Can you bring protein bars on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will protein bars remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Protein Bars On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Protein Bars 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 Protein Bars 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 protein bars on board and consume them during the flight. But you might not be able to bring protein bars into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Protein Bars 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 Protein Bars Last In Your Luggage? |
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Protein Bars / Energy Bars - commercially packaged: |
1 month after date on package at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING PROTEIN BARS ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring protein bars through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring protein bars or energy bars through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Protein bars that have been taken out of 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 protein bars or energy bars you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as many bars 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 protein bars on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring protein bars in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as many protein bars as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Can you bring protein bars on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring protein bars 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 protein bars 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 protein bars through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring protein bars 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 specific rules before leaving.
BRINGING PROTEIN BARS INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring protein bars on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring protein bars into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though protein bars 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 PROTEIN BARS LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Commercially packaged protein bars will generally keep well for about 1 month after the date on the package 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.
