Can you bring trail mix on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will trail mix remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Trail Mix On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Trail Mix 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 Trail Mix 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 trail mix on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring trail mix into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Trail Mix 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 Trail Mix Last In Your Luggage? |
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Trail Mix – commercially packaged |
Several months at room temperature after opening |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING TRAIL MIX ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring trail mix through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring trail mix through airport security in your carry-on baggage. If the trail mix 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 trail mix you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as much trail mix 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 trail mix on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring trail mix in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much trail mix as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Can you bring trail mix on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring trail mix 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 trail mix 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 trail mix through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring trail mix 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 TRAIL MIX INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring trail mix on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring trail mix into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country. While trail mixes containing dried fruits are generally allowable, trail mix that contains any fresh fruit will usually be prohibited.
Note that even though trail mix 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 TRAIL MIX LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Most types of commercially packaged trail mix 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.
