Last Updated on October 29, 2021
There is a universal law that falling/flying toast with butter and jam will always land with the jam facing the floor.
But what about jam flying in an airplane? Does the TSA consider jam or jelly to be a liquid or a solid? And can you pack jam in your carry-on baggage or does it need to be packed in hold luggage?
Let’s take a look.
TSA Jam Rules
Here is what the Transportation Security Administration say about packing jam and jelly on their website:
Jam, Jelly, Preserves, marmalade, and fruit spreads are all considered to be liquids by the TSA.
That means you can only pack jam in containers that are 3.4 oz or less in carry-on bags. The containers must be packed in your one quart-size bag.
You can pack jam and jelly in checked luggage without restriction. But remember a broken jam jar could cause a real sticky mess so pack any jars well in your checked baggage.
Let’s be clear, it’s not the glass jam jar that the TSA is concerned about. You can bring glass jars in carry-on luggage.
It’s the contents of the jam jar that is the concern for TSA agents. And it’s not because it’s Jam and sticky. They are simply worried about all liquids because they might not really be what it says on the label.
This passenger asked…
Why is a pizza permitted but a jar of jam is restricted?
The TSA can’t tell from looking at a jar of jam if it is really jam or not.
I know you just want something tasty to spread on your toast, but in the eyes of the TSA, a jar of jam could be a flammable liquid in disguise.
There are also just too many bottles, jars, and containers being taken on planes for the TSA to inspect every single one during the screening process. The lines would be never-ending!
The solution is to limit the volume of liquids that passengers are permitted to bring.
How To Get Jam Past The TSA
If you need to bring more than 3.4 oz of jam or jelly through airport security remember that you can pack more than one container in your quart-size bag.
I’m assuming that were are talking about some special jam in this section. If you need to bring a jar of granny’s homemade jam on a plane you have a few options.
You can split up an oversize container into multiple smaller 3.4 oz containers. Throw out the shampoo and shower gel and you’ll be able to bring more jam.
If you clean and wash out the jam jar you can pack it in your carry-on empty. Then refill it at the other end.
Your next option would be to freeze the jam. Frozen jam or jelly is not a liquid. The challenge is getting it to airport security while still frozen solid.
Ice packs or dry ice might help you get the jam to airport security before it melts.
The last option is to use the jam as part of a solid food.
A jam jar flying solo is subject to restrictions.
Jam-filled donuts are considered to be solids by the TSA and the liquids rule does not apply.
So you could fly with a bucket of donuts like Brian.
Yeah right, Brian! They were for your friends… we believe you!
So if you are flying and want to bring some homemade jam as a gift or just for yourself then you can make jam donuts and take as many as you want.
It’s unbelievable right? But look at what Maria was packing.
Pastries filled with creams, pastes, and preserves are permitted in hand luggage.
Still Unsure? Ask The TSA
You can quiz the TSA on Twitter about their rules and find out which toast toppings are permitted and which are restricted.
Libby asked the TSA if she could pack homemade marmalade in her carry-on luggage:
It looks like that container might be a little too big and better packed in checked bags.
Caitlins 10 oz jar of pepper jelly was too big to be packed in carry-on baggage.
Most jams and jellies are too large, but Bonne Maman makes these little travel-sized jam jars.
And Paul found out that cranberry sauce is treated as a liquid.
To Summerize
You can only bring travel-sized containers of jam through the airport security checkpoint.
They must be packed in your plastic toiletries bag.
You can pack as much jam as you want in your checked luggage.
Remember to be aware of any customs rules about importing food if you are flying internationally.
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