FOOD... in your luggage or carry-on????

[momrek06]

I have a question for all you people that travel allot.....I am headed overseas for Christmas. I just bought all these awesome power bars at Shaw's as well as packaged peanut butter crackers and I am planning on getting packaged raisins as well. (This is to keep in our hotel room as snacks)!

My DH just saw them and said he didn't think any food was allowed out of the USA on any international flights???

I checked American Airlines website on baggage and carryons and their listed restrictions and did not see anything about food other than alcoholic beverages.

Do you think this is a go? Should I put it in my "checked" baggage or can I put it in or take some with me in my "carryon"???

THANKS FOR YOUR REPLIES!!!

 

[anniem923]

Hi,
I have been overseas a few times and have always taken wrapped items in both my carry on and checked luggage w/o any problem. I am sure that someone else will join in here, but my experience is that only certain items are prohibited when entering certain countries. For example, you may not be able to take fresh items like fruits, cheese, etc. but pre-packaged snacks are o.k.
Conversely, when re-entering the U.S. you will have to declare what you have bought or brought with you from the other country...fresh fruits and some other fresh items are prohibited from entering the U.S. Personally, I have brought back pre-packaged chocolate, cookies and candy from the U.K. and Europe without a problem.
Hope this helps!
Merry Christmas!
Anne

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Yes, food is allowed in carry on luggage, even flying overseas. You need to watch the gel/liquid restrictions and any food items which cannot be imported into other countries, but the foods you mentioned should be fine.

 

[momrek06]

AWESOME...I think I will put the bulk of my snacks in my checked luggage.
And I am not going to take any liquids at all in my carry-on. I will ask for bottled water once I board my flight.
I have a small bottle of purell in my purse that is 2oz...so I am set there!

 

[tjmw2727]

AWESOME...I think I will put the bulk of my snacks in my checked luggage.
And I am not going to take any liquids at all in my carry-on. I will ask for bottled water once I board my flight.
I have a small bottle of purell in my purse that is 2oz...so I am set there!

Just in case you didn't realize it you have to take that 2oz purell out of your purse and put it into a quart size ziplock bag to go through security.

You can also purchase your water in the secure area (the gates) after you go through security and take that onboard. I like to have something during take off and something with a re-closeable top myself so I buy it at the gate.

If you haven't already check here for the latest info:
http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm

TJ

 

[momrek06]

Just in case you didn't realize it you have to take that 2oz purell out of your purse and put it into a quart size ziplock bag to go through security.

You can also purchase your water in the secure area (the gates) after you go through security and take that onboard. I like to have something during take off and something with a re-closeable top myself so I buy it at the gate.

If you haven't already check here for the latest info:
http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm

TJ

OMG...I know I am going to royally screw this up and get detained in some fashion.........aaaaaaaaa!!!!

OKAY, I have seen on the news the BAGGIE with people's meds and gels in it....THANK YOU....purell in one baggie and my meds in another baggie!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

This is the link that explains what foods can and cannot be taken into the US by passengers coming in from outside the country: http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps3025/travel-1.html
These rules are NOT administered by the TSA, but by the US Dept. of Agriculture. They are the folks who walk around with the cute (but very serious) little beagles at US entry points. For their purposes, it doesn't matter if it is in hand baggage or checked baggage; they will take it away from you if it is on the prohibited list.

The TSA rules are designed to police hazardous materials that might be disguised as food or drink. The USDA rules are designed to prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can ruin crops.

If you told us what country you are going to, we might be able to tell you what the entry rules re: food are for that place. In most cases involving fresh foods that are on the list, taking the item OUT of a given country in carryon baggage is not a problem as long as you consume it during the flight; for instance, it is fine to take an apple for a snack as long as you leave the core on the plane. They even sell apples past passport control in many airports. Of course, if you fail to wash your hands after eating the apple, those cute little beagles are going to alert on you.

 

[momrek06]

This is the link that explains what foods can and cannot be taken into the US by passengers coming in from outside the country: http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps3025/travel-1.html
These rules are NOT administered by the TSA, but by the US Dept. of Agriculture. They are the folks who walk around with the cute (but very serious) little beagles at US entry points. For their purposes, it doesn't matter if it is in hand baggage or checked baggage; they will take it away from you if it is on the prohibited list.

The TSA rules are designed to police hazardous materials that might be disguised as food or drink. The USDA rules are designed to prevent the spread of diseases and pests that can ruin crops.

If you told us what country you are going to, we might be able to tell you what the entry rules re: food are for that place. In most cases involving fresh foods that are on the list, taking the item OUT of a given country in carryon baggage is not a problem as long as you consume it during the flight; for instance, it is fine to take an apple for a snack as long as you leave the core on the plane. They even sell apples past passport control in many airports. Of course, if you fail to wash your hands after eating the apple, those cute little beagles are going to alert on you.

Thank you for that LINK...but I do tend to get overwhelmed. I will put those items in my checked baggage and make sure I bring nothing home. Just wanted some late night snacks for munching.

We are going to London and then onto Paris!!

 

[NotUrsula]

OK, here are the rules for the UK and France:

UK: http://importdetails.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Location=None&Module=IDDSearch
Enter USA in the top box and search; it will tell you what cannot come in.

France: The French govt. is a bit more vague on their website, but it looks like the general prohibition is meat &/or dairy. http://www.ambafrance-us.org/intheus/customs/cover2.asp Remember that in your situation you will be importing from the UK into France, not from the US into France.