Chocolates can serve as a healthy, delectable snack to enjoy on a flight and a delightful gift to surprise your loved ones. But can you bring chocolate on a plane? And what are the airlines and the TSA rules for traveling with chocolate?
Here is the short answer: Typically you can take any solid chocolate (like chocolate bars) in both carry-on and check bags without any restrictions, but only containers of 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less of chocolate liquids like Nutella are allowed in carry-on baggage.
Keep reading to know more details for traveling with chocolate in both carry-on and checked bags.
Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.
Can You Take Chocolate Through The Security Checkpoint?
The TSA didn’t really have any restrictions on taking solid chocolate through security checkpoint, and there is no limit to the amount of solid chocolate you can take in your bag or personal item.
Here is what the TSA has to say about traveling with solid chocolate on its website.
I also found these answers on X (formerly Twitter).
@Nas wonders if his 150 gr / 5.2 ounces Lindt truffles are allowed in carry-on baggage.
This passenger also wanted to know if there is any limits to the amount of chocolate he can bring in carry-on baggage.
The TSA confirmed to them that there are no restrictions or limits to the amount of solid chocolate (solid food items) you can take in carry-on baggage.
The only thing you need to consider is when traveling with chocolates that are in liquid form, like a small jar or container of Nutella.
The TSA has limited any kind of liquids or pasts to 3.4 oz (100ml) or less for each container.
The container must fit in a single quart-sized bag, and only one quart sized bag is allowed per passenger.
And you will need to remove your liquids and place them in a separate bin at the security checkpoint.
Here is what the TSA has to say about traveling with liquid chocolate on its website.
Can You Take Chocolate In Carry-on Or Hand Luggage?
Most airlines do not restrict to bringing little gifts or just chocolate bars on board the airplanes.
There are no limitations to the quantity you can bring in your hand luggage as long as your chocolate is solid.
If you shop after the airport security (duty shops) you can bring more than 3.4 oz / 100ml of liquid chocolate in carry-on baggage.
If you want to bring another type of chocolate and you are not sure if they are considered liquids or not, here is what the TSA considers as liquids:
If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it, or spill it, it’s subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rules
The TSA
Can You Take Chocolate In Checked Baggage?
If you are traveling with a large container of Nutella which is considered liquid by the TSA it is better to place it in your checked baggage.
What I usually do is take what I want to consume during the flight and place the rest in my checked bag.
This works every time I want to bring two or three different types of chocolate for my kids to explore on international flights from Europe, and it works for chocolate bars also, in addition chocolate doesn’t melt easily.
How Much Chocolate Can You Take On a Plane?
Domestically there are no limits to the amount of solid chocolate you can bring in your flight, though you should consider your airline carry-on or check baggage weight and size limits.
Again, liquid chocolate must adhere to the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on.
On international flights, it is better to bring only small quantities for personal consumption.
If you bring a suitcase full of chocolate on international flights , your bag can be searched and the customs will ask the reason for the large amount.
You may end up paying some taxes.
So make sure to pack only reasonable quantities.
@Maries asked the Emirates customer service if she can bring her Cadbury chocolate into Europe.
The Emirates support replied that she is good to place her chocolate in checked baggage.
How To Pack Chocolate For Your Flight?
If you are traveling with chocolate bars, it is preferable to place them inside a solid box and place them in the middle of your suitcase. Otherwise if you don’t have a box you can wrap it with your clothes and place it in the middle of the bag.
Most chocolates are easy to break, so if you bring the chocolate as a gift, you want to make sure it is intact when you give it the chosen one.
The same goes with liquid chocolate, ensuring that the container is well protected and won’t break or leak during transit.
Read next: Can You Bring Protein Bars On A Plane?
Will My Chocolate Melt In Checked Baggage?
Most airplanes have the same temperature in the hold and in the cabin, not too cold or too hot, and the temperature is affected most of the time with the outside temperature.
So your chocolate will not be melted by the temperature, that may happen if the temperature is 86°F (30°C) and 90 °F (33°C).
If you are a chocolate junkie like me, the chocolate bars I take on board the airplane never melt, or reach the destination, though I always make the passenger next to me enjoy the meal with me.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate, in general, can travel in hand baggage.
If it’s solid chocolate there are no special instructions.
If you are packing chocolate that are in liquid form in carry-on baggage, you need to meet the TSA liquid requirements, only 3.4 oz or less are allowed in each container placed in one quart sized bag.
You should place it in the bin at the security checkpoint for additional screening.
There are no rules on taking chocolate in checked bags but it’s really advised to pack your chocolate perfectly . It’s always better to keep what you will need handy in case you want to enjoy them during the flight especially when traveling with kids.
I hope that you have a sweet flight
Happy travels
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