Can you bring tortilla chips on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will tortilla chips remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Tortilla Chips On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Tortilla Chips on Domestic Flights Within the U.S.A.? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes |
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Can You Bring Tortilla Chips on International Flights Originating in the U.S.A? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes* |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes* |
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*You can bring tortilla chips on board and consume them during the flight. But you might not be able to bring tortilla chips into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Tortilla Chips Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Can you bring tortilla chips into the U.S.A.? |
Yes in most cases |
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How Long Will Tortilla chips Last In Your Luggage? |
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Tortilla chips – commercially packaged |
1 to 2 weeks at room temperature after opening |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING TORTILLA CHIPS ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring tortilla chips through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring tortilla chips through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Commercially packaged tortilla chips (such as Doritos or Tostitos) that are no longer in their original packaging should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid. There is no limit to the quantity of tortilla chips you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as many tortilla chips as you’d like and will fit into your allowable hand luggage.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Can you bring salsa or guacamole through airport security?
Only in small quantities: Both salsa and guacamole fall under the TSA’s “3-1-1 liquids rule”, which requires that all liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage be stored in 3.4-ounce or smaller containers, all of which must fit into one quart-sized plastic bag.
Can you bring tortilla chips on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring tortilla chips in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as many tortilla chips as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To prevent tortilla chips from getting crushed, pack them in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
Can you bring tortilla chips on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring tortilla chips 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 tortilla chips onto the plane in your carry-on baggage and eat them during the flight, you’ll have no issues. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing tortilla chips through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring tortilla chips into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, they may have to be in their original packaging and unopened. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING TORTILLA CHIPS INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring tortilla chips on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring tortilla chips into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though tortilla chips are typically 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). 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 TORTILLA CHIPS LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Commercially packaged tortilla chips will generally keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks after opening 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.
