Can you bring pretzels on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will pretzels remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Pretzels On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Pretzels 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 Pretzels 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 pretzels on board and consume them during the flight. But you might not be able to bring pretzels into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Pretzels 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 Pretzels Last In Your Luggage? |
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Pretzels – commercially packaged twists and sticks: |
1 to 2 weeks at room temperature after opening |
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Pretzels – soft, freshly baked: |
3 to 4 days at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING PRETZELS ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring pretzels through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring pretzels through airport security in your carry-on baggage. You can bring both commercially packaged and freshly baked pretzels through the TSA checkpoint. If the pretzels aren’t already pre-packaged, they should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid. There is no limit to the quantity of pretzels you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as many pretzels 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 pretzels on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring pretzels in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as many pretzels as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To prevent pretzels from getting crushed, pack them in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
Can you bring pretzels on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring pretzels 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 pretzels 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 pretzels through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring pretzels into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, they may have to be in their original packaging and unopened. Some countries may also restrict or prohibit homemade pretzels — Mexico, for instance, does not allow most homemade food into the country. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING PRETZELS INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring pretzels on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring pretzels into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though pretzels 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 PRETZELS LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Commercially packaged pretzels will generally keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks after opening when stored at room temperature. Soft, freshly baked pretzels will usually remain safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days 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.
