Can You Bring Meat On A Plane? (TSA Rules)

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Last Updated on October 23, 2021

There are a lot of rules about what you can and can’t bring on to planes.

How about flying with meat? Let’s take a look at the rules.

TSA Meat Regulations

The Transportation Security Administration run the security checkpoint at the airport.

Here’s what they say about bringing fresh meat and seafood with you when you travel.

You can pack meat in checked bags without restriction. This is true for all solid foods. Keep in mind that checked bags occasionally are lost or delayed and items can be stolen from checked luggage.

There are special instructions when packing meat in carry-on luggage. If you pack the meat with ice or ice packs they must be completely frozen at the time you bring them through screening.

You can also pack frozen meat using dry ice and bring that in your hand luggage.

You can bring all solid foods in carry-on luggage. Liquid food on the other hand must be in containers less than 3.4 ounces and packed in your one quart-size bag.

That’s where the border lies. If meat is solid it’s permitted, if it can be spread or smeared it counts as a liquid.

So, for example, liver pate is restricted to containers less than 3.4 oz.

Taking Meat On An International Flight

When flying with meat internationally you need to consider the customs rules of your destination country.

For example, if you are flying into the UK from outwith the European Union, you are not permitted to bring meat or meat products into the country.

Still Unsure? Ask The TSA

You can ask the TSA on Twitter about bringing any item on the plane for domestic flights in the United States.

Ed wanted to bring moose meat in his carry-on.

There is always a risk when packing anything valuable in checked luggage.

This passenger didn’t want to risk packing his bear meat in the hold.

This one should be obvious…

You can pack your meat in carry-on luggage but your meat cleaver can only be packed in checked luggage.

Drew was bringing some shredded pork on the plane.

The TSA gave said “shredded pork is good to go in carry-on bags”.

Paul got the go-ahead to bring raw meat with him on his flight.

Christopher was bringing a meat thermometer on his flight.

The TSA said that “meat thermometers including the probes are allowed in carry-on bags.” But warned that if the security agent at the checkpoint thinks your probe poses a threat then you won’t be permitted to bring it on the plane.

The Bottom Line

You can bring meat on a plane in either checked luggage or carry-on luggage.

Remember if you pack it with ice the ice cannot be melting and must be frozen solid.

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