Can you bring mustard on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will mustard remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Mustard On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Mustard 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 Mustard 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 mustard on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring mustard into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Mustard Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Can you bring mustard into the U.S.A.? |
Yes in most cases (see below) |
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How Long Will Mustard Last In Your Luggage? |
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Mustard: -unopened |
Up to 2 years at room temperature |
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-opened |
1 to 2 months at room temperature once opened |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING MUSTARD ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring mustard through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can bring mustard through airport security, but only in limited quantities. Mustard 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 mustard in it through airport security?
Yes, the TSA will typically allow a sandwich that contains mustard to pass through airport security, as long as the sandwich is not overly soggy.
Can you bring mustard on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring mustard 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 mustard as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To avoid spillage, be sure the mustard 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 mustard on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring mustard 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 mustard 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 mustard through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring mustard 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 MUSTARD INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring mustard on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring bottled or jarred mustard into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even if the mustard 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 MUSTARD LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Unopened mustard will usually keep well for up to 2 years at room temperature. An opened jar of mustard will typically keep well for 1 to 2 months 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.
