As you jet off on your next adventure, do you find yourself hesitating to leave your beloved sourdough starter at home? The good news is, you don’t have to. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), your starter can actually accompany you on your travels – with a few specific guidelines in place.
Following a recent interaction on a Thread, the TSA confirmed that sourdough starter is permitted in your carry-on luggage, as long as it is contained in a receptacle that meets their size requirements and fits inside your quart-size liquids bag.
“Bread dough, however, presents a more complex situation,” the TSA pointed out in response to a user’s inquiry. While not explicitly prohibited, bread dough falls into a gray area due to potential security concerns related to its size and weight. It is suggested that any bread dough be placed in checked baggage instead of carry-on to avoid any issues during the screening process.
As queries about sourdough may seem niche, they surface at a pivotal time for TSA, as the agency gears up for significant changes that could impact all travelers. Beginning February 1, individuals arriving at airport security without a REAL ID or passport will be subject to a $45 TSA fee and an identity verification process. This verification, carried out using biometric or biographic systems, will be valid for up to 10 days but does not guarantee passage through security.
TSA executive assistant administrator Steve Lorincz highlighted the necessity of system modernization, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety for all passengers. Those lacking proper identification will be directed to complete the verification process online, a task that can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
In essence, when traveling with a sourdough starter, ensure it is compact, clearly compliant, and packed as a liquid. And before heading off on your next journey, double-check your identification, as TSA is implementing stricter regulations. It seems the days of casual air travel may be behind us, replaced with a more vigilant approach to security in the skies.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.