Here's what Thanksgiving foods you can bring in your carry-on and what has to be checked

The out-of-town guests travel and the hosts handle the cooking for many Thanksgiving travelers.

It's not easy for a lot of other people. It's likely you'll see a fellow passenger toting a turkey or pie on the flight home for the holiday. Many passengers are expected to fly with leftovers on their way home.

As staff prepares to screen tens of millions of travelers over the coming week, the transportation security administration can expect to see a much more eclectic assortment of carry-on items.

"It's weird, but sometimes we will see turkeys at security checkpoint," said Mark Howell, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration.

If you're among the travelers hoping to do a little meal prep at home before flying, there are some things you should know.

3-1-1 applies, as always

The 3-1-1 rule governs what can and cannot be brought on the plane. It means that each liquid you bring through a checkpoint must be in a 3.4-ounce or smaller container, all containers must be placed in one clear quart-size plastic bag and each passenger is only allowed one plastic bag.

The banned items pile up in plastic bins near the checkpoint on a normal travel day.

Travelers can't carry a big bottle of sunscreen in their luggage. The composition of Thanksgiving entree and side dishes can be a bit confusing.

The foods you can bring with you on an airplane are approved by the Transportation Security Administration.

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Bringing Thanksgiving food on a plane

If you bring on a mini bottle of toothpaste or your family's famous Thanksgiving stuffing, you have to follow 3-1-1.

Your cakes and pies are going to be okay.

You can bring a turkey, ham, chicken or something similar. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises you to pack and store your food in a way that is safe for consumption.

Special attention is given to the steps you take to make sure your food stays cold.

As you go through the checkpoint, ice packs must stay frozen.

That's also true for the frozen turkey you bought at the store.

There is an issue if it is half melted and there is liquid in it. You should put it in the freezer until you get to the airport.

Stuffing, macaroni and cheese, casseroles, pies, pastries, fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the items that can be brought through the checkpoint.

Items you can't bring

It's a pretty obvious "no-go" if you try to carry on with a classic holiday dish if you don't consider the ingredients.

If it's more than 3.4 ounces, it should go in your bag.

There are many items that can be passed along. You need to look at canned food.

Wines and spirits will need to be checked in. Wrap and pack items with care to avoid a mess if a bottle breaks.

If you don't know what you can bring with you on the plane, the TSA has a helpful feature. If you type in your item, you will be able to find out if it can be carried through a checkpoint or not.

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Bottom line

The delay at the checkpoint is caused by the TSA catching prohibited items at the checkpoint. Delays can add up during the busiest travel week of the year.

Whether you plan to pack a bottle of hair gel or your family's traditional Thanksgiving casserole, consider the size and composition of what you're packing.