Bringing Wedding Cake On A Plane: Is It Possible?

If you're wondering whether you can bring a wedding cake on a plane, the answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the cake should be packed in a sturdy, structured box with solid sides to prevent it from getting crushed. The box should also fit within the size dimensions allowed by the airline, which can be challenging if it has a domed top. It's recommended to use a cardboard box and seal it with duct tape, as TSA agents will likely want to see inside. If you're bringing frosting, it should be in 3.4-ounce containers, as larger ones will be confiscated. Most airlines will allow you to bring a cake box as a personal item, separate from your carry-on bag. However, you should avoid placing the cake in the overhead bin, as the tilting and sliding could damage it. Instead, carefully place it under the seat in front of you. While bringing a wedding cake on a plane requires careful consideration and preparation, it is achievable with these steps in mind.

TSA restrictions on wedding cakes

If you're planning to bring a wedding cake on a plane, there are a few things you should know about the TSA's restrictions and requirements. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Getting Through TSA Security:

The TSA allows cakes, including wedding cakes, to pass through airport security. However, there are specific guidelines you must follow:

• Size Restrictions: The TSA security scanner is about 12-15 inches tall. Therefore, your cake and its container must fit within these dimensions. If you have a large, multi-tiered wedding cake, you may need to package each tier separately.
• Container Requirements: The cake must be packed in a sturdy, structured box with solid sides to prevent crushing. A cardboard box sealed with duct tape is a good option. The TSA will likely want to inspect the cake, so bring extra tape to reseal the box if needed. Consider adding a plastic window on top so security officers can easily view the contents.
• Frosting and Filling Restrictions: The TSA classifies frosting as a liquid. If you plan to bring frosting or fillings separately, they must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a clear quart-sized bag. This restriction also applies to ice or gel packs used to keep the cake cool. Ensure they are completely frozen when presented for screening; partially melted or slushy ice packs will be subject to the 3.4-ounce requirement.
• Inspection and Testing: The TSA may inspect or test your cake and its accompanying items. It is recommended to have your cake easily accessible and separate from your carry-on bag to facilitate the screening process.

Onboard the Aircraft:

Once you've navigated the TSA security checkpoint, there are a few more considerations for transporting your wedding cake onboard the plane:

• Carry-On or Personal Item: Most airlines will allow you to bring a cake box as a personal item, separate from your carry-on bag. However, it's advisable to check with your specific airline for their guidelines.
• Stowing the Cake: Overhead bins are not ideal for fresh cakes as the tilting and shifting can damage the cake. Instead, carefully place the cake under the seat in front of you. Consider creating a handle with duct tape to facilitate carrying and stowing the cake box.
• Temperature Control: To keep the cake cool, use frozen ice or gel packs. Ensure these are frozen solid when presented for screening and packed separately from the cake to comply with TSA regulations.
• International Flights: While the TSA allows cakes on international flights, some countries may restrict or prohibit homemade foods. Always check the regulations of your destination country before travelling with a wedding cake.

How to package a wedding cake for air travel

So, you want to bring a wedding cake on a plane? It is possible, but there are a few things you should know first. Firstly, you should check the rules of the country you are flying to, as some countries may restrict or prohibit bringing homemade cakes into the country. Secondly, you should know that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classifies frosting as a liquid, so if you want to bring frosting in your carry-on luggage, it must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and all containers must fit into a single quart-sized plastic bag.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to package a wedding cake for air travel:

Step 1: Baking the Cake

When it comes to air travel, dense cakes like pound cakes or Bundt cakes are the best option as they can survive almost any trip and last for days. Traditional cake flavours like vanilla, chocolate, and carrot are good choices. If you want to add fillings, stick to ganache or buttercream, as these freeze and thaw well. Avoid cakes with fresh fruit, pastry creams, mousses, or whipped cream, as these do not travel well.

Step 2: Freezing the Cake

Freezing your cake will help it travel better. First, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then place it in a cake box. Fill the box with foam packing pellets to prevent the cake from shifting during transit. Wrap the cake box in plastic and place it in a larger box with additional packing material.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Box

Choose a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than your cake. The box should be just big enough for the cake to fit through the TSA security scanner, which is typically 12-15 inches tall. Make sure the box has solid sides to protect the cake from getting crushed. If the box has a domed top, it may not fit within the size dimensions.

Step 4: Preparing the Box

Place a cardboard round inside the box, making sure it is the same diameter as the box. Cut one side of the box like a drawbridge so the cake can easily slide in. Tape the sides of the box securely with duct tape or packing tape, and bring extra tape in case you need to reopen the box for inspection. Consider adding a window on top, covered with plastic, so security officers can see inside.

Step 5: Transporting the Cake

Most airlines will allow you to bring a cake box on the plane as a personal item, separate from your carry-on bag. However, you should check with your airline for their specific guidelines. Do not place the cake in the overhead bin, as the tilting and sliding could damage it. Instead, carefully place it under the seat in front of you. Consider adding a handle to the box with duct tape to make it easier to move.

Keeping a wedding cake cool on a plane

To keep the cake cool, you can use ice or gel packs, but they must be completely frozen solid when passing through airport security. If they are even partially thawed, they will likely be confiscated. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire cake before transporting it, which will help it travel better and stay cool for longer.

When placing the boxed cake under the seat in front of you on the plane, be very careful not to tilt or slide it, as this could damage the cake. If possible, have someone sit next to the cake to hold it steady during the flight.

• Use a cake drum or sturdy cake board to provide a stable base for the cake.
• Transport the cake in a refrigerated vehicle to the airport, if possible.
• Avoid direct sunlight and keep the air conditioning on during the drive to the airport.
• Bring extra frosting and decorations in case any repairs are needed upon arrival.
• Check with the airline for specific guidelines and dimensions for carry-on items.
• Ask the baker for recommendations and transportation tips specific to their cakes.

Placing a wedding cake in the overhead bin

If you are bringing a frozen cake on the plane, the overhead bin may be suitable. However, it is important to consider the exact dimensions of the bin and the potential for the cake to slide, bounce, or bang around during the flight.

To transport a wedding cake on a plane, it is recommended to follow these steps:

• Use a sturdy cardboard box with solid sides to keep the cake from getting crushed.
• Ensure the box fits within the size dimensions allowed by the airline and the TSA security scanner, which is about 12-15 inches tall.
• Secure the box with duct tape or packing tape, and bring extra tape in case you need to reopen it for inspection.
• Create a "drawbridge" on one side of the box by cutting a flap that can be taped shut after the cake is inside.
• Place the cake on a cardboard round that is the same diameter as the box, and slide it into the box through the "drawbridge."
• Add a window on top of the box covered with plastic so that security officers can easily see inside.
• If using a frozen cake, wrap it in plastic and fill the box with foam packing pellets to prevent shifting during transit.
• Consider adding a handle to the box with duct tape to make it easier to lift and move the box without tipping it.
• Keep the cake cool with ice or gel packs, ensuring they are completely frozen when passing through airport security.
• During the flight, store the cake under the seat in front of you, as you will need to stow it during take-off and landing.

Transporting slices of wedding cake

Packaging and Preparation:

• Use a sturdy, airtight container: Place the slices in a sturdy and airtight container to prevent them from drying out or getting squished during transport. Consider using a container with a flat base, as sloping or curved containers might not fit under the seat.
• Add padding: Surround the slices with padding such as tissue paper, bubble wrap, or crumpled parchment paper to prevent movement and absorb any shocks during the flight.
• Keep it cool: If the slices have perishable fillings or frostings, consider using ice packs or frozen gel packs to keep them cool. Ensure that the ice packs are completely frozen before passing through airport security. Alternatively, you can freeze the slices before your trip, allowing them to defrost during transport.
• Follow TSA's liquids rule: If you plan to bring additional frosting or toppings, remember that the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule applies. Any liquids or gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, and they should fit within a quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag.
• Make it easily accessible: Have the container with the cake slices easily accessible when going through security. This will make it easier for inspection and reduce the risk of damaging the cake during the screening process.

During Transportation:

• Carry-on or checked baggage: You can bring slices of wedding cake in either your carry-on or checked baggage. If you want to ensure they stay with you at all times, consider carrying them in your carry-on. However, be mindful of the limited space in the overhead compartments and under the seat.
• Stowing the cake on the plane: Avoid placing the cake slices in the overhead bin, as the tilting and sliding could damage them. Instead, carefully place the container under the seat in front of you. If you have frozen the cake, you can also consider purchasing an extra seat for it, ensuring it stays secure and upright during the flight.
• Declare food items: When travelling internationally, remember to declare all food items, including cake slices, to customs and border protection officers. Failing to do so can result in steep penalties.

Additional Considerations:

• Check airline policies: Review the policies of the airline you'll be flying with to ensure compliance with their specific rules and guidelines for carrying food items.
• Transporting utensils: If you plan to bring serving utensils like cake knives or servers, it's best to pack them separately in your checked luggage or leave them at home to comply with TSA regulations regarding sharp objects.
• Duration of travel: Consider the duration of your travel and the perishability of the cake slices. Perishable fillings or frostings may have a shorter shelf life, so it's advisable to consume them within 24 hours of travel or keep them refrigerated if possible.
• Extreme temperatures: If you're flying to a hot or humid destination, be aware that extreme temperatures can cause the cake to deteriorate more quickly.

Frequently asked questions