Can you bring jam on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will jam remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Jam On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Jam on Domestic Flights Within the U.S.A.? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes – but limit of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) allowed through airport security |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes |
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Can You Bring Jam on International Flights Originating in the U.S.A? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes – but limit of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) allowed through airport security* |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes* |
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*You can bring jam on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring jam into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Jam Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Can you bring jam into the U.S.A.? |
Yes in most cases (see below) |
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How Long Will Jam Last In Your Luggage? |
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Jam, commercially purchased or homemade -unopened jar |
2 years at room temperature |
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-opened jar |
2-3 days at room temperature once opened |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING JAM ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring jam through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can bring jam through airport security, but only in limited quantities. Jam falls under the Transportation Security Administration’s “3-1-1 liquids rule”, which requires that all liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage be stored in 3.4-ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers — all of which must fit into one quart-sized plastic bag. Within those limitations, you can bring both homemade jam and commercially packaged jam through airport security.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Can you bring a sandwich that has jam in it through airport security?
Yes, the TSA will typically allow a sandwich that contains jam to pass through airport security, as long as the sandwich is not overly soggy.
Can you bring jam on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring jam in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. And unlike the case with carry-on baggage, you can bring as much jam as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To avoid spillage, be sure the jam is tightly sealed and then overwrap the jar with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place the jar inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. To help prevent breakage, roll the jar inside a thick, washable garment or towel.
Can you bring jam on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring jam on an international flight departing from the U.S., either in your carry-on baggage or your checked luggage. If your intention is to bring the jam onto the plane in your carry-on baggage and eat it during the flight, you’ll have no issues. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing jam through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring jam into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, it may have to be in its original packaging and unopened. Some countries may also restrict or prohibit homemade jam — Mexico, for instance, does not allow most homemade food into the country. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING JAM INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring jam on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
The United States generally allows travelers to bring vacuum-packed jars of jam into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even if the jam is allowed, you must declare all foods that you bring into the United States — whether they are allowable or not — to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and permit them to be inspected by a CBP agent. The penalties for failing to declare your food items can be steep; bear in mind also that the CBP routinely conducts random screenings for arriving passengers.
FOOD SAFETY: HOW LONG WILL JAM LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Unopened jam will usually keep well for up to 2 years at room temperature. An opened jar of jam will typically keep well for 2 to 3 days when stored at room temperature.
Note: While the above information is based on applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines at the time of publication, the final decision for whether to allow a food item through airport security or into the United States rests with the TSA and CBP officers on duty at the airport. Regulations also change frequently: For the latest information, check the US Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration websites.
