If you love pickles and planing to bring them on your next flight, you might be wondering “can I bring a jar of pickles on a plane ”.
The good news is Yes, you can bring pickles on a plane, but they need to follow the liquid limits in carry-on. The TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule allow only containers of 3.4 oz / 100ml or less in carry-on. Because pickles are stored in brine it is best if you place any large jars of pickles in your checked bag, just make sure it is sealed tightly in plastic bags to prevent leaks.
In this detailed post I will cover everything you need to know about taking a little jar of pickles on a plane carry-on and checked luggage in addition to some tips to keep you pickles safe in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Yes, you can bring pickles on a plane, but the jar size matters.
- Pickles are stored in liquid brine, so if you place them in your carry-on bag, the jar must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less and fit inside your liquids bag.
- Most regular pickle jars are large, so you need to pack them in your checked bag instead, where there are no liquid limits.
- Just seal the jar tightly and place it inside plastic bags or wrap it in clothing to prevent leaks.
- If you are flying internationally, make sure to check the customs rules of your destination country for bringing food items.
What Is The TSA Rules for Pickles in Carry-On Bags?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are the folks that scan everything you bring on a plane, when traveling within or from the U.S Airports.
I checked their website, but they don’t have anything about taking pickles on a plane or taking pickles through the security checkpoint.
But they have a rule about food that is drowning in liquids.
Foods that contain liquid, such as pickles in brine or vinegar, are treated the same way as other liquids like shampoo, yogurt, or jam.
If you want to bring pickles in your carry-on bag, the jar must be small enough to stay within the liquid limits.
Each jar must be no more than 3.4 ounces / 100 ml and must fit inside a quart-size clear bag with your other liquids.
I think the TSA and FAA need to have another rule for these types of liquid foods.
Most store-bought pickle jars are much larger than this limit, which means they will usually not be allowed through the security checkpoint in your carry-on unless you drain the liquid completely.
In many cases, security officers will ask you to remove the jar from your bag for screening, and if it exceeds the allowed size it may be confiscated.
Even though if you have a small jar that is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less, you still need to place it inside a quart sized bag with your toiletries.
Which isn’t practical.
I also checked the TSA social media for more answers, mainly X (formerly Twitter)
Rita is asking about taking this jar of homemade pickles in her carry-on.
The AskTSA team replied foods in liquids must be 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less in carry-on and must be in a quart sized bag.
The same answer are given to Som, who wanted to know more information about carrying pickles in cabin and checked luggage.
| Pickles | What Happens at Security |
|---|---|
| Small pickle container under 3.4 oz | Allowed in carry-on inside liquids bag |
| Regular grocery store pickle jar | Usually confiscated at security |
| Pickles in checked luggage | Allowed |
| Pickles bought after security | Allowed on the plane |
Can You Bring Pickles in Checked Luggage?
Placing your jar of pickles in checked luggage is usually the easiest way.
In this case you don’t need to worry about the strict liquid rules.
This means you can bring a large jar of pickles without worrying about the 3.4oz / 100ml limit or the quart sized bag.
However, fragile jars can sometimes break or leak during a flight, especially when bags are handled roughly or when cabin pressure changes.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to make sure that you seal the jar tightly and wrap it in clothing or protective material before placing it in your suitcase.
Many travelers also put the jar inside two or even three plastic bags to protect their belongings in case any liquid spills.
Are Pickles Considered a Liquid by Airport Security?
Yes, in the eyes of the TSA pickles are considered liquids.
Even though pickles themselves are solid food, the brine they are stored in is considered a liquid by airport security.
This is why the container size matters when traveling with them in your carry-on bag.
Security officers typically treat foods with a lot of liquid content the same way they treat other liquids.
Foods such as peanut butter, yogurt, jam, or honey are often subject to the same rules.
If the container is too large, it may not be allowed through the checkpoint.
Can You Take Pickles In International Flights?
If you are flying internationally, you need to think about customs rules at your destination.
Some countries have strict rules about bringing food products into their territories, especially items that contain fruits, vegetables, or homemade ingredients.
Even if airport security allows your pickles to go on the plane, customs officers in the destination country might still take them if they do not meet local import regulations.
For example, in the United States, the U.S. customs and border protection will ask you to declare any food items you bring to the country.
You can bring pickles if they are commercially packaged, but homemade pickles or products that have certain vegetables may be restricted or taken by officers.
In the United Kingdom, the rules are enforced by the UK Border Force.
Travelers arriving from outside the U.K are generally not allowed to bring many homemade or unpackaged food items that have vegetables or other plant products, and these items can be taken from you at the border.
How to Pack Pickles Safely For Your Flight?
When traveling with pickles, the main thing to keep in mind is to prevent leaks.
A jar that opens during travel can easily spill and mess your bag.
So wrap the jar in bubble wrap or place it inside a sealed plastic bag can help protect the rest of your luggage.
Also place the jar in the middle of the suitcase, surrounded by clothing, which adds extra cushioning.
Final Thoughts
So, can you take a jar of pickles on a plane? The answer is yes, but the size of the jar matters.
Small jars that is 3.4 oz / 100 ml or less meet the liquid limits, so you can take them in carry-on bags, while you can pack larger jars in checked luggage.
As long as the jar is sealed properly and you follow airport security rules, you shouldn’t face any issues when bringing pickles on a plane.
If you want to avoid the hassle altogether, another simple option is to buy pickles after you arrive at your destination.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
Take Pickles on a Plane FAQ
- Can pickle jars explode on a plane?
No, your jar of pickles will not explode on a plane. However, changes in air pressure and rough baggage handling may cause your jar to leak or break, which is why it’s important to pack them carefully in checked luggage. - How do you pack a jar of pickles in luggage?
To avoid leaks, make sure the lid is tightly sealed. Many travelers place the jar in a zip-top plastic bag and wrap it with clothing or bubble wrap before putting it in the center of their suitcase. - Can you eat pickles on a plane?
Yes, you can eat pickles on a plane. Solid food items are generally allowed on flights. However, bringing a large jar of pickles through security may not be allowed if it exceeds the liquid limit. - Can you bring homemade pickles on a plane?
Yes, you can bring homemade pickles on a plane. However, the container must still be within the liquid limits for carry-on bags. If the jar is larger than 3.4 oz / 100 ml, you need to pack it in checked luggage instead. - Can you take pickles through airport security?
Yes, you can take pickles through airport security if the container follows the TSA liquids rule. Small containers under 3.4 oz / 100 ml may be allowed in your liquids bag, while you need to place larger jars in checked luggage. - Can you bring pickles on international flights?
You can bring pickles on international flights, but you also need to check the customs regulations of your destination country. Some countries have strict rules for the import of certain food items, including vegetables or homemade products.
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