Can you bring potato chips on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will potato chips remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Potato Chips On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Potato Chips 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 Potato Chips 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 potato chips on board and consume them during the flight. But you might not be able to bring potato chips into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Potato Chips 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 Potato Chips Last In Your Luggage? |
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Potato chips /vegetable chips – commercially packaged |
1 to 2 weeks at room temperature after opening |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING POTATO CHIPS ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring potato chips and other types of vegetable chips through airport security in your carry-on baggage. If the potato chips are no longer in their original packaging, they should be wrapped or placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid. There is no limit to the quantity of potato chips or vegetable chips you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as many chips 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: Dip falls 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 potato chips in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as many potato chips as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To prevent potato chips from getting crushed, pack them in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids.
Yes, you can bring potato chips 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 potato chips 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 potato chips through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring potato chips 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 rules before leaving.
BRINGING POTATO CHIPS INTO THE UNITED STATES
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring potato chips into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though potato chips 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.
Commercially packaged potato chips will generally keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks after opening when stored at room temperature.
Note: While the above information is based on applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines at the time of publication, the final decision for whether to allow a food item through airport security rests with the TSA officers on duty at the airport screening location. While uncommon, TSA officers may prohibit an otherwise allowable food item if they feel it has been tampered with or presents another security concern.
