Can You Bring Ice Cream On a Plane? 2025

If you have a favorite ice cream brand or flavor that you can’t get enough of, you might wonder if you can carry Ice cream on a plane.

Here is a short answer:

Yes, you can bring ice cream on a plane if it’s completely frozen solid at the time of screening. If it’s melted or slushy, it must follow the TSA liquid rule of 3.4 oz / 100 ml. You can also pack ice cream in checked baggage.

In this post, I will explain everything you need to know about flying with ice cream, from TSA regulations to packing methods. 

So, let’s get started.

Can You Bring Ice Through TSA?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are the folks that inspect passengers’s luggage on flights within and from the U.S.

This is what they have to say about ice cream on their website.

Ic scream is allowed through the security checkpoint and in carry-on bags, but each container must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in order to pass the security checkpoint.

But this applies only to ice cream that is not totally frozen like ice cream mix.

What about solid ice cream?

The TSA didn’t state on her website that frozen solid ice cream has no restrictions in carry-on bags.

So I found this screenshot on X (formerly Twitter).

The AskTSA replies to Stephy that her ice cream cake is allowed through the security checkpoint, but must be frozen solid when presented for screening, if it is slightly melted or there is liquid in the bottom, it must follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.

Can You Take Ice Cream In Checked Baggage?

You can always pack your gelato in your checked luggage, where there are no restrictions on the size or quantity of liquids or gels. 

However, you still have to make sure that your ice cream stays frozen during your flight by using a cooler, which can be tricky depending on the duration and temperature of your trip. 

You also have to be careful about how you pack your ice cream, as it might leak or damage your other belongings if it melts.

Still Confused? Let TSA Explain

I delved into X (formerly Twitter) to find additional insights and other responses from the @AskTSA.

This passenger wonder if ice cream packed with dry ice needs to be checked.

The AskTSA customer service replied that if the ice cream or the ice is melted or there is liquid in the bottom of the container, it must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less when transported in carry-on, otherwise it will need to be transferred in checked baggage.

The TSA does allow 5.5 lbs of dry ice in carry-on and checked bags.

Ice cream scoops are allowed also in both carry-on and checked bags without any restrictions.

Tips For Packing Ice Cream For Traveling

If you want to bring a solid ice cream (like a Gelato or a sherbet) to consume on board the airplane, then you can just go ahead without any issues.

But if you decide to bring a handful of ice cream with you, either in your carry-on or checked luggage, you need to follow some tips to keep it cold and prevent it from melting. 

Here are some of the best methods that I’ve found:

• Use dry ice: Dry ice is a solid form of carbon dioxide that is much colder than regular ice and can keep your ice cream frozen for longer.
  
  You can fid dry ice almost in any local store, hardware stores, or online. However, you have to be careful when traveling with dry ice (learn more about traveling with dry ice).

• Use frozen water bottles: Another option is to freeze some plastic water bottles and use them as ice packs for your ice cream.
  You can place them around your ice cream container to keep it cold and insulated.
  You can also drink the water once it melts, which is a bonus. However, you have to make sure that the water bottles are completely frozen when you go through security checkpoint, as partially frozen or liquid water bottles might be rejected by the TSA stuff. You also have to be aware that frozen water bottles might not last as long as dry ice, especially if you’re traveling to a warm destination.

• Use an insulated cooler or bag:  My favorite way to pack ice cream is to use an insulated cooler or bag that can keep it cold and protect it from external heat.
  You can find various sizes and shapes of coolers or bags online or in stores, depending on how much ice cream you want to bring.

Can You Bring An Ice Cream On International Flights?

Whether you’re flying within the U.S. to the UK, Canada, Italy, Australia or to another country, you should always consider the 3-1-1 liquid rule.

But the more interesting things to think about is if the threats you want to bring allowed in the country you’re going to? Some countries might have strict rules about certain types of ice cream.

But, don’t worry too much, even if your favorite ice cream isn’t allowed, you can still find cool local or different kinds of ice cream in the new place you’re visiting.

Can You Bring An Ice Cream Maker On a Plane?

Yes, ice cream makers are good to go in both carry-on and checked bags, however; larger ice cream makers with sharp tools or with liquids inside are better if they are packed in checked bags.

This is an answer from X stating that portable blenders including ice cream makers without blades are allowed in carry-on bags .

When packed in checked bags ensure that your ice cream maker is securely packed and well wrapped to prevent any potential accidents or damage.

Final Thoughts

You can bring ice cream on a plane on all the popular airlines in the US.

This includes homemade and unopened boxes of ice cream in your carry-on and checked bags.

But if the ice cream is melted you need to bring it in containers that does not exceed 3.4 oz / 100 ml, or you will need to transfer it in your checked bag, otherwise it will be confiscated.

This is due to the 3-1-1 rule that is enforced with the TSA and most airports in the world.

I hope this helps

Happy scooping.

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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.