Michael Turner
Recommendation: Store perishables in checked baggage only if packed with sufficient cold sources that remain frozen during security screening, or with dry ice that meets carrier limits and is labeled; otherwise keep refrigerated items in carry-on within an insulated bag and consume within 24 hours. Shelf‑stable snacks (sealed cans, bars, nuts, crackers) are acceptable in either checked or carry‑on. Liquids, gels and spreads in carry‑on must obey the 3-1-1 rule: containers ≤100 ml / 3.4 fl oz placed in a single transparent 1‑quart (approx. 1 L) resealable bag.
Frozen products that are completely solid at screening are treated as solids; partially melted or slushy items are subject to liquid restrictions and may be rejected. Gel ice packs must be frozen solid when inspected or they will count toward liquid allowances. Dry ice is allowed only with airline approval, proper packaging and weight labeling (typical limit ~2.5 kg / 5.5 lb; confirm with the carrier).
International agricultural controls are strict: many destinations prohibit fresh fruit, vegetables, raw meat and unpasteurized dairy without permits. Commonly enforced examples include Australia and New Zealand, where undeclared agricultural goods can be seized and monetary penalties applied. Declare all animal and plant products on arrival documents and carry phytosanitary certificates or commercial invoices when required.
Packaging and documentation tips: vacuum‑seal or use leakproof rigid containers, double‑bag liquids, include commercial labels or receipts for souvenir purchases, and note alcohol content for beverages. Alcohol above 70% ABV is typically banned from both cabin and hold; products 24–70% ABV are often limited (IATA guidance commonly permits up to 5 L per passenger in checked baggage, subject to carrier and customs rules). Keep prescriptions, infant nourishment and medically necessary items accessible in carry‑on and declare specialty items at customs.
Which solid items are allowed in carry-on vs checked baggage?
Recommendation: Keep ready-to-eat solid items in the cabin carry-on for in-flight access; reserve bulky, perishable or heavy solids for checked baggage with proper insulation and declaration at arrival.
- Typical allowed in cabin carry-on
- Dry snacks: nuts, granola bars, pretzels, crackers, chips.
- Baked goods: whole cakes, muffins, cookies (unfrosted are easiest to screen).
- Solid cheeses (hard cheeses like cheddar, parmesan) and whole fruits that are not liquid-based.
- Meat jerky, vacuum‑sealed cured meats (subject to destination agricultural rules).
- Sandwiches without liquid spreads; note that creamy spreads (hummus, peanut butter, mayonnaise) are treated as gels and limited to 3.4 oz / 100 ml under the 3-1-1 rule.
- Common restrictions for cabin items
- Gels, spreads, soups, sauces and foods with high liquid content must meet the 3.4 oz / 100 ml carry-on limit or be placed in checked baggage.
- Frozen packs are allowed in carry-on only if completely frozen when presented for screening; partially thawed packs may be treated as liquids.
- Strict agricultural bans at some international destinations apply to fresh produce, meat and dairy – always check destination rules before boarding.
- Typical allowed in checked baggage
- Large quantities of nonperishable solids: boxed cereals, sealed dry goods, canned items (ensure cans are intact and cushioned against impact).
- Frozen items packed in insulated coolers with ice packs that remain frozen at check-in; use hard-sided containers to limit crushing.
- Commercially sealed snacks and confectionery in original packaging; receipts help with customs inspection.
- Checked baggage cautions
- Perishable meats, cheeses and dairy may spoil; prefer vacuum sealing and dry ice if extended transit time is expected (airline rules for dry ice: typically limited quantities and must be declared).
- Glass jars and bottles risk breakage – wrap and pad, or transfer to durable containers.
- Strong-smelling items can cause complaints and are best avoided in checked bags.
- International and customs specifics
- Australia and New Zealand: almost all fresh produce, unprocessed meats and most dairy items are prohibited unless declared and inspected.
- United States: commercially packaged, shelf-stable solids generally allowed; undeclared agricultural items may be seized and fines applied.
- Always declare agricultural products on arrival forms; failure to declare increases risk of fines and confiscation.
- Packing recommendations
- Label commercial packaging and keep purchase receipts for imported items.
- Use vacuum sealing for long-distance transit; place fragile solids inside hard cases or within clothing for cushioning.
- For mountain or multi-day trips, store snacks in a durable backpack such as a best alpine touring backpack to protect contents during transfers and security checks.
- Declare any questionable agricultural items at customs to avoid penalties.
How to pack perishable items to prevent spoilage and leaks
Maintain an internal temperature at or below 40°F (4°C); combine frozen gel packs, block ice or up to 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) of dry ice (must be declared to the carrier and packaged to allow gas venting) to keep perishables cold for 12–24 hours depending on insulation quality.
Freeze contents solid before travel: freeze sauces, soups and cooked meals in shallow, flat containers so they freeze faster and stack efficiently; frozen blocks and frozen bottled water provide longer cold retention than crushed ice.
Use vacuum sealing for fresh proteins and pre-cooked meals to reduce air volume, slow aerobic bacterial growth and improve thermal transfer. If a vacuum sealer is unavailable, remove as much air as possible from heavy-duty resealable freezer bags and press flat.
Layering sequence: place a frozen block on the bottom, add a rigid waterproof barrier (hard plastic container or small cooler), then stacked vacuum-sealed or double-bagged items, then more frozen packs on top; finish with an absorbent layer (paper towels or commercial pads) to capture any leaks.
Prevent leaks by double containment: leakproof screw-top jars or BPA-free plastic containers, wrapped with tape on the lid, placed into a sealed freezer bag, and then nestled inside a rigid outer box or insulated cooler. For jars, cushion with towels to prevent breakage and keep upright within the inner container.
Separate raw proteins from ready-to-eat items using fully sealed secondary bags and position raw items below ready-to-eat items to avoid cross-contamination. Place disposable absorbent pads beneath raw packages to collect any juices.
For multi-day trips or hot conditions, use a high-R-value insulated cooler or an electric cooler with temperature control and monitor internal temperature with a small digital thermometer (minimum/maximum logger preferred). Replace gel packs every 12–18 hours for soft coolers in warm ambient temps.
When using dry ice, follow carrier and hazardous-materials instructions: limit to 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) per package for most commercial flights, provide ventilation in packaging, label contents and notify the carrier. Do not enclose dry ice in completely airtight containers; CO2 buildup can rupture packaging.
Minimize spill risk by placing the entire insulated assembly inside a hard-sided container or rigid plastic tub; line the bottom with an impermeable tray or thick plastic bag plus absorbent pads. Store fragile containers centrally and surrounded by insulation rather than against hard exterior walls.
Upon arrival, check temperatures immediately: discard items exposed above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours or above 90°F (32°C) for more than 1 hour. Rapid refrigeration or cooking can halt bacterial growth but will not reverse time-temperature violations.
How to pack liquids, gels and sauces to meet TSA and airline limits
Place all carry-on liquids, gels and sauces in containers no larger than 3.4 oz (100 mL) and store them inside a single clear quart-sized resealable bag – one bag per passenger – for security screening.
Carry-on packing rules and practical steps
Acceptable container size: 3.4 oz (100 mL) maximum. Bag type: transparent quart-sized resealable bag, fully closed. Examples of items treated as liquids/gels: sauces, syrups, spreads with spreadable consistency, mayonnaise, salad dressings, jams. Label travel bottles with contents and volume. Prevent leaks: screw caps tightly, wrap cap threads with plastic wrap, secure caps with tape, then place each bottle inside a sealed zip-top bag; place absorbent material (paper towel) inside the outer resealable bag. Use rigid travel bottles to resist crushing; avoid soft sachets that can burst in overhead bins.
Duty-free and retail purchases: items purchased after security must remain in the tamper-evident bag with the receipt visible to be allowed through additional checkpoints; for connections, verify carrier acceptance of sealed duty-free bags before boarding.
Checked-baggage allowances and protection methods
Larger volumes are permitted in checked baggage but must be packaged to prevent breakage and leakage. Alcohol limits: beverages under 24% ABV – no quantity limit by TSA for checked bags; 24%–70% ABV – maximum 5 L (1.3 US gallons) per passenger in unopened retail packaging; over 70% ABV – prohibited. Place jars and bottles in their original retail packaging when possible, then double-bag and surround with clothing or foam. For glass containers, use puncture-resistant inserts or rigid bottle sleeves and place in the center of the checked piece, away from wheels and zippers. Seal lids with tape or heat-shrink seals; place a plastic-lined absorbent layer (zip bag plus towel) beneath bottles to protect contents of the whole bag in case of a leak.
Prohibited or restricted substances: flammable liquids, pressurized aerosols not intended for personal care, and oxygen-enriched solvents are typically banned. For international flights and airline-specific restrictions, consult the carrier’s hazardous-items list before packing.
Declare and transport meat, dairy and fresh produce across borders
Declare all meat, dairy and fresh produce at the first point of entry and present documentation to the agricultural inspector; undeclared regulated items will be seized and may trigger fines or prosecution.
Prior to travel obtain required certificates: phytosanitary certificate for plants and produce, veterinary or export health certificate for meat and dairy, and any country-specific import permit. For commercial consignments add commercial invoice, packing list, HS code and certificate of origin. For plant products use the exporting authority’s phytosanitary format; for animal-origin products use an official veterinary signature and stamp.
Check destination authority portals: USDA APHIS and FDA for the United States, DG SANTE/TRACES for the European Union, DEFRA and IPAFFS for the United Kingdom. Many destinations refuse meat and unpasteurized dairy from third countries; shelf-stable, commercially sealed products may be allowed only if listed on the destination’s permitted items list.
On arrival expect inspection at the designated agricultural checkpoint. Inspectors may require sampling, laboratory testing or treatment (fumigation, heat treatment) and will document outcomes. Maintain original paperwork and be ready to provide temperature logs or cold-chain invoices for chilled/frozen consignments to support sanitary status claims.
For small personal quantities: some jurisdictions permit limited amounts of commercially packaged, sealed goods from approved origins but still require declaration. When in doubt declare and allow authorities to advise; voluntary surrender typically avoids heavier penalties than attempted concealment.
If transporting pet diet items or raw meat for animals follow animal-import rules too: pet feed made from animal by-products often falls under stricter controls and may need additional permits or approved processing certificates. For short-term storage or rest between transit segments consider a secure left‑luggage option such as best luggage storage near penn station while completing customs procedures.
For commercial shipments use a licensed customs broker and, where required, a veterinary or phytosanitary agent to arrange pre-notification, TRACES/IFB/other electronic filings and to schedule inspection on arrival. Incorrect HS classification or missing sanitary certificates will delay clearance and increase demurrage charges.
Temperature control records: attach shipping manifests showing departure temperature, cold-room seals, refrigerant type (including dry ice declaration if used) and receiver contact. Airlines and carriers enforce limits on refrigerants and dry ice quantities; coordinate with carrier for acceptance and documentation.
Consequences for non-compliance include immediate destruction, shipment return at sender expense, monetary fines and potential bans on future imports. For travellers relocating household items with perishable contents plan ahead, and for pet owners arranging temporary containment at destination see how to build a small fence for a dog for safe short-term setups while awaiting clearance.
FAQ:
Can I pack sandwiches, fruit and dry snacks in my carry-on or checked luggage?
Yes. Solid foods such as sandwiches, fruits, nuts, chips and baked goods are generally allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Airport security may inspect food items, so place them where they are easy to access. Perishable items can spoil in checked luggage on long flights, so keep highly perishable food in your carry-on with an insulated bag and ice packs if needed. Be aware of airline rules about strong odors and the destination country’s rules about bringing in fresh produce or meat.
What about liquids like soup, yogurt, sauces or jam—can I take those through security?
Liquids, gels and pastes in carry-on bags are subject to the standard 100 ml (3.4 oz) limit per container and must fit in a single clear quart-sized bag for most security systems. Larger containers should go in checked baggage, but they can leak or spoil there. Completely frozen items are typically treated as solids during screening; however, if they are partially melted or slushy they will be screened as liquids. There are specific allowances for baby formula, breast milk and medication that can exceed the usual limit, but these must be declared at the checkpoint and may be inspected.
Do I need to declare food when I fly between countries, and what foods are often banned?
Yes, many countries require you to declare agricultural products on arrival forms. Commonly restricted or banned items include fresh fruit and vegetables, raw meat, dairy, eggs, seeds and soil. Failure to declare food can result in fines and confiscation. Some nations, for example Australia and New Zealand, have especially strict rules and frequent penalties. Check the customs and agriculture rules for your destination before packing any animal or plant-based products.
Can I bring cooked or packaged meat and cheese home from a trip?
Rules differ by country. Cooked and commercially packaged meat and cheese may be allowed on some flights but are often prohibited at the border of the destination country, especially for entry into countries with tight biosecurity rules. For domestic flights within the same country, these items are usually permitted in carry-on or checked bags if stored safely. When traveling internationally, declare all animal products and check the destination’s import rules beforehand to avoid fines or disposal of your food.
Any practical tips to prevent spills and keep food safe while flying?
Pack liquids and sauces in leakproof containers and double-bag them. Use sealed plastic bags and place them in the center of checked luggage surrounded by clothing, or keep perishables in an insulated cooler in your carry-on. Freeze liquids or gel packs solid before departure; frozen items that remain solid through screening are less likely to be treated as liquids. Keep receipts for commercially purchased items if you need to prove they were bought after departure. Finally, declare restricted items on international trips and avoid strong-smelling foods that may bother other passengers.
