Can you bring candy on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will candy remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Candy On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Candy 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 Candy 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 candy on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring candy into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Candy 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 Candy Last In Your Luggage? |
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Candy – commercially packaged |
Several months at room temperature after opening for most types |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING CANDY ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring candy through airport security in your carry-on baggage. Almost every type of solid candy is permitted, including gummy candy or gummy bears, jelly beans, licorice, peanut butter cups, fudge, candy bars, chewing gum, lollipops, candy canes, hard candies and chocolate-covered candies such as M&M’s.
If the candy 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 candy you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as much candy as you’d like and will fit into your allowable hand luggage.
The exception is candy that is packaged as a gel or liquid, such as squeezable candy tubes, liquid candy tubes or spray candy. These 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.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Yes, you can bring candy in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much candy as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Yes, you can bring candy 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 candy 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 candy through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring candy 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 CANDY INTO THE UNITED STATES
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring candy into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though candy 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 commercially packaged candy will keep well for several months after opening 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.
