The world is a difficult place to live in. Constant inflation, climate issues and the threat of anti-social elements can make everyday experiences difficult. One such difficult place is the airport, courtesy of the TSA. But at the end of the day, they are just doing their job.
Another difficult place to be is social media. Especially X.Com. It’s a cesspool of trolls, verified accounts posting rage baits and arguments that make you wonder about the educational status of many humans.
Yet, in a very unlikely scenario, these two combined to win the internet today. While sharing a full list of items of what can and cannot go abroad on a plane, when someone asked if they could carry cake with them, the Transportation Security Administration joked that they could, but “Bad news (for us at least): We don’t get to taste test the cakes.”
This tongue-in-cheek has delighted travelers and baking enthusiasts alike everywhere.
Another question we’re asked a lot… can you bring a cake on a flight?
Good news: Cake can fly! 🎂 Carry it on, frosting and all, just skip the cutlery.
Bad news (for us at least): We don’t get to taste test the cakes.
Full list of what can fly: https://t.co/BXjlKe6Rvw pic.twitter.com/ZBKC2gBi9o
— TSA (@TSA) June 11, 2025
TSA has a very public image of being serious and strict with its travel protocols and screenings; however, this tweet sheds a sweet, warmer, and more humane light on the agency.
Though even during this funny interaction, they reminded us that when it comes to airport security, unfortunately, sampled birthday cakes are off limits.
Travelling through airports can be very stressful, and anyone who has travelled with a lot of luggage or a toddler will confirm that for you. Long lines, fear of over-packing, and a responsibility to remember what item is allowed and what is not can make the beginning of a vacation a scary nightmare.
So I’m at @ATLairport and this may be the longest security line I have ever seen. Even growing up here, and even for a Monday morning. One passenger told me he’d been waiting over an hour and still had about 30 minutes to go. pic.twitter.com/UL7EghujQI
— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) January 14, 2019
So, the TSA took the time to poke fun at themselves and their agents because even after smelling, touching (through a box), and seeing a cake, they can’t eat the cake.
Even with that, they didn’t come to play. The underlying message of the tweet and its thread was to stick to the screening rules. The linked TSA Checklist clearly spelled out exactly what passengers can and can’t bring aboard planes.
While most baked goods are fine to fly, passengers need to be aware of how they’re packed and portioned:
Whole cakes: As long as they are solid and have no big liquid fillings or frosting bombs, they’re allowed inside a plane. But they will still be checked.
Frosting: Creamy frostings may trigger the liquid rule if they exceed 3.4 ounces. Therefore, they want travelers to keep the volume detail in mind.
Pies, brownies, cookies: These are usually fine, but TSA officers reserve the right to inspect any food (Not eat). Strong-smelling items can still raise eyebrows.
The tweet’s tone shows that even though they may seem distant and procedural, it’s staffed by humans.
TSA: Has anyone unknown to you packed your bag?
Me: Um…no.
TSA: Did your bag just bark?
Me: Yeah but I know him. pic.twitter.com/mNDMl4qhWt— theCHIVE (@theCHIVE) September 8, 2017
They also enjoy treats just like the rest of us, even if they don’t get to indulge. So next time you’re headed to the airport and craving a slice, pack it smart:
- Use solid packaging
- Keep frosting under 3.4 oz if in carry-on.
- Expect officer scrutiny — but don’t expect a taste test.
Above all, remember: a little humor can go a long way in travel. And if you see a friendly agent behind the tray of goodies, give them a smile. They may enjoy the joke even if they don’t get a bite.
