Can You Bring Cheese On a Plane ? 2024

When it comes to cheese, there are some people that can’t travel without it.

The truth is cheese and dairy products in general contain a tremendous amount of protein and great benefits,, especially when you are on an adventure.

And whether you want to take cheese with you on your next adventure or you just want to bring a yummy and luscious cheese slicer from your destination.

In this article you will have all the answers about traveling with cheese in both carry-on and checked luggage, in addition of some tips to travel with your cheese and keep it fresh and delectable.

Let’s dive right in.

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.

TSA Rules

The TSA allows almost any kind of cheese through the security checkpoint.

And as long as the cheese is not creamy or in liquid form you can bring a solid cheese platter through the checkpoint with no quantity limits, however; it will be subject to additional screening.

Here is what the TSA has to say about taking solid cheese through the security checkpoint.

Does Cheese Count As Liquid?

Creamy or spreadable cheese that is not solid will be counted as liquid and is allowed through the security checkpoint in no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml for a single container.

If you are not familiar with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule here is what the TSA stated about it.

Passengers are allowed to take a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

Source the TSA

Along with other items like jam, peanut butter and chocolate you’ll need to refill or take small jars under 3.4 oz / 100 ml . So be sure to pop anything bigger into your checked baggage if you want to take more quantities with you.

Any amount of liquid products more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml should go in your checked bag and it will be confiscated by security if you are not traveling with a checked bag.

Here is a Tweet from the TSA about taking spreadable foods on board.

Can You Bring Cheese In Carry-On?

If the airport security allows your cheese to pass the security checkpoint then you are good to go and bring your cheese in the cabin.

There’s nothing wrong with taking cheese on board to consume or to take to your destination.

If you want to bring some solid cheese like cheddar, the U.S favorite cheese you can use a sealable bag to secure the original packaging, there are no restrictions to the amount you can bring.

Creamy cheese is allowed but with limited quantities (check the rules above), you may never have thought of cheese as a liquid, but for security purposes the liquid rule has been applied.

Natalie asked the TSA if she can bring her package of sliced cheese and a few oranges and grapefruits home.

The TSA gave her the green light that the whole fresh fruit, sliced cheese and seashells are allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

How To Pack Cheese In Checked Luggage?

How to travel with cheese on an airplane? If you want to take large portions or boxes of cheese domestically then the best place to transport it is inside your checked suitcase.

You can bring as much solid,creamy or spreadable cheese as you’d like inside your checked luggage.

And to keep cheese cold on a plane, especially on long flights you can use a small cooler or gel ice packs that will keep it intact during your journey.

Can I Bring Cheese On a Plane On International Flights?

Taking cheese on international flights in both carry-on and checked luggage is different for each country.

But obviously if you want to take some cheese to eat and enjoy during your flight from the U.S or other country you are good to go, however, you can’t pass through the customs with your cheese if the country of your destination does not allow dairy products on their territories.

For example, the UK does not allow cheese if you are outside the European Union.

So do not place it in either your carry-on or check luggage on your international flights till you are sure that the country of your destination allows it.

CountryRules
United StatesCheese – Solid cheese that does not contain meat are admissible for personal use.
Canada Food products allowed into Canada originating from a foreign country other than United States “Only cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and kashk are permitted”
United KingdomCountries outside the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland can not bring milk or milk-based products, except powdered infant milk, infant food or special food (including pet food) needed for medical reasons.
EuropeAs a general rule, you cannot bring meat, meat products, milk and milk products (e.g. charcuterie, cheese, yogurt) into the EU

Best cheese For travel

If you are a cheese lover like me, and you are eager to bring some cheese along with you on your ride, trip or flight, there are certain types that are made to last even outside the cooler or refrigerator.

Here are some types of cheeses that can last and are well-suited for travel.

Ewephoria Aged Sheeps Milk Dutch Gouda Cheese – Whole Wheel (9 pound)
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (5 pound)
Locatelli Pre-Cut Romano, Approximately 8 Ounce
Manchego – Pound Cut (1 pound)
Appenzeller Cheese (1 lb)
Cheese Emmentaler AOC (3.5 Lbs) from Switzerland

Final Thoughts

If you decide to bring your cheese slicer, or maybe you want to go back home with a delicious local cheese portion, you are just good to go, solid cheese is allowed in both carry on and checked luggage without any restrictions.

Creamy cheese or soft cheese as most travelers call it, only 3.4 oz/ 100 ml is allowed for a single container in carry on luggage, if you want to take more than 3.4 oz / 100ml it should go in your hold luggage.

We hops this helps

Happy travels.

Please share the answer if you find it helpful.

People also ask: