Can you bring chocolate on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will chocolate remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Chocolate On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Chocolate 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 Chocolate 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 chocolate on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring chocolate into your foreign destination (see details below).
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Can You Bring Chocolate 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 Chocolate Last In Your Luggage? |
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Chocolate – milk, dark, regular boxed chocolates |
Several months at room temperature for most types of chocolate |
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Handmade specialty chocolates |
2 to 3 weeks at room temperature* (*2 hours at room temperature if filling contains fresh dairy products) |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING CHOCOLATE ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring chocolate through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Any type of non-liquid chocolate is typically permitted, including chocolate bars, chocolate candy, boxed chocolates, chocolate truffles, chocolate chips and chocolate sprinkles.
If the chocolate 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 chocolate you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as much chocolate as you’d like and will fit into your allowable hand luggage.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Only in small quantities: Chocolate syrup and chocolate sauce fall 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.
Yes, you can bring chocolate in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much chocolate as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Yes, you can bring chocolate 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 chocolate 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 chocolate through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring chocolate 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 CHOCOLATE INTO THE UNITED STATES
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring chocolate into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though chocolate 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.
Most types of chocolate, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate and regular boxed chocolates will keep well for several months when stored at room temperature. Handmade specialty chocolates will usually remain at peak quality for 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. The exception is handmade chocolates that contain fresh dairy products as fillings, which will remain safe for about 2 hours 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.
