Can you bring dried fruit on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will dried fruit remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Dried Fruit On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Dried Fruit 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 Dried Fruit 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 dried fruit on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring dried fruit into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Dried Fruit Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Carry-On or Checked Luggage: |
Yes in most cases |
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How Long Will Dried Fruit Last In Your Luggage? |
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Dried fruit – commercially packaged |
Several months at room temperature after opening |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING DRIED FRUIT ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring dried fruit through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring dried fruit through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Any type of dried fruit is typically permitted, including dried cranberries, dried bananas, dried apples, dried apricots, dried cherries, dried pineapple, dried mangoes, dates, figs, prunes and raisins. If the dried fruit is no longer in its original packaging, it should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid. There is no limit to the quantity of dried fruit you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as much dried fruit 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 dried fruit on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring dried fruit in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much dried fruit as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Can you bring dried fruit on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring dried fruit on an international flight departing from the U.S. — but depending on where you’re going, you may not be able to bring the dried fruit off the plane once you arrive at your destination.
If your intention is to bring the dried fruit 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 dried fruit through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
But taking the dried fruit off the plane and bringing it into a foreign country is a different matter. Some countries, such as Australia, prohibit international travelers from bringing in any dried fruits. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING DRIED FRUIT INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring dried fruit on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring dried fruit into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country. (Fresh fruit, on the other hand, is usually prohibited).
Note that even though dried fruit is 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) and permit them to be inspected by a CBP agent. This can be a time-consuming process. 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 DRIED FRUIT LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Most types of commercially packaged dried fruit will keep well for several months 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.
