According to TSA, you can bring nuts on domestic flights in both carry-on and checked bags without restrictions. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and more are considered solid food items, so you can enjoy them onboard.
However, be prepared to remove them from your bag if the X-ray machine can’t scan them clearly.
Today, I will give you some snacking information about traveling with raw and roasted nuts, in addition to some tips and tricks on how to enjoy nuts on your next flight, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring nuts on U.S. domestic flights in both carry-on and checked bags.
- There is no specific quantity limit to the amount of nuts you can bring, as long as your luggage meets airline size and weight restrictions.
- The TSA folks may ask you to remove nuts from your bag if they obstruct the X-ray.
- Pack nuts in sealed bags or small portions for easier access and storage.
- Nuts are generally allowed on international flights, but destination-country customs rules vary.
- Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have strict rules on bringing nuts to their borders.
Can You Bring Nuts Through the TSA?
Rules For Flights within The U.S
Hi, Susan! Solid foods are allowed in carry-on bags with no quantity limitations.
— AskTSA (@AskTSA) July 18, 2023
On domestic flights, you can bring nuts through airport security inside your carry-on or personal bag without any restrictions.
According to TSA rules, almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and butternuts are all considered solid food items.
This means you can enjoy a bag of peanuts or mixed nuts on your next flight.
But even though there is no reason why a TSA agent will stop nuts from going onboard the airplane, there are some simple tips that you need to keep in mind.
Sometimes, the security staff may ask you to remove them from your bag if the X-ray machine can’t see what is inside the bag clearly.
Therefore, you need to organize your personal items inside your bag, and don’t let anything obstruct the X-ray machine from seeing inside the bag.
If you carry milk or other liquids along, remember that any liquids must follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
This means you can bring 3.4 fl oz (100 milliliters) or less for each container in one quart-sized bag, and only one bag is allowed per person.
If you want to read more about the TSA liquid rule, then check this post about how many ounces can you carry on a plane?.
I wanted to find more answer from the TSA social media and here is what I’ve found.
Sarah wonder if she can bring a bag full of nuts in her carry-on bag.
The AskTSA team replied that nuts are good to go in cary-on bags without any issues.
Can I Take Nuts In My Checked Bag?
Yes, it is permissible to place any type of nuts in your checked bag.
There are no limits on the amount of nuts you can pack in your suitcase either, as long as they don’t exceed the weight and size limits of your airline.
Just keep in mind that checked bags are not always safe or handled carefully, so don’t put anything valuable or fragile in there.
This is also Sarah asking about taking almonds and cashews in her checked bag.
The same answer is given to her “she can pack nuts in her checked bag without any restrictions”
| Nuts / Nut Product | Carry-on bag | Checked Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Almonds | Allowed | Allowed |
| Walnuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Pecans | Allowed | Allowed |
| Cashews | Allowed | Allowed |
| Peanuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Pistachios | Allowed | Allowed |
| Hazelnuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Macadamia nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Brazil nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Pine nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Mixed nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Raw nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Roasted nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Salted nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Nuts in a sealed bag | Allowed | Allowed |
| Nuts in a Ziploc bag | Allowed | Allowed |
| Large bag of nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Bulk quantity of nuts | Allowed | Allowed |
| Nuts with shells | Allowed | Allowed |
| Nuts covered in chocolate | Generally allowed | Generally allowed |
| Nut butter | 3.4 oz / 100 ml / 100 gr | Allowed |
| Nuts mixed with dried fruit | Generally allowed | Allowed |
Can You Bring Nuts On a Plane Internationally?
Yes, you can generally bring nuts on international flights.
If you are planning to consume them during the flight, then there is nothing to worry about, but if you are thinking of bringing some to the country you are visiting, then you need to be aware of the customs regulations of your destination country.
Some countries may have strict rules on the import of nuts, especially if they are raw, unprocessed, or in their shells.
For example, Australia and New Zealand have very strict security measures and may confiscate or destroy any nuts that are not declared or cleared by customs.
The European Union, including the UK, allows the import of nuts for personal consumption.
Other countries may have more lenient rules on the import of nuts, especially if they are cooked, processed, or packaged.
These rules are meant to protect local agriculture and the environment from the entry of foreign pests.
To avoid any problems or penalties, you should always check the customs regulations of the country you’re visiting before you pack your nuts.
You can find more information on the official website of the country of your destination, or you can just contact your airline, and they will provide you with more details.
Final Thoughts
Nuts are great snacks to keep in your bag, as they are nutritious, yummy, and convenient.
You can bring any type of nuts on a plane, so go ahead and fill up your personal bag or checked bag with mixed nuts.
You can also bring nuts on international flights for personal use; pack your nuts wisely and enjoy your trip.
For more travel essentials, check out our travel checklist and read about the health benefits of nuts.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Nuts on Planes
A. No, you don’t need to take out your nuts when passing through the security checkpoint unless the security clerk asks you to do so. The rules are only applied to liquids and electronics larger than a cell phone.
A. You are free to pack them anywhere you want, however; I would recommend taking them in hand luggage. If you are taking extra or a large quantity you can pack the rest in your checked bag.
A. nuts are TSA approved, so you can bring as much nuts as you like within the U.S.
A. Packing your nuts in portions will make it easier to access at the airport or on board the airplane. You can use small Ziploc bags, plastic containers, or reusable pouches to pack your nuts in portions, but if they already come in small packs that’s wonderful. Learn more about packing tips for travel here.
A. Again, yes, you can take nuts in a Ziploc bag on a plane. In fact, this is one of the best ways to pack nuts for travel.
A. Yes, you can always enjoy nuts as a quick snack (like mixed nuts snack packs) during your flight, just be mindful of other passengers.
A. The rules for each country may differ, however; there are many passengers that claim traveling with reasonable amounts of nuts to other countries without any issues.
A. Yes, you can take nuts and seeds on a plane, as they are both considered solid food items. You can pack as many nuts and seeds as you want on domestic flights.
