Is it true you can’t take birthday cake on the plane? This is the question asked by millions of people all over the world every day. So this blog going to share my knowledge and answer this burning question of yours “can I take birthday cake on flight” once and for all! So stay tuned and keep reading this blog article about what you can and can’t take on an airplane. 

Let’s start with the cake itself, if it’s commercially wrapped and packaged, you should be fine taking it in your carry-on luggage, but you will need to verify with your airline if it’s over 3oz of liquid or solid food. Then there will be no issue with the TSA itself.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Know the rules

Your cake might be a tasty treat, but if you plan to bring it on board an airplane for your next trip, know that regulations may prohibit taking your creation onboard.

In short, you’ll need to check with your airline carrier to see if there are specific rules about carrying cake onto their aircraft. While many do allow cakes and other types of birthday treats on planes, they typically require them to be wrapped or boxed as carry-on luggage. 

You can also inquire about whether your cake will need to go through security screening at all. Most airlines will not let passengers transport liquids in containers larger than 3 ounces through security checkpoints. 

If you have any doubts, just leave your cake at home, it’s better to be safe than sorry! I know the cake may be made by your grandma or may have some emotional value, but to avoid further hassle it would be better if you fly without it.

So, if you plan to carry your cake onto an airplane, call ahead to verify whether they allow items like a birthday cake.

What should you do with your cake?

There’s a chance you won’t be able to take your cake on your flight. 

Check with your airline before you pack it up, just in case. 

There are certain rules about what you can and can’t bring in terms of food items for security reasons, so make sure to look over those restrictions before packing up your sweet treat. 

Some airlines will let you mail cakes ahead of time as long as they arrive before you land; others will not allow baked goods on board at all. 

If you’re bringing a cake, chances are good that it will have to go through an X-ray machine, so if there is any fruit or candy inside, leave that out when you pack it up. 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends wrapping sharp objects like knives and forks separately from other utensils like spoons, so wrap them in plastic bags or tape them shut. 

And while you might be tempted to hide your cake in your checked luggage, TSA doesn’t have any objection to it. Your best bet is to keep it with you onboard, most airlines allow one carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger.

Does TSA allow it?

TSA doesn’t explicitly prohibit bringing food on planes. 

However, you must have permission from security if you want to bring edible items onto a plane. As far as they’re concerned, what you do with it once onboard is your own business. 

It is mentioned on the TSA’s website that you are allowed to bring in cakes with them on the plane.

Source

You are allowed to bring in cakes in both carry-on and checked bags. But there will be some additional inspections for carrying such items. What they care about is that the cake is in solid form and there is no sharp thing with it. So, you are good as long as your cake is not associated with these.

This tweet may also clear your confusion.

Did somebody say cake? If you’ve decided to travel with this delicious treat, we have a piece of good news. No matter how you slice your cake it is good to go. Looking for a cake topper? Reach out to our team @AskTSA who can answer all your travel questions. pic.twitter.com/QKnIaZmtGn

— TSA (@TSA) November 18, 2021

Although you may be allowed to take birthday cake through security, it is unlikely the TSA will approve of you eating it on board. 

If you do decide to eat your cake on board, make sure to discard any leftovers before leaving. You don’t want to find yourself in trouble for leaving behind waste or worse and causing trouble to yourself.

How should you store your cake?

It’s best to place your birthday cake in a fridge at home before you travel. 

Your local airport may not have refrigerators available for travelers. 

So if you don’t want to risk it, it’s better to leave it at home. You could always freeze your cake first as well! 

After defrosting, wrap your cake tightly in tin foil and a layer of adhered film, then place it in an airtight container or plastic bag. 

Make sure that your cake is completely dry before wrapping. If you do decide to take it with you on board, make sure that there are no messy frostings or cream on top. 

Wrap them up carefully with adhered film and tinfoil, so they won’t spill over when moving around during the flight. 

Most airlines will allow you to carry cakes onto planes as long as they meet certain requirements. 

There may be restrictions though depending on where you’re flying from and going to, so double-check with your airline before heading off. 

When traveling via train, most stations offer fridges for travelers which can keep your cake fresh throughout your journey. Be sure to check beforehand, just in case! Most cafes and restaurants also sell pre-packaged slices of cake, which would be easier than carrying a whole one around to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Don’t forget about checking any weight limits for hand luggage too, some airlines restrict passengers to only taking small amounts of food on board. 

Before boarding, let your cabin crew know that you have a cake in your hand luggage so they can inform other staff members who might need to clear out space for it. 

Some airports also prohibit bringing food items through security checkpoints so again, it would be better to check beforehand just in case!

How should you transport your cake?

This year, I had to travel for my sister’s birthday. 

As a traveler and lover of cake, it was a tough decision to make, but when it came down to it, there was only one option. 

Can you take your cake on flight? The short answer is yes. 

Even if your plane doesn’t have a refrigerator on board, you can still transport your beloved cake to any destination intact. 

It just takes some planning and preparation. 

Here are some tips for transporting your cake by air. 

Make sure your cake will fit in a standard carry-on bag

If you’re traveling by plane, chances are that you won’t be able to bring anything bigger than an overhead compartment or under-seat storage space. 

So before purchasing that special pan or recipe book, check with an airline agent to see what size carry-on bags they allow onto their flights. Many airlines have restrictions regarding liquids and gels, so do your research before packing anything unusual. 

Double wrap your cake and freeze it

In order to keep your cake fresh, double wrap it in plastic wrap and then put it into a zip lock freezer bag. 

You don’t want condensation forming on your delicious dessert during transit, so make sure you protect against humidity by using freezer bags as well as sealing them tight. 

Keep your cake in its original packaging

While you may think that taking off all those wrappings will save time and space, doing so could cause damage to your cake. Keep it intact until you’re ready to eat.

Put it at the top of your luggage

Don’t forget about our little friend! 

Your precious cargo should always go at the top of your luggage. If something falls out of place, hopefully, it lands on top, where all is safe and sound! 

Enjoy!

After a long journey, enjoy your tasty treat! Be sure to let us know how it went and share pictures too. Happy travels!

Make sure to get an airline-approved carrier

A lot of people think that you can bring a cake on an airplane without any problems. 

This is not true. 

You will definitely have to worry about your cake being taken off of you if you don’t use a carrier that has been approved by airline security and staff. 

Also, using an approved container will keep your cake intact, so it doesn’t get smashed while in flight. 

Your cake should be stored upright during take-off and landing as well. It may also be a good idea to put some air holes into your container for extra protection from bumps or drops during transport. 

Another thing to consider is how much space you are going to need for storing a cake on board an aircraft. The larger cakes will probably need more room than smaller ones, but it all depends on what kind of plane you are flying in as well as where you are sitting when carrying your dessert with you onto the plane. 

If you plan on eating your cake before arriving at your destination, then you might want to check out individual airline policies first before taking it on board. There could be rules against eating food inside a closed cabin area, or maybe there are other restrictions depending on where you are traveling to. 

Some airlines allow passengers to eat food inside a closed cabin area, provided that they clean up after themselves and dispose of their trash properly.

Keep It Fresh

According to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, passengers are not allowed to take liquid or gel items on a plane that are greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per container. 

But you can pack your cake in checked luggage, as long as it’s wrapped securely so that it won’t leak or cause any damage when you transport it to your destination. 

If you have a frozen cake, you can not take it with you against TSA’s rule. 

Also, be aware that if TSA agents open your bag and see an unpackaged food item, they may confiscate it, so wrap up those cupcakes!  

And if you do end up getting stopped by security for having something that exceeds carry-on size limits, consider shipping your extra goodies home. 

Shipping companies like FedEx and UPS allow you to ship gifts and food home from anywhere in the world. And while shipping costs vary depending on where you live, it’s often cheaper than purchasing new snacks at your destination, and more convenient too! 

Just remember, when shipping anything via mail, always include insurance; otherwise, your package might never make it to its final destination.

Whether or not TSA will cut off your beautiful candle decoration.

If you have enough time, pack your cake in checked luggage, which will probably arrive at your destination intact. 

However, if you’re worried about it arriving in pieces, make a quick call to TSA before heading to security. 

The agency has a 24-hour hotline for passenger inquiries, give them a ring and ask whether or not you can bring your birthday candles with you. They may tell you yes, but they may also say no. 

Either way, they should be able to help you out and let you know ahead of time. 

For example, TSA officers are permitted to use their discretion when screening passengers and their carry-on items. If an item looks like it could pose a threat to safety during flight, such as a large knife or explosive material, then TSA will treat that item accordingly. 

But if an item looks harmless, like birthday candles, then our officers would likely allow it through without treating it any differently than other items travelers might have with them at that time. 

So, while I can’t guarantee that your cake will make it onto your flight without incident, I do hope you enjoy celebrating a special occasion. 

Check out the seat pocket In front of you

If you’re flying with a birthday cake, it’s a good idea to ask an attendant if there is a convenient location where you can store your cake during the flight. 

If there is no space in front of your seat or in first class, ask if they have another option that might be available. Keep in mind that cakes onboard flights are usually wrapped in aluminum foil, so if you’re planning to eat them later, they won’t dry out. 

Be sure to call ahead and double-check with your airline.

How will carrying a cake affect me?

Airline rules dictate that even if you declare food in your carry-on luggage, it may be confiscated if it’s deemed excessive. 

You may think that cake is an exception because of its unique flavor or nutritional value, but remember, the guidelines are pretty broad and subjective. 

It might be best to leave your cake at home and enjoy a low-calorie dessert when you land instead. 

If you absolutely must take some cake on board with you, try purchasing two separate seats: one for yourself and one for your cake. 

Some airlines allow passengers to purchase additional seats for special needs, so it never hurts to ask! 

If they do allow you to buy two seats or provide extra space on board, pack the pieces separately, so they don’t get crushed during travel. 

That way, you can still celebrate your birthday without worrying about what happens to your cake.

If all else fails, get creative

If you’re flying with a cake, it’s important to realize that airport security is not just looking for explosives. Fire extinguishers no matter how old and even liquids over 100 ml are forbidden on board, too. 

So if you can’t find any cake-friendly flights out of your destination, here are some tips for making it through airport security. 

Pack your cake in your carry-on

This means wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in your bag. While there are no guarantees when dealing with cake, most airports will allow you to carry a wrapped birthday cake onto a plane as long as they don’t think there is anything suspicious about its shape or size. 

Buy a cupcake from duty free

Sometimes, you might luck out and find a duty free shop selling cupcakes near security. 

However, these options are few and far between. In fact, many duty-free shops won’t sell cakes at all due to weight restrictions imposed by their contracts with airlines.

Be ready to eat it during security screening

There’s always a chance that someone will confiscate your cake during screening, so if you want to eat it during your flight, make sure you bring something else along for dessert. 

Don’t bring cake to international flights

Not only do international flights require more paperwork than domestic ones, but they also tend to feature stricter inspections. 

Plus, foreign countries have different laws regarding food and alcohol than what you’re used to back home. 

The bottom line is that it’s best to avoid bringing cake with you on international flights altogether. 

Consider buying a new cake once you arrive

Once you’ve cleared customs, consider buying another cake from your destination. Many hotels offer free breakfast to guests, which often includes fresh baked goods. 

Or, you could try ordering one online ahead of time to ensure you get exactly what you want. 

Ask Your Travel Agent for Advice

If you’re having trouble finding answers online or in forums, contact your travel agent for help.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can you take birthday cake on a plane? 

Yes, but there are many rules and regulations that must be followed. If your dessert is not sealed properly, if it is broken or damaged, or if it presents a health risk to other passengers onboard due to allergies or other factors such as lactose intolerance, then you will likely not be able to take it with you. First of all, most airlines require that all food be packaged inside individual bags before going through security so that they can easily inspect your bags.

What should I do with my cake if it leaks? 

If your cake begins to leak, place it in a leak-proof container. If you don’t have a leak-proof container on hand, cover any holes with plastic wrap or other material. You can also turn a plastic bag inside out and place your cake inside that for additional protection. Finally, keep your cake away from items that might be damaged by grease and/or icing: you want to minimize mess as much as possible!

What if my cake isn’t leak-proof? 

If your cake doesn’t come with a lid or isn’t able to be sealed in an airtight container, then you can make one. Purchase a watertight plastic container and line it with plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep the icing from getting onto other items in your bag. Then place your unopened cake inside and seal it. This will help protect both yourself and other passengers from any potential messes that might occur.

What about a cake that needs to be iced or decorated after purchase? 

If you want to bring your own icing and/or decorations, then make sure that you follow all packaging instructions. Store it in a leak-proof container, place it inside a separate plastic bag for additional protection, and place it in your checked baggage.

Wrapping things up 

This can be confusing for many people. The fact is that, for flights originating in the United States, you can bring your own birthday cake on board. Just by following all the rules and by making an informed decision, you can certainly bring your cake on a flight.

I am sure by now you are roaming while carrying this question in the corner of your mind “can I take birthday cake on flight”?.