TSA Approves This Unusual Culinary Delight For Your Carry-On
Beyond baggage limits and electronics rules, there's one more major concern that puzzles plenty of travelers when it comes to seamlessly and efficiently passing through security and avoiding getting flagged by TSA — and it's all to do with food. After all, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has some pretty strict — and, sometimes, confusing — rules about what edible items you can and can't bring through checkpoints.
That said, whether you want to pack your favorite snacks for the flight or bring home some special discoveries from your time abroad, understanding these regulations can help you avoid the disappointing situation of watching a TSA agent carelessly toss your treats in the trash. Better yet, there are some welcome surprises when it comes to permitted items. Because, among the seemingly little-known list of odd things you can bring through TSA, there's one item that stands out as a much-favored passenger: cheese.
According to TSA guidelines, passengers are more than welcome to pack solid cheeses (think cheddar, Swiss, and Gouda) in their carry-on without quantity limits, as long as they're properly wrapped or sealed. The TSA even allows you to bring a cheese grater in your carry-on — which makes it possible to enjoy freshly grated Parmesan wherever your travels take you.
The ins and outs of flying with cheese
Sure, flying with cheese sounds like a brilliant situation... but how do you actually bring cheese onboard? Storage-wise, the most important thing to ensure a successful trip is to pack your cheese well. Ideally, to maximize its in-luggage life, you'll want to wrap it securely in plastic, or go ahead and store it in resealable bags. Not only will this maintain the cheese's freshness for longer, but it'll also help prevent any unwanted smells from seeping into your luggage.
In terms of timing, hard varieties like cheddar, aged Gouda, and Parmesan can safely stay at room temperature for six to eight hours, which makes them ideal travel companions. For longer journeys, consider bringing fully frozen gel packs (also allowed by TSA) to keep them cooler for longer. Along with that, proper organization is also key when passing through security. Make sure to keep your cheese easily accessible and recognizable in your carry-on, as TSA agents may need to inspect it.
Finally, when it comes to soft or creamy varieties such as Brie or cheese spreads, things aren't as smooth. Per official guidelines, these types need to follow TSA's standard carry-on luggage rules, which ultimately limit your on-board portions to 3.4 ounces or less. Otherwise, they'll need to travel in your checked bag. Keep in mind that these cheeses might only stay fresh between two to four hours at room temperature, so plan accordingly if you're planning to pack them in your bag.