Can you bring peanut butter on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will peanut butter remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Peanut Butter On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Peanut Butter 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 Peanut Butter 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 peanut butter on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring peanut butter into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Peanut Butter Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Can you bring peanut butter into the U.S.A.? |
Yes in most cases (see below) |
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How Long Will Peanut Butter Last In Your Luggage? |
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Peanut butter: -commercially processed, containing preservatives: |
3 to 4 months at room temperature after opening |
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-natural, no preservatives: |
3 to 4 weeks at room temperature after opening |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING PEANUT BUTTER ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring peanut butter through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can bring peanut butter through airport security, but only in limited quantities. Peanut butter 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 peanut butter in it through airport security?
Yes, the TSA will typically allow a sandwich that contains peanut butter to pass through airport security, as long as the sandwich is not overly soggy.
Can you bring peanut butter on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring peanut butter 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 peanut butter as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To avoid leakage, be sure the peanut butter 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 peanut butter on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring peanut butter 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 peanut butter 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 peanut butter through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring peanut butter 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 PEANUT BUTTER INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring peanut butter on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
The United States generally allows travelers to bring commercially packaged jars of peanut butter into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even if the peanut butter 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 PEANUT BUTTER LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
An opened jar of processed peanut butter will typically keep well for 3 to 4 months when stored at room temperature. Natural peanut butter will keep for about one month 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.
How long does natural peanut butter last at room temperature? Natural peanut butter will typically keep well at room temperature for about one month; for longer storage, refrigerate the peanut butter.
