Can you bring olive oil on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will olive oil remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
Bringing Olive Oil On A Plane |
Can You Bring Olive Oil on Domestic Flights Within the U.S.A.? |
Carry-On Baggage: | Yes – but limit of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) allowed through airport security |
Checked Luggage: | Yes |
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Can You Bring Olive Oil on International Flights Originating in the U.S.A? |
Carry-On Baggage: | Yes – but limit of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) allowed through airport security* |
Checked Luggage: | Yes* |
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*You can bring olive oil on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring olive oil into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Olive Oil Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
Can you bring olive oil into the U.S.A.? | Yes in most cases (see below) |
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How Long Will Olive Oil Last In Your Luggage? |
Olive oil: -unopened or opened | 18 to 24 months at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING OLIVE OIL ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring olive oil through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, you can bring olive oil through airport security, but only in limited quantities. Olive oil falls under the Transportation Security Administration’s “3-1-1 liquids rule”, which requires that all liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage be stored in 3.4-ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers — all of which must fit into one quart-sized plastic bag.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Can you bring olive oil on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring olive oil in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. And unlike the case with carry-on baggage, you can bring as much olive oil as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage. To avoid spillage, be sure the olive oil is tightly sealed and then overwrap the jar with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place the jar inside a heavy-duty freezer bag. To help prevent breakage, roll the bottle inside a thick, washable garment or towel.
Can you bring olive oil on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring olive oil on an international flight departing from the U.S., either in your carry-on baggage or your checked luggage. If your intention is to bring the olive oil onto the plane in your carry-on baggage and consume it during the flight, you’ll have no issues. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing olive oil through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring olive oil into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, it may have to be in its original packaging and unopened. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING OLIVE OIL INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring olive oil on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring bottled or canned olive oil into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even if the olive oil is allowed, you must declare all foods that you bring into the United States — whether they are allowable or not — to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and permit them to be inspected by a CBP agent. The penalties for failing to declare your food items can be steep; bear in mind also that the CBP routinely conducts random screenings for arriving passengers.
FOOD SAFETY: HOW LONG WILL OLIVE OIL LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Olive oil, whether unopened or opened, will usually keep well for 18 to 24 months at room temperature.
Note: While the above information is based on applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines at the time of publication, the final decision for whether to allow a food item through airport security or into the United States rests with the TSA and CBP officers on duty at the airport. Regulations also change frequently: For the latest information, check the US Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration websites.
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FAQs
Nonflammable oils include standards motor oils used in vehicles and food oils such as olive oil and corn oil are allowed in either carry on or checked baggage. Liquids in carry-on baggage are further limited to 100-ml (3.4 oz) containers at the TSA security checkpoint.
How do you pack olive oil for travel? ›
Place your bottle at the bottom of the pouch, press out any air, double seal the pack – the same way you would a vacuum pack, then roll it up and place it in the middle of your luggage. Surround it with clothing to give it even more protection from bangs and bumps on the journey home.
Can you bring olive oil through customs? ›
As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Can I bring olive oil back from Italy? ›
Luckily, olive oil is one of the foods admissible for importing for personal use and can be brought back (checked, of course, and not in carry-on luggage) with very few restrictions.
Does olive oil count as liquid? ›
Don't be fooled into thinking olives count as solid food – they're most often sold bottled up in brine and will be considered a liquid product. Similarly, you can think of anything sold in oil or brine, like antipasti, capers, anchovies and gherkins as liquid foods.
Can you take olive oil through TSA? ›
Nonflammable oils include standards motor oils used in vehicles and food oils such as olive oil and corn oil are allowed in either carry on or checked baggage. Liquids in carry-on baggage are further limited to 100-ml (3.4 oz) containers at the TSA security checkpoint.
Can you fly with extra virgin olive oil? ›
Bottled olive oil can only be transported as checked baggage. 5% of the bottle must be empty to avoid leakages when under pressure. Passengers must sign a disclaimer at check-in and pay the corresponding fee if the baggage allowance is exceeded.
Can I take olives through airport security? ›
You can only take 'hard' food. Anything liquid or semi-liquid can't be taken onboard. Things people get caught out by are often items they are bringing back from their destination… local honey, jam or olives.
How to carry oil while travelling? ›
Place it in a zip lock bag. Make sure that you press out all of the air that you can before sealing the bag. Put the bag into your carry-on baggage or your purse. Tinted , amber glass bottles with air tight screw caps are the best storage containers for oils generally.
Can I bring olive oil back to the US from Greece? ›
Canned and Packaged Goods
Many items in this category are on the approved list, including honey and olive and vegetable oils, as long as they're in vacuum-packed jars.
Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials. For generally allowed food items please visit USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Do you have to declare food in checked luggage? ›
Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.
Can I bring olive oil back from France? ›
This means a large number of your edible souvenirs from France can enter the US. Condiments (like the excellent Dijon mustard), vinaigrettes, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, tea, cereals, jams, jellies, syrups, Nutella, it's all welcome here.
How do you transport olive oil in luggage? ›
Some travelers suggest securing bottles with bubble wrap. Others highly suggest adding an additional protective layer by wrapping each bottle in a plastic bag to prevent clothing articles from haphazard spills during the flight. Protective plastic bags are offered at some Greek airports.
How do you transport olive oil? ›
You can check your carryon bag with all the olive oil or wine. I just wrap them with my dirty clothes and have not had a problem. I'll also put it in a plastic zip lock bag, just in case.
Which food items are not allowed in flights? ›
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
What is the best packaging for olive oil? ›
The best containers for olive oil storage are glass (especially tinted glass), ceramic, porcelain, or non-reactive metals such as stainless steel.
What size oil can you bring on a plane? ›
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.
