I will be flying internationally and would like to take some prepackaged non perishable type food in my checked baggage to have for snacks throughout my trip. I was wondering if this will cause any sort of problems with customs and the different countries I will be visiting. The route will be New York-Paris-Malta-Rome-Paris-New York. I will also have a few things in my carry on baggage to eat on theflights - if I still have food left after landing will I be required to throw it out? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
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wes032
Chicago, Illinois
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for Chicago
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1. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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You can bring food to eat on theplane as long as it is not liquid. Depending what it is, you may or may not be able to take it off the plane at your destination and get it through customs. In general, pre-packaged foods like some chips or pretzels is fine. It's usually fresh fruits and veggies or meat that cause issues.
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beckster914
Stamford...
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2. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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Great, thanks. I will definitely not be taking fruit, veggies, or meat. Think things like crackers, granola bars, cereal bars, pretzels. I will try to bring just enough in my carry on so as to not have to throw anything out.
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jeremy r
London, United...
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3. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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You should probably pack snacks in a separate bag to snack on during the walk fromairplane to terminal? ;)
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AndyW33
Loughborough...
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4. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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Snack foods are readily available in France, Malta and Italy. Given the likelihood of the bars etc becoming broken in transit and not too appealing to eat, you might want to take just enough for your outward journey and re-stock locally for the return.
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Geir F
Kusadası, Izmir...
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5. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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FYI ,- food is readily awailable all over Europe,sometimes in amasing quantities and varieties! Realy,realy,-this is true.
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JPDM 🇨🇦🍷🍷🍷
Austin, Canada
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6. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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Why bother? Buy at your destination.
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Steve B
london
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7. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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I can only echo what the others have said. You will find plenty of snack type foods available at all of your destinations. I really cannot see the point in packing such things into your checked luggage
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froggyEngland
London, United...
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8. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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Not a culinary trip then, lol.
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beckster914
Stamford...
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9. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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Thanks to all who replied. I have certain dietary restrictions which is why I would like to bring some food that I know is safe for me to eat and won't cause me an upset stomach. Also it is nice to have snacks on hand when you are too tired to go out and get something to eat. If anyone else can provide any information about food being allowed through customs either in hand or checked baggage I would really appreciate it! Thank you!
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Sea_Reed006
St. Lucia
Destination Expert
for St. Lucia
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10. Re: Flying internationally with food in checked baggage
8 years ago
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The customs requirements for each country varies. You will need to check what each country allows, or not. Generally (very generally) most countries allow pre-packaged snack items such as protein or granola bars, chips/crisps, pretzels and the like. Generally - fruits, veggies and meats are not allowed. Again, this is general, and each country has it's own customs and food laws. Best to simply check each country's customs website rather than rely on "advice" from a travel forum.