Can you bring hummus on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will hummus remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Hummus On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Hummus 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 Hummus 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 hummus on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring hummus into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Hummus Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Can you bring hummus into the U.S.A.? |
Yes if commercially packaged (see below) |
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How Long Will Hummus Last In Your Luggage? |
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Hummus, homemade or commercially packaged and sold refrigerated |
-2 hours at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING HUMMUS ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring hummus through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can bring hummus through airport security, but only in limited quantities. Hummus 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 a sandwich that has hummus in it through airport security?
Yes, the TSA will typically allow a sandwich that contains hummus to pass through airport security, as long as the sandwich is not overly soggy.
Can you bring hummus on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring hummus 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 hummus as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To avoid spillage, be sure the hummus is in a tightly sealed container and then overwrap it with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place the container inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. Since hummus is perishable, you should pack it along with some ice or a frozen gel pack to keep it cold throughout the trip.
Can you bring hummus on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring hummus 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 hummus 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 hummus through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring hummus into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, it may have to be commercially packaged, shelf stable, and unopened. Some countries may also restrict or prohibit homemade hummus — Mexico, for instance, does not allow most homemade food into the country. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING HUMMUS INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring hummus on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
The United States generally allows travelers to bring commercially packaged hummus into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even if the hummus 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 HUMMUS LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Both homemade hummus and commercially packaged hummus that was sold refrigerated will remain safe for about 2 hours when stored at room temperature.
You can bring ice or a frozen gel pack to keep the hummus cooler longer. But ice or gel packs in your carry-on luggage must be completely frozen when passing through airport security — if they are even partially thawed, the TSA screeners will likely bring them from you.
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.
