Whether you want to bring a live lobster for your home aquarium, or you just bought a lobster to cook for a special occasion, you might be wondering if you can bring a live lobster on a plane?
Here is the short answer:yes, you can bring a live and a frozen lobster on a plane, but it must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container. The TSA allows live lobsters through the security after inspection, but you need to check with your airline first regarding their specific carry-on policies. It is often advised to use a properly packed container with frozen gel packs.
In this detailed post I will cover everything you need to know about traveling with a lobster on planes in domestic and international flights, and what airlines regulations say about lobsters.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring a live lobster on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage in the U.S.
- You can bring it through the TSA without any issues as long as it’s in a clear, spill proof container and properly declared at security.
- Airlines may have their own rules, so you must check with them before traveling.
- It is usually safer to transport a lobster in carry-on rather than checked baggage.
- Ensure that you properly pack your lobster to keep them alive during the trip.
- For international flights there will be stricter customs and import restrictions depending on your destination country.
Can You Bring a Live Lobster Through TSA?
According to the TSA, you are allowed to take live lobsters through the security checkpoint. However, a lobster must be transported in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container.
You need to notify a TSA security Officer that you have a live lobster with you.
The TSA officer will manually inspect your lobster at the security checkpoint.
The TSA recommends that you check your airline’s rules to ensure that they allow live lobsters on their flights.
I wanted to also find some answers from the TSA website.
This passenger asked the TSA if he can bring live lobsters on the plane.
The TSA confirmed that: “Live lobsters are allowed through security and must be in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container; TSA officers will visually inspect it at the checkpoint; it should not go through the X-ray machine.”
The TSA folks added: “Please contact your airline regarding their policy.”
Can You Take a Live Lobster In The Cabin?
Although the TSA does not have restrictions on traveling with lobsters in the cabin, some airlines may not allow live lobsters onboard.
You should always check with your airline beforehand.
This passenger wonders why you can’t take peanut butter but you can take a live lobster.
The TSA replied that both lobsters and peanut butter are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
However, peanut butter in the cabin must be 3.4 ounces or less.
The container must be placed in your quart-sized bag along with other travel-sized liquids.
Larger containers are allowed in checked bags.
| Lobster type | Allowed in carry-on | Allowed in checked bags |
|---|---|---|
| American Lobster (Maine) | Yes | Yes |
| Spiny Lobster (Rock Lobster) | Yes | Yes |
| European Lobster | Yes | Yes |
| Caribbean Spiny Lobster | Yes | Yes |
| Australian Lobster | Yes | Yes |
| Frozen Lobster | Yes (if frozen solid) | Yes |
| Cooked Lobster | Yes (subject to liquid rules) | Yes |
Can You Take a Live Lobster In Checked Luggage?
Live lobsters are allowed in checked luggage, though it is not recommended because they will not be handled gently and could be injured or killed.
In carry-on luggage, at least you can keep it under your sight and ensure it is handled more carefully.
How do you pack a live lobster for travel?
As stated above, live lobsters should be transported in a clear, transparent container that cannot spill water. They can also be transported in special aquatic “breather” bags, which allow oxygen to pass through but not water.
However, make sure to take your lobster in a clear, plastic, spill-proof container. Do not use water; instead, you can use frozen gel packs or ice packs. Fresh water can cause your lobster to die.
Do not store live lobsters in a sealed plastic bag (lobsters need to breathe).
How Long Will Live Lobsters Keep In a Cooler?
How long can you travel with live lobsters?
Lobsters can survive in a cooler for more than two days, though it is important to keep them at a cool temperature.
How To Pack Live Lobsters For Travel?
If you bring your lobster from Maine or another place, remember that a lobster should be kept comfortable during travel as well.
It is important to keep live lobsters in a cooler, but not in fresh water or dry ice. Instead, use cold packs or gel packs.
Even when packed correctly, live lobsters have a limited lifespan during transport. Therefore, you might notice that most seafood stores that ship live lobsters take special care in packaging them.
Major Airlines Rules On Traveling With Lobsters
Most airlines do not mention if live lobsters are allowed in their planes but I did a little research and here is what I found.
| Airlines | Regulations |
| United airlines | United Airlines will accept seafood as checked bags if it’s wrapped in a sealed protective material and packed in a leak-proof container. they won’t accept seafood if it’s packed in wet ice or in a Styrofoam container. If you bring seafood in addition to our normal allowance for checked bags, the Airlines will apply any charges for extra, overweight and oversized bags. |
| American airlines | Since American Airlines didn’t mentions live lobsters on its website, here a response to a tweet AA stated “While you’re not able to carry the lobster on, you can have it shipped“ |
| delta airlines | live lobster allowed and must be properly packaged. |
| Jetblue | live lobster allowed and must be properly packaged. |
| Air Canada | Allowed and must be properly packaged. |
Final Thoughts: Can I Bring Live Lobster On a Plane?
If you are planning to travel with your live lobster, carrying it in your carry-on luggage is the best option.
The TSA does not have any restrictions on taking lobsters through the security checkpoint; however, you should always make sure that your airline does not have any restrictions on transporting lobsters.
Learning how to travel with a live lobster requires some planning and preparation. I hope this helps you understand how to travel with your lobster effectively.
When you are ready, just take a quick look at your airline’s regulations about traveling with such a creature (if it is not mentioned above).
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Traveling With a Live Lobster
Do airlines charge extra for bringing a live lobster?
Yes. It is usually treated as checked baggage, so standard extra, overweight, or oversized bag fees may apply.
Can you bring a live lobster on international flights?
It will usually depend on the destination country you are flying to. Some countries may have strict rules for entering live seafood.
Does a live lobster count as food or a pet for airline rules?
It will be treated as food or seafood, not a pet.
Will airport security open the lobster container?
Usually no. It is visually inspected, but the security guys may open it if necessary or need extra screening.
What happens if the lobster is not packaged correctly?
It may be rejected at security or required to be repacked properly before approval.
Can a lobster survive a long flight?
Yes, if properly packed and kept cool, but long delays or heat can increase risk.
Are there size or quantity limits for lobsters?
The TSA does not set limits, but airlines and baggage rules may indirectly have quantity or size limits.
Does the lobster need a veterinary certificate or paperwork?
Not for domestic flights. Some international destinations may need health documents.
What if the lobster leaks or smells during the flight?
It may be flagged as a safety or hygiene issue, so spill-proof packaging is important and essential.
Can you carry frozen or cooked lobster instead of live?
Yes, and it is usually easier and less risky than traveling with a live lobster.
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