Delicious souvenirs: A list of permitted and prohibited foods for airplane transportation
Travelling around the world, you can try many different dishes that are hard to find at home. That's why many people try to take some with them. However, there are edible "souvenirs" that are prohibited for transportation.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certain restrictions on the transportation of food, including liquids and perishable foods. Travel + Leisure has shared some items that you can take with you to avoid having to throw away food during airport security.
Meat and hard cheeses in vacuum packaging
If you are absolutely sure that these products are well packaged or you have personally taken care of their vacuum preservation, then they are perfectly fine to carry with you.
Spices
Commercially available spices and herbs have a long shelf life, so there are no problems with their transportation. However, since this item is quite common, choose really great or rare spices.
Dried products
Porridge, cereals, pasta and other dried foods are allowed for transportation.
Snacks and appetizers
All kinds of packaged snacks, such as muesli, nuts, chips, crackers, or cookies, are perfectly fine to bring with you.
Chocolate and candy
You can even take hard confectionery into the airplane cabin.
Bread
If it is tightly packed, you can take it with you in your carry-on baggage or suitcase.
Coffee beans and tea leaves
In this case, the same rules apply as with any dry goods.
Cooked but not liquid food
You can safely take even prepared meals with you. However, they should not contain any liquid. To be safe, they should be stored in a vacuum film.
Oil, vinegar, and honey
While these items are great for gifting, it doesn't negate the fact that they are liquids. However, you can still take them with you. To do this, you need to buy a small container to comply with the 3-1-1 rule, which can be found here.
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are classified as snacks, and therefore their transportation should go without any issues.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables should be packed with special care. They are checked by the Transportation Security Administration in checked baggage and if they are soft, pureed or liquid, they are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
Pizza
Although this option may seem questionable, the TSA does not see anything wrong with it. In addition, you can have a snack while waiting at passport control.
Pies and cakes
Everything is just as friendly and realistic here. You can transport pies and cakes in your cabin baggage or in your luggage.
Protein and energy mixtures
These are also dry products, and therefore, if there are no problems with labeling and packaging, you can transport them.
Sandwiches
If the volume of liquid sauce exceeds 3.4 ounces, it is better to eat it before checking in.
Alcoholic beverages with a high alcohol content
Alcohol containing more than 70% (140 proof) is prohibited for transportation. This list includes grain alcohol, certain types of whiskey, vodka, absinthe, and rum. So, before you board the plane, make sure you don't have any of these with you.
Fresh eggs
Although it may seem strange, even eggs can be transported with you. According to TSA standards, eggs are classified as solid food, even though they may be liquid inside. Because of this, it can be risky to take them with you, but it is not impossible.
Canned food
Canned goods can usually be transported in checked baggage, but they are also subject to the liquid rule. And this can be a problem because most cans weigh more than 3.4 ounces. So, if you do decide to take a few cans, you should prepare for the check.
Juices and baby formulas
Although these products are allowed, if you need them on the plane, you will probably have to go through a screening.
Sauces, jams, cream cheeses and spreads
As with vinegar and oil, creamy and gel products should follow the 3-1-1 rule. They can be taken in checked baggage but only in containers weighing less than 3.4 ounces.
Yogurt, sauce and other liquid food products
Although it may seem impossible, it is okay to transport these foods if you have the ability to freeze them beforehand. If not, however, similar rules apply here: the transportation of liquid foods in containers larger than 3.4 ounces is prohibited.
Fresh meat and seafood
These products must be tightly packed and completely frozen at the time of inspection. This rule also applies to ice and ice packs used to keep food frozen in the container.
Wine or other alcoholic beverages
Alcohol in the range of 24% to 70% can be transported only in checked baggage up to 5 liters per person. Bottles with a small content not exceeding 3.4 ounces can be carried in hand luggage.
