Can I Take Beef Jerky On An International Flight? (2024)

Are you a beef jerky lover planning to travel internationally?

You might be wondering if you can bring your favorite snack with you on the plane.

The good news is that beef jerky is generally allowed on flights, both domestic and international.

However, there are some restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about taking beef jerky on an international flight, including TSA regulations and customs rules.

So, pack your bags and get ready to satisfy your hunger cravings with some delicious beef jerky on your next flight!

Can I Take Beef Jerky On An International Flight?

The short answer is yes, you can take beef jerky on an international flight. However, the rules and regulations may vary depending on the country you are traveling to.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows solid foods and snacks on airplanes, including beef jerky. This means that you can generally pack it and consume it during your flight. However, if your beef jerky has a particularly strong odor that disturbs other passengers, flight attendants might ask you to put it away.

When it comes to international flights, you should also consider the customs rules of your destination country. While beef jerky is generally allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, some countries may have restrictions on meat products. It’s important to check the customs rules of your destination country before packing any food items.

TSA Regulations For Beef Jerky On Flights

The TSA has specific regulations for bringing beef jerky on flights. As mentioned earlier, beef jerky is considered a solid food item and is allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, it’s important to note that the TSA has limited the number of aerosols and liquid items you can bring on the plane. Therefore, if your beef jerky has any liquids or sauces, it may be subject to the liquids rule and may need to be packed in your checked luggage.

Additionally, it’s important to be considerate of other passengers when packing beef jerky. If your beef jerky has a strong odor, it may disturb other passengers, and flight attendants may ask you to put it away. Therefore, it’s best to avoid huge bags or crazy seasoning and opt for plain or lightly flavored beef jerky.

Packaging And Quantity Restrictions

When packing beef jerky for an international flight, it’s important to keep in mind the TSA’s liquids rule. If your beef jerky has any liquid or additional sauces, it may not be allowed through airport security if the liquid content is over 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. These sauces would also need to be packed with other liquids in a 1-liter clear resealable bag. However, if your beef jerky doesn’t have any liquid, then you can easily keep it in your bag.

There are no quantity restrictions for beef jerky in both carry-on and checked luggage when flying domestically or internationally. However, if you are traveling across borders, you should check the customs rules of your destination country. Some countries may have restrictions on meat products due to livestock diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), swine vesicular disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever.

If you are bringing back boneless meat from countries without these diseases, it must be commercially packaged, labeled, and contained in unopened hermetically sealed containers or packages that are cooked by a commercial method after such packing to produce articles that are shelf-stable without refrigeration. Cured hams and salami from certain areas within France, Germany, Italy, and Spain may not be brought into the United States by travelers and may only enter in commercial shipments because of additional certification and documentation requirements.

Customs Rules For Bringing Beef Jerky Into Different Countries

Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding the importation of food items, including beef jerky. In the United States, beef jerky is allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage without any restrictions. There is no limit to how much beef jerky you can pack or a specific type allowed. All types of beef jerky are welcome onboard. However, beef jerky with any liquids or additional sauces is subject to TSA’s liquids rule. If the liquid content is over 3.4 ounces / 100 milliliters, they won’t be allowed through airport security.

If you’re traveling to the U.S. from another country, you can bring beef jerky as long as it’s commercially packaged and cooked. Beef jerky from an American brand is especially allowed. USDA does not allow travelers to bring back most cattle, swine, sheep or goat meat or meat products from countries affected with certain serious livestock diseases. To find out a country’s status for these diseases, visit the animal disease status page of USDA.

In the European Union, travelers from non-EU countries are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with them. However, they can bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables as well as eggs, egg products, and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are allowed as well. The combined quantity of goods other than plants for planting and other than fishery products coming from the Faroe Islands or Greenland should not exceed the weight limit of 10 kg.

It’s important to note that customs rules can change at any time, so it’s always best to check the latest guidelines before traveling with beef jerky or any other food items. Failing to comply with customs rules can result in fines or even legal action, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Tips For Traveling With Beef Jerky

Here are some tips to keep in mind when traveling with beef jerky:

1. Check airline restrictions: While most airlines allow beef jerky, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your airline before packing it. Some airlines may have restrictions on certain types of food, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Pack it in resealable bags: To keep your beef jerky fresh and prevent any odors from spreading, pack it in resealable bags. This will also make it easier to store in your carry-on or checked luggage.

3. Consider the quantity: While there is no limit on the amount of beef jerky you can pack in your luggage, it’s important to consider the quantity. If you’re carrying a large amount of beef jerky, it may be best to store some in your checked luggage to avoid cluttering your carry-on.

4. Check customs rules: As mentioned earlier, some countries may have restrictions on meat products. Before bringing beef jerky to your destination country, check the customs rules and regulations to avoid any issues at customs.

5. Be mindful of odors: While beef jerky is a great snack for traveling, it’s important to be mindful of its odor. If you’re traveling with other passengers, consider packing it away if the smell is too strong and disturbing others around you.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your beef jerky while traveling without any hassle or issues at customs.

Alternatives To Beef Jerky For In-Flight Snacking

While beef jerky is a popular snack for in-flight snacking, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some healthy and filling snacks that can be packed for a long-haul flight:

1. Nuts and raisins: A classic choice for snacking, nuts and raisins are a great source of protein and fiber. They are also easy to pack and can be stored in a TSA-compliant container.

2. Fruit: Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, and oranges are a healthy and refreshing snack option. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system during a long flight.

3. Cheese and crackers: Cheese sticks or fresh cheese paired with crackers make for a satisfying snack that can be easily packed in a Ziploc bag.

4. Hard-boiled eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein and can be packed in a small container for easy snacking. They also don’t have a strong odor, making them a good alternative to beef jerky.

5. Hummus and veggies: Pack some cut-up veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a small container of hummus for a healthy and filling snack option.

6. Granola bars: Granola bars are a convenient snack option that can be easily packed in your carry-on luggage. Look for bars that are low in sugar and high in fiber for the best nutritional value.

7. Trail mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and maybe even some dark chocolate can make for a tasty and nutritious snack that will keep you full during your flight.

Remember to pack your snacks in TSA-compliant containers to avoid any issues at security checkpoints. With these alternatives to beef jerky, you can enjoy healthy and satisfying snacks on your next long-haul flight.