TL;DR
- You can bring solid pancake on a plane carry-on and checked bags without any issues
- Containers of powdered pancake mix over 12 oz / 350 gram must be placed in a separate bin for additional screening
- You can bring liquid pancake mix in carry-on in containers smaller than 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml
- Liquid foods must be packed in your one quart-size bag alongside other toiletries
- For international travel check whether the pancake mix can legally enter the country of your destination
Bringing Pancake Mix in Carry-On (TSA Liquids Rule)
If you are traveling with powdered pancake mix like (the just add water ones), the first thing you need to know is the TSA rule for powdered products.
The rule states that you can bring any amount of powder-like substances, but you will need to remove any container more than 12 ounces / 350 grams from your bag and place it in a separate bin for additional screening.
Some containers may need to be opened.
This is why the TSA website and most airports security do advise placing any larger amount of non essential powders in a checked bag to avoid any inconvenience at the airport.
Kay wanted to know if she could take this powdered pancake and waffle mix in her carry-on.
The @AskTSA team on X gave her the green light, but she still needs to follow the powder rule I mentioned above.
In the other hand if you want to bring a liquid or semi-liquid pancake mix on a plane, like a bottled or canned mix that is ready to use, then you have to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, so you can only bring containers that are 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml or less, and you have to put them in a single quart sized bag.
This means that you can only bring a small amount of liquid pancake mix in your carry-on, and that might not be enough to make a decent number of pancakes at your destination.
It’s not about how much pancake mix is inside the container; it’s about the size of the container. So, if you have a big bottle, you can’t fill it with 3.4 ounces of liquid pancake mix.
The TSA liquid Rule
Bringing Pancake Mix in Your Checked Baggage
If you want to bring more homemade pancake mix than you can fit in your carry-on, or if you have a liquid pancake mix that exceeds the 3.4-ounce limit, then you can pack it in your checked baggage.
The TSA does not have a liquid rule for checked bags, so you can bring any amount and type of pancake mix in your checked baggage, as long as you don’t pack any flammable or explosive items.
However, just because you can bring pancake mix in your checked baggage, doesn’t mean you should.
There are some risks and challenges involved in packing and traveling with pancake mix in your checked bag.
Packing Pancake Mix in Checked Baggage
You don’t want your pancake mix to spill, leak, or explode in your bag, or to get damaged or contaminated by other items in your bag.
So ensure that you neatly pack your mix in the middle of the suitcase, padded with other items.
You can also use airtight containers designed for food, this will add an extra layer of protection against spills inside your bag.
I’ve traveled with small boxes of powdered pancake mix and it never has been an issue.
My experience
Take Pancake Mix On International Flights
Before you bring pancake mix to another country, you should check the customs and quarantine regulations of your destination.
Some countries have strict rules on what food items you can bring in, and they might confiscate or destroy your pancake mix if it is prohibited or restricted.
You should also check the availability and price of pancake mix in your destination, and decide if it is worth bringing your own or buying it there.
Before you bring pancake mix on a long trip, you should check the expiration date and the storage conditions of your pancake mix.
Some pancake mixes have a long shelf life, while others have a short one. Some pancake mixes need to be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, while others need to be refrigerated or frozen.
You need to make sure your pancake mix will last for the duration of your trip.
Final Thoughts
You can bring powdered pancake mix on a plane in your carry-on and checked luggage. There are no limitations in quantity, but you need to remove any bag more than 12 oz / 350 gram at the security checkpoint for additional screening.
If you prefer liquid pancake mix, you will need to follow the TSA liquid rule which says no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml for each container.
Hope this helps
Happy travels 🌼
Resources
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-policy-powders-are-they-allowed
- https://twitter.com/search
