Can you bring olive oil on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will olive oil remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
Bringing Olive Oil On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Olive Oil 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 |
Checked Luggage: |
Yes |
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Can You Bring Olive Oil 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* |
Checked Luggage: |
Yes* |
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*You can bring olive oil on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring olive oil into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Olive Oil Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Can you bring olive oil into the U.S.A.? |
Yes in most cases (see below) |
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How Long Will Olive Oil Last In Your Luggage? |
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Olive oil: -unopened or opened |
18 to 24 months at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING OLIVE OIL ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring olive oil through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can bring olive oil through airport security, but only in limited quantities. Olive oil 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.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Can you bring olive oil on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring olive oil 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 olive oil as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To avoid spillage, be sure the olive oil 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 bottle inside a thick, washable garment or towel.
Can you bring olive oil on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring olive oil 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 olive oil onto the plane in your carry-on baggage and consume it during the flight, you’ll have no issues. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing olive oil through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring olive oil into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, it may have to be in its original packaging and unopened. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING OLIVE OIL INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring olive oil on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring bottled or canned olive oil into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even if the olive oil 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 OLIVE OIL LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Olive oil, whether unopened or opened, will usually keep well for 18 to 24 months 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.