Beef jerky is a delicious snack, a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s easy to carry on the go, but can you take beef jerky on a plane
The short answer is yes, you can bring beef jerky on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage, as the TSA classifies it as a solid food. It is not subject to the 3.4 ounce / 100 ml liquid rule, but for international flights, be aware that some countries restrict importing meat products.
In this post I will cover everything about taking beef jerky on planes, in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can take beef jerky on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage because it is considered a solid food by the TSA and is not subject to liquid rules.
- You can take it freely on domestic flights, and you can also pack it in checked bags without limits or special rules.
- If you are traveling internationally you will need to check your destination country’s customs rules, as many countries restrict or prohibit meat products.
- You can eat beef jerky on board the airplane, but you may need to be mindful of the smell for other passengers.
Can You Take Beef Jerky Through The TSA Security Checkpoint?
The TSA didn’t specifically mention beef jerky or dried meat on its website.
So I checked their social media especially X (Formerly Twitter) to see some answers from TSA customer service.
I found this question from Darcy who asked about taking snacks like beef jerky, crackers, and chips through the security checkpoint.
The TSA confirmed that “solid food, including beef jerky, crackers, and chips, is allowed through the airport security checkpoint.”
If you are planning to bring fresh meat or frozen meat then, Just as I mentioned about fresh meat in this article, there are no problems taking solid or fully frozen meat.
It will be counted as a normal solid product when placed in your carry-on bag.
Can You Take Beef Jerky In Carry-On Baggage?
Yes.
Whether you are flying United, American or Delta Airlines you can have beef jerky inside your carry-on bag, the TSA rules always applies.
Rachel asked the TSA about taking snack food like beef jerky and protein bars in her carry-on bag.
The TSA gave her a green light: “Solid snack items, including beef jerky and protein bars, are allowed in carry-on bags.”
| Beef jerky | Approximate size | Carry-on allowed | Checked bag allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Link’s | 1 oz, 2.85 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Baja Beef | 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Oberto | 2 oz, 3 oz, 10 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Tillamook Country Smoker | 2.5 oz, 6.5 oz, 10 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Krave Jerky | 2.7 oz, 3 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Country Archer | 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz | Yes | Yes |
| People’s Choice Beef Jerky | 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Old Trapper | 3.25 oz, 10 oz, 18 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Perky Jerky | 2 oz, 10 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Chef’s Cut | 2.5 oz, 5 oz | Yes | Yes |
Can You Take Beef Jerky In Checked Luggage?
If you are going on an adventure or you just bought a large quantity of beef jerky, it is best to place it inside your checked bag.
Kristi wondered if beef jerky is allowed in checked luggage inside a Ziploc bag.
The TSA customer service confirmed: “Beef jerky is allowed in checked bags with no quantity limitations or packing requirements.”
if you take fragile items along with your beef jerky the it is best to place it in your carry-on bag, but solid products like beef jerky are good to go in checked luggage without worrying that they will be damaged or spoiled.
Can You Take Beef Jerky on International Flights?
If you want to take beef jerky to another country, you will have to know your destination country’s customs rules about bringing food.
| Country | Rules |
|---|---|
| United States | You may be able to bring in food such as fruits, meats or other agricultural products depending on the region or country from which you are traveling. Check more on U.S Customs and Border Protection website. |
| Canada | Restrictions vary depending on the country you come from. Allowed from the U.S to Canada if accompanied and labeled perfectly. |
| Mexico | Not Allowed |
| United Kingdom | Not Allowed |
| Europe | Not Allowed |
| South Korea | Not Allowed |
For example, taking animal products such as raw meat, ham, sausage, and beef jerky to Korea is not allowed under the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act CADPA.
Most countries are strict about meat and animal products.
For other countries that are not mentioned in the table, you can search the official country website.
If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you. You can, however, bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables, as well as eggs, egg products, and honey. Restricted quantities of fish or fish products are also allowed.
Can You Eat Beef Jerky On a Plane?
I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who doesn’t like beef jerky, but if you are in a closed space (like a plane) and you open a jerky bag, there are definitely some fellow travelers who won’t like the odor.
As some travelers described it: “Unfortunately, masks do not block out the smell when someone cracks open a beef jerky near you on a plane.”
Is Beef Jerky A Good Travel Snack?
Beef jerky is a great snack when you are on your trip.
It is a good source of various minerals and can be consumed anytime and anywhere.
Here are some of the best beef jerky brands to consider if you are planning to bring some on your trip.
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Multipack Bags on Amazon: If you want to always have protein snacks on hand, this Jack Link’s beef jerky pack is tasty and easy to carry.
Baja Beef Jerky – Healthy Beef Jerky, Gluten Free on Amazon: Another on-the-go snack that is incredible.
Not only does it taste fantastic, but according to Baja Beef, it is all-natural, minimally processed, and contains no artificial ingredients.
Final Thoughts
You can take any type of dried meat, including beef jerky and turkey jerky, in both carry-on and checked luggage without any restrictions on domestic flights.
When traveling with beef jerky on an international flight, you need to make sure that your destination country allows food products.
Otherwise, if you decide to take it on your flight, you can consume it during the flight, or customs may confiscate it.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
FAQs about bringing beef jerky on a plane
Does the TSA 3-1-1 applies for beef jerky when flying?
No, beef jerky is a solid food item, not a liquid. This means it is not subject to the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, so you can pack it freely in both your carry-on and checked bag, without any issues.
Can you bring homemade beef jerky on a plane?
Yes, you can bring homemade beef jerky on a plane for domestic flights. However, on international flights, homemade jerky may be more likely to be confiscated since it is not commercially packaged or labeled.
Can you bring opened beef jerky on a plane?
Yes, opened beef jerky is good to go in both carry-on and checked luggage. Just make sure it is properly sealed to avoid any strong odors.
Can you take beef jerky on a plane for babies or kids?
Yes, beef jerky is permitted for kids and babies, but keep in mind it can be tough to chew. For younger children, softer snacks may be a better option instead of beef jerky.
Will beef jerky trigger airport security scanners?
I travel with beef jerky several times and it never triggers the airport security scanners. However, TSA officers may inspect your bag if they need a closer look.
How should you pack beef jerky for a flight?
It’s best to keep beef jerky in its original packaging or in an airtight container or zip-top bag. This helps prevent odors and keeps it fresh during your trip.
Can you bring beef jerky on a plane to the USA?
You can bring beef jerky into the United States, but it will depends on the country of origin and USDA regulations. You will ned to declare any beef jerky yo bring, otherwise it will be confiscated at the border.
Can you bring beef jerky from the USA to Europe?
In most cases you cannot bring beef jerky into Europe from non-EU countries due to strict rules on meat and animal products.
Is there a limit on how much beef jerky you can bring on a plane?
There is no limits to the amount of beef jerky you can bring on domestic flights, but for international flights, there will be limits depending on your destination country.
Can beef jerky go bad during a flight?
Beef jerky is shelf-stable and unlikely to spoil during a flight. However, exposure to heat and air can reduce its freshness, so proper sealing is important.
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