If you’re not a frequent flyer and have a trip planned, you might be wondering if can you bring food on a plane.
The good news is that, in most cases, you can bring food with you on a plane. This means you don’t have to buy food at the airport or wait until you reach your destination to grab a bite.
However, there are certain rules you need to be aware of when it comes to flying with food. Keep reading to find out more.
Can You Pack Food in a Checked Bag?
If you’re planning to travel by air and you’re wondering if can you bring food on a plane, the answer is generally yes.
However, there are some important rules to keep in mind to ensure that you’re complying with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.
Knowing these rules before you head to the airport can save you time and hassle. Here are the key TSA food rules to keep in mind when it comes to packing food in your checked luggage.
Solid Food Items
Solid food items are generally allowed in your carry-on bag or checked luggage without any size restrictions. However, keep in mind that weight and bag restrictions still apply. If your item is too large, you may have to pay extra fees.
Liquid and Gel Food Items
When it comes to liquid and gel food items, the TSA rules are more stringent. Any liquid or gel food items that exceed the 3.4-ounce limit for liquids in carry-on bags must be packed in your checked luggage.
Otherwise, they won’t be allowed through the security screening process. It’s worth noting that these rules apply to liquid and gel food items in the same way as they do to toiletries.
Here are some additional food items that are subject to the 3.4-ounce sizing limitation when you bring them in your carry-on bag on an airplane:
- Creamy cheeses.
- Canned foods.
- Liquid chocolate.
- Other creamy dips and spreads, like hummus or peanut butter.
- Honey.
- Ice cream.
- Gravy.
It would be better to off packing these items in your checked luggage or not at all.
Can You Take Baby Food, Breast Milk or Formula?
When traveling with a baby, the TSA has specific rules in place regarding liquids and foods. You’re allowed to bring “reasonable quantities” of baby food, which can exceed the standard 3.4-ounce limit, in your carry-on bag. Additionally, formula, breast milk, and juice are considered allowable liquids, and don’t need to fit in a quart-sized bag like other carry-on liquids.
When going through security, you should be ready to remove these items from your bag and alert the TSA staff so that they can be screened separately. Breast milk and formula can be carried even if your child is not traveling with you, as they are considered medically necessary fluids.
What Food Can’t You Bring on an Airplane?
When traveling by plane, it’s important to know what food items are prohibited on board. Here are some of the items that are not allowed:
Liquid or gel food items that exceed 3.4 ounces cannot be carried in your hand luggage. However, if they are completely frozen, they are allowed without any size restrictions.
You are not permitted to bring alcohol in containers larger than 3.4 ounces in your carry-on luggage. Alcohol that contains between 24% to 70% alcohol is limited to 1.3 gallons per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcohol that contains more than 70% alcohol is not permitted on the airplane, even in checked baggage.
When traveling from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland, most fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed in your checked or carry-on bags. This is because they may carry invasive plant pests that could spread to other regions.
Conclusion
If you are planning to travel by air and wondering about can you bring food on a plane, here’s what you need to know. Generally, you can bring food with you on a plane, but there are some exceptions to consider. For example, baby food, frozen foods, and some solid foods can be brought on the plane, but there are rules that apply.
When it comes to liquids in carry-on bags, they cannot exceed 3.4 ounces in size. However, baby formula, breast milk, and juice are exceptions, and can be brought in reasonable quantities, even if they exceed 3.4 ounces. These items do not need to fit in a quart-sized bag like other liquids. But be prepared to have these items screened separately from other belongings.
There are also restrictions on alcohol. You cannot bring alcohol in containers larger than 3.4 ounces in a carry-on bag. Alcohol with more than 24% but less than 70% alcohol is limited to 1.3 gallons per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcohol with more than 70% alcohol is not allowed on the airplane, even in checked baggage.
Overall, bringing food on an airplane is allowed as long as you follow the TSA rules. Just be mindful of exceptions and consider the sizing limitations when traveling with edible liquids or gels.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The author and publisher of this article make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this article and shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
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