You can bring uncooked rice on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Cooked rice with no liquids are considered solid food, so it does not fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Rice with sauce or other type of liquid must be in containers of 100 ml or 3.4 fl oz or less when transported in carry-on.
You have more flexibility in the checked bag, so pack large amounts of rice in your checked bag.
Traveling with rice on international flights has some restrictions.
It’s clear that rice is a popular and nutritious food choice. But can you bring rice on a plane? Ans what are the TSA regulations for packing cooked and uncooked rice in your carry-on or checked luggage?
In this post, I will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to pack rice for air travel.
Let’s dive right in.
Can I Bring Rice On a Plane: TSA Rules
In 2020, 275.70 million Americans consumed rice or a rice dish. So, it’s kind of expected that about 2 out of 100 passengers might bring rice on their flights.
Despite that the TSA didn’t specifically mention any type of rice on its website.
But they have this note on their website,
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags without any restrictions.
This is apparently applicable for uncooked, cold or dry rice.
Here is the AskTSA team replying to Kazuaki (@kazuaki_aero) about taking uncooked rice through TSA on X (formerly Twitter).
Screenshot from X
But is cooked or fried rice a solid food either?.
Bangie Burgos (@BurgosBangie) shared their valid concern with the AskTSA team on X.
Screenshot from X
A dish of cooked rice that is not mixed with any liquids is not subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
If you want to bring olive oil with your rice, the container must hold 3.4 fluid ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
You need also to place it in a quart sized bag with your other liquid items and toiletries, which might seem a bit inconvenient.
How To Pack Rice In a Carry-On Bag?
Before placing your bag of uncooked rice in your carry-on, here are some tips to make sure it passes the security screening and does not cause any issues:
Make the rice easy to access inside the bag.
keep the rice in its original packaging. This will help the TSA officers easily identify what is inside and avoid any confusion.
Keep your rice separate from other items in your carry-on bag, such as liquids, gels, aerosols, powders, or any materials that can block the images on the X-ray machine.
Pack large quantities in checked baggage.
Can You Bring Rice On a Plane In Checked Luggage?
Regardless if you are traveling with cooked or uncooked rice you can pack them in your checked bag without any restrictions.
However; I don’t advise packing cooked rice in a checked bag unless you don’t have any other choice.
Here are some what to consider when packing rice in your checked luggage:
Pack your rice in a sturdy plastic bag or container to avoid any leaks or spills inside your bag, you don’t want to end up with rice all over your clothes or other items in your suitcase.
Place your rice in the center of your suitcase surrounded with some soft items.
Rice flakes are considered solid food so you can pack them in both carry-on or checked baggage without any restrictions.
Just remember to follow the packing tips I mentioned above.
Do TSA Will Open Your Sealed Rice Bags?
The TSA officer have always the right to open any bag or package.
They may need to open your sealed bag of rice If there is any doubt or something suspicious about it, but most of the time if they won’t as long as your bag is in its original packaging.
Can You Bring Rice Cookers On a Plane?
Yes, rice cookers can be brought in your carry-on luggage as long as they are within your airline carry-on size and weight limits.
The TSA customer service has confirmed to Alya ( @CanucksStar) that electric rice cookers and egg cookers are allowed in your carry-on luggage.
Can You Take Rice On International Flights?
Regulations may vary by country, but most countries do allow rice to enter their territories.
However; it is better to call your airline or check with the customs authorities of your destination country for any rules regarding importing rice and make sure you comply with their laws.
If you are traveling to the US the cbp.gov recommend to avoid bringing it into the United States., because rice can often have insects.
Final Thoughts
Rice is a nourishing food that you can bring on a plane.
But, whether you want to enjoy it during your flight or at your destination, you need to be aware of the TSA regulations I mentioned above and the customs laws of your destination country when packing rice in your carry-on or checked baggage.
In case you are wondering if flour is also allowed on planes we covered everything about it on this page.
Hope this helps
Happy travels
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
