Loading Page...

Can you take snacks through customs?

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.



You can almost always take solid, processed snacks (like crackers, chips, granola bars, and chocolate) through customs without issue, as long as they are for personal use and in their original packaging. The "hard line" for customs, especially when entering the US, Australia, or the UK, is fresh produce, meats, and dairy. You must never try to bring fresh fruit, vegetables, or unsealed meat products across an international border, as these can carry pests or diseases like foot-and-mouth; these items will be confiscated and can result in heavy fines if not declared. "Liquid" snacks like yogurt, peanut butter, or hummus are subject to the 3-1-1 rule at security, but once through security, they are fine for the plane. However, if you are entering a new country, you must declare all food items on your customs form. If you declare it and they don't allow it, they will simply take it away; if you don't declare it and they find it, you can face fines ranging from $300 to $500. When in doubt, "Declare it or dispose of it."

People Also Ask

Foods you can't pack in your carry-on
Think: creamy cheeses, liquid chocolate, liquid coffee, creamy dips and spreads, gravy, honey, hummus, ice cream, jam, jelly, juice, syrup, peanut butter, salad dressing, sauce, salsa, soda, soup and yogurt.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Hot Tip: The 3-1-1 rule states that you can carry on items that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in a 1-quart-sized bag. There is no limit to the amount of food you can bring on board, as long as it can fit in your carry-on luggage!

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring sandwiches through airport security in your carry-on baggage. If the sandwiches aren't already pre-packaged, they should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid.

MORE DETAILS

Checked Bags: Yes Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

MORE DETAILS

What happens if TSA finds a prohibited item in checked bag? For example, TSA guidance is very clear: If prohibited items are found during security checks, they won't be returned to their owners. That may vary in other countries, but the general rule is that confiscations are permanent.

MORE DETAILS

Almost any sharp object you can imagine will not be allowed on-board a plane in your hand luggage. This includes obvious items like knives, saws, swords, and machetes, but also small items with blades like pairs of scissors that are 4 or longer in size.

MORE DETAILS

Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

MORE DETAILS

Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

MORE DETAILS

Economy class meal service varies by flight time: flights under 2 hours: a snack. flights over 2 hours: a main meal. flights over 7 hours: a main meal and snack.

MORE DETAILS

It is important that you declare any food products that you are bringing in from outside the EU. If you are unsure about any of the food products you are bringing in, speak to a Customs Officer in the red channel or on the red point phone.

MORE DETAILS

Checked Bags: Yes Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS