• May be screened separately

This applies at all ATL checkpoints, including domestic and international.

Medically Necessary Liquids and Foods

If you have a medical condition requiring specific liquid nutrition or gel-like foods (for example, certain shakes or supplements):

• You may bring more than 3.4 ounces
• These items should be declared to TSA
• They may receive additional screening

You do not need to provide personal medical details to other passengers, but be ready to calmly explain to the TSA officer that the item is medically necessary.

International Travel from Atlanta (U.S. Customs Issues)

If you’re flying out of Atlanta to another country, TSA rules apply at ATL security, but customs rules apply when you land.

For example:

• Solid food like snacks or sandwiches may be fine through ATL TSA
• Fresh meat, fruits, or vegetables might not be allowed into your destination country

If you’re returning to Atlanta from abroad, U.S. Customs at ATL often restricts:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Raw meat
• Some dairy products

These may be taken from you at customs, even if they were allowed past security in another country. If in doubt, avoid packing fresh, raw agricultural products on international trips.

Quick Reference: What Food Can You Take Through ATL Security?

How to Pack Food for TSA at Atlanta Airport

Best Practices for Smooth Screening

To keep things easy at Atlanta’s busy checkpoints:

1. Use clear bags or containers

   • Pack food in transparent zip bags or clear containers.
   • Makes it easier if TSA wants a closer look.

2. Separate food from electronics

   • At ATL, you may be asked to separate snacks or large amounts of food from your bag, similar to laptops.
   • Putting food in a dedicated pouch can speed things up.

3. Keep your liquids and gels together

   • Put all spreads, dips, yogurts, and small sauces in one quart-sized bag.
   • Take this bag out and place it in a bin when you go through security.

4. Avoid strong-smelling or messy foods

   • Barbecue plates or very saucy wings from your favorite Atlanta spot might be better eaten before security or after boarding, depending on the mess and smell.
   • This is more about comfort and courtesy than strict TSA rules.

Local Tips for Atlanta Travelers

Using ATL’s Terminals and Checkpoints

At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, major checkpoints include:

• Domestic Terminal North Security Checkpoint
• Domestic Terminal South Security Checkpoint
• International Terminal / Concourse F Security

You can bring allowed food through any of these, as long as it meets TSA guidelines.

If you’re dropped off on one side (North/South) but your airline mainly uses the other, the food rules are the same; you can still go through security there and reach your concourse via the Plane Train.

Buying Food at ATL Instead of Bringing It

If you’re unsure whether your homemade food will pass, you can:

• Bring only safe, solid snacks through TSA, and
• Plan to buy drinks, smoothies, or larger meals after security in your departure concourse.

This avoids the risk of having to throw away items at the Atlanta TSA checkpoint trash cans, which is common for people who forget about the liquids rule.

What To Do If TSA at ATL Stops Your Food

If a TSA officer at Atlanta airport flags your food:

1. Stay calm and listen to their explanation.

2. They may:

   • Ask you to open a container
   • Ask you to place items in a separate bin
   • Inform you that an item exceeds the liquid limit

3. Your usual options:

   • Surrender the item (they throw it away)
   • If you have time and are pre-security, you might step out, repack into checked luggage, or discard it yourself

You generally cannot store rejected items with the airport; once you’re at the checkpoint, it’s usually a keep it (if allowed) or surrender it decision.

Helpful Official Contacts for Food & Security Questions at ATL

If you’re unsure about a specific food item before heading to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can reach out to:

TSA Contact Center

• Phone: 866-289-9673 (Toll-Free)
• TTY: 711 (for hearing- or speech-impaired)

They can help clarify whether a particular type of food is allowed in carry-on bags.

For general airport information (parking, terminals, services — not TSA rules), you can contact:

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Airport General Information: (800) 897-1910
• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320

In summary: Yes, you can take food through security at Atlanta airport, especially solid snacks and meals. Just follow the 3-1-1 rule for anything liquid- or gel-like, pack thoughtfully, and when in doubt, plan to buy liquids or messy items after you clear TSA at ATL.