Can you bring cereal on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will cereal remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Cereal On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Cereal 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 Cereal 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 cereal on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring cereal into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Cereal 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 Cereal Last In Your Luggage? |
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Cereal – commercially packaged |
2 to 3 months at room temperature after opening |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING CEREAL ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring cereal through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring dry cereal through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Any type of dry cereal is typically fine, including packaged cereals, rolled oats, and store-bought or homemade granola. If the cereal is no longer in its original packaging, it should be placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid. There is no limit to the quantity of dry cereal you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as much cereal 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 milk for your cereal through airport security?
Unless it’s for an infant or a toddler, you can only bring a very small quantity of milk through airport security to go along with your cereal. Milk falls 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. Once you have passed through the TSA checkpoint and are in the secure area of the airport, however, you can purchase a larger-sized container of milk and bring that on board in your hand luggage.
Can you bring cereal on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring cereal in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much cereal as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Can you bring cereal on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring dry cereal 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 cereal 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 cereal through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring cereal 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 CEREAL INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring cereal on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring cereal into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though cereal 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). 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 CEREAL LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Commercially packaged cereal will generally keep well for about 2 to 3 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.
