Last Updated on October 23, 2021
It’s not always easy to find low-carb snacks when you are traveling.
Beef jerky is a handy keto-friendly snack the will help you avoid eating fast food at the airport.
But can you pack beef jerky in carry-on luggage?
Let’s check out what the authorities say.
TSA Beef Jerky Rules
The Transportation Security Administration is in charge of the screening process at airport security.
They don’t mention beef jerky specifically on their website.
But I found Tish asking them about flying with beef jerky on Twitter:
The TSA replied to her query, “Beef jerky is allowed in carry-on bags with no packing or quantity requirements”.
So you can bring beef jerky on a plane in both carry-on bags and checked bags.
The TSA officer that inspects your luggage always has the final say about what is permitted. The general rule is that dry snacks such as beef jerky are permitted.
It’s only liquid foods or spreadable gels or pastes that will have an issue for carry-on luggage. Since beef jerky is a dry food it’s permitted in hand luggage.
You can also pack beef jerky in checked baggage too.
You do need to be careful if you are flying internationally.
Can you take beef jerky on an international flight?
If you are flying internationally you should check the rules about importing jerky to your destination country.
You are often not permitted to bring meat products into countries.
Of course, it won’t matter if beef jerky isn’t going to survive the flight.
If you intend to eat the jerky during the flight then you don’t need to worry about customs rules.
Still Unsure? Ask The TSA
You can ask the TSA about any packing question on Twitter.
Eli asked the TSA about packing this homemade biltong in hand luggage:
The TSA replied that “Dried meat is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with traveling within or departing the U.S.”
This passenger asked about taking turkey jerky on the plane:
The main thing is that it needs to be solid and dry. That way the TSA liquids rule doesn’t apply and you can pack as much as you like.
The Bottom Line
You can pack beef jerky in both carry-on luggage and checked luggage without restriction.
Solid dried meats are permitted in hand luggage and hold luggage.
Remember to check the customs rules of your destination country if you are flying across borders.