Can I bring cheese on a plane from Mexico?

The United States generally allows travelers to bring most hard or semi-soft cheeses into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country. In addition, feta cheese, brie, camembert, mozzarella and buffalo mozzarella will also pass through U.S. customs in most cases.



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Solid cheese is fine as long as it doesn't contain meat (such as bacon cheddar cheese). Soft cheeses such as Brie and mozzarella are allowed, but liquid cheeses, including cottage and ricotta, aren't allowed if they came from countries with foot-and-mouth disease.

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Creamy and spreadable cheeses fall under the TSA's “3-1-1 liquids rule”, which requires that all liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage be stored in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers — all of which must fit into one quart-sized plastic bag.

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Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening.

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Checked Bags: Yes Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

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Vacuum sealing can preserve a cheese for up to two months, and the parchment/foil method will keep the cheese for one month, says Windsor. If using a freezer bag, you should try and thaw the cheese after two weeks of storage.

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Keep cheese in its original wrapper and place it in the coolest, darkest area possible. This is likely your checked suitcase if you're flying. If you're driving, this is not your trunk. For travel times longer than one day, an ice cooler is your best bet.

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