
If you're travelling with food, it's important to know what you can and can't bring through airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules about what food items are allowed on planes, and these vary depending on where you are travelling from and to. For example, while apples are allowed on flights within the US, they are prohibited on flights departing from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. International travel with apples may also be subject to restrictions, depending on your destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you bring apples on a plane? | Yes, you can bring apples in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States, except for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| Can you bring apples on an international flight leaving the U.S.? | Yes, but depending on where you're going, you may not be able to bring the apples off the plane once you arrive at your destination. |
| Can you bring apples in carry-on baggage? | Yes, you can bring apples in your carry-on baggage and eat them during the flight. |
| Rules for bringing apples through security | The TSA's only restrictions are that any food items brought through security must be whole, natural foods or placed in a container or wrapped up. |
| Rules for bringing apples through security from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland | Fresh fruits and vegetables are not allowed due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. |
| Rules for bringing apples through security in the Netherlands | Fresh fruits are probably not allowed. |
| Rules for bringing apples through security in France | Fresh fruits are not allowed. |
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What You'll Learn
- Apples in checked baggage are allowed in the US, but not Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or US Virgin Islands
- Apples in carry-on baggage are permitted in the US
- Sliced apples can be kept for 2 hours at room temperature
- Applesauce is a liquid and must be under 3.4 oz in carry-on bags
- Apples may be confiscated when entering certain countries, like France or the Netherlands

Apples in checked baggage are allowed in the US, but not Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or US Virgin Islands
You can bring apples in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the continental United States. However, there are exceptions for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Passengers flying from these places to the US mainland cannot take most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows solid food items (not liquids or gels) in carry-on or checked bags within the continental US. However, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are prohibited in carry-on bags and should be placed in checked bags if possible.
Apples are considered solid food items and are therefore generally allowed in carry-on or checked bags within the continental US. You can pack as many apples as you'd like into your allowable checked baggage.
It's important to note that if you're bringing apples on an international flight departing from the US, you may not be able to bring them to your destination, depending on the specific country's regulations. While apples are allowed through TSA security in the US, the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is permitted through the checkpoint.
To ensure the freshness of sliced apples, wrap them or place them in a container, and they can be safely kept at room temperature for about two hours. To prevent browning, sprinkle them with lemon juice. If you want to keep them cooler for a longer period, you can bring ice or a frozen gel pack, but they must be completely frozen when passing through airport security.
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Apples in carry-on baggage are permitted in the US
If you're travelling within the continental United States, you can bring apples through airport security in your carry-on baggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows both whole and sliced apples to pass through security.
Whole, unpeeled apples do not require any additional wrapping. If you're carrying sliced apples, you'll need to place them in a resealable bag or container with a secure-fitting lid. There is no limit to the number of apples you can bring in your carry-on baggage, as long as they fit within your allowable hand luggage.
It's important to note that apples should be washed, thoroughly dried, and stored at room temperature before packing. Sliced apples can be kept safely for about two hours at room temperature. To prevent them from browning, sprinkle them with lemon juice before wrapping or placing them in a container.
While apples are generally permitted in carry-on baggage within the US, there may be exceptions for certain states or territories, such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Additionally, if you're travelling internationally, you may not be able to bring apples into your destination country, even if they are allowed through US airport security. It's always a good idea to check the regulations of your specific destination.
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Sliced apples can be kept for 2 hours at room temperature
If you're travelling with food, it's important to know what you can and can't bring onto an airplane. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is clear about what types of food are permitted. According to the TSA, food items must be solid (not liquids or gels) and can be transported in carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. However, liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are prohibited in carry-on bags and should be placed in checked bags if possible. It's worth noting that passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland typically cannot bring fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.
Whole apples are permitted through airport security, but what about sliced apples? Well, it's important to know how to store apples to keep them fresh and tasty. According to experts, apples should be refrigerated if your room temperature is on the warm side. Sliced apples, in particular, should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible to maintain freshness and prevent browning. While wrapping sliced apples tightly in plastic or using beeswax wrap can help slow down discoloration, these methods only preserve the apples for a few days.
So, how long can sliced apples be kept at room temperature? Well, it's not advisable to leave sliced apples at room temperature for extended periods. If you need to store sliced apples at room temperature, they can be kept for up to 2 hours. However, it's important to prioritize food safety, as leaving sliced apples unrefrigerated for extended periods can promote bacterial growth and increase the risk of foodborne illness.
To extend the shelf life of sliced apples and maintain their freshness, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator. By placing them in resealable bags or airtight containers, you can increase their longevity and enjoy them for three to five days. Additionally, squeezing some lemon juice onto the apple slices can help inhibit discoloration and keep them looking appetizing.
In summary, while whole apples are generally allowed through airport security, it is best to consume or store sliced apples properly to maintain their freshness and quality. At room temperature, sliced apples should be consumed within 2 hours, while refrigeration can extend their shelf life to several days.
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Applesauce is a liquid and must be under 3.4 oz in carry-on bags
If you're planning to bring applesauce on a plane, it's important to know that it is considered a liquid by airport security standards and therefore must adhere to the 3-4-ounce limit for carry-on bags. This rule applies to all liquid or gel food items, which are only permitted in carry-on luggage if they are in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. These items can also be packed in your checked bags if you want to bring a larger quantity.
It's worth noting that applesauce, being a liquid, may be subject to additional screening, even if it is under the allowed limit. To facilitate the screening process and make your travel experience smoother, it is recommended to have the applesauce properly packaged and clearly visible. Additionally, make sure it is easily accessible, as you may be asked to remove it from your carry-on bag for inspection.
While apples are generally allowed through airport security, different regulations may apply in certain locations. For example, passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland are prohibited from carrying most fresh fruits and vegetables due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific regulations for your departure and arrival destinations before packing apples or applesauce in your carry-on or checked luggage.
It's important to remember that the final decision on whether any food item, including applesauce, is allowed through airport security rests with the TSA officer on duty. Their judgment takes into account various factors, including security concerns and whether the item appears to have been tampered with. To avoid any issues, it's best to follow the guidelines and pack your applesauce in accordance with the liquid restrictions for carry-on luggage.
In summary, when traveling with applesauce, remember that it is considered a liquid and must be in a container of 3.4 ounces or less if you want to bring it in your carry-on bag. For larger quantities, consider packing it in your checked luggage. Proper packaging, accessibility, and awareness of location-specific regulations will also contribute to a smoother travel experience when bringing applesauce through airport security.
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Apples may be confiscated when entering certain countries, like France or the Netherlands
In general, solid food items are allowed through airport security, as long as they are whole, natural foods or placed in a container or wrapped up. However, apples may be confiscated when entering certain countries, such as those in Europe. In 2014, Europe banned American apples from being sold in grocery stores in European countries, including France and the Netherlands, due to the use of diphenylamine (DPA), a chemical that prevents spoilage but can break down into potentially carcinogenic compounds. While DPA itself is not believed to be harmful, it can degrade into nitrosamines, which are a family of carcinogens. The European Food Safety Authority had been pressing the chemical industry for more information on DPA since 2008 and officially banned its use on apples in 2012. The US Environmental Protection Agency, on the other hand, allows DPA residues of up to 10 ppm, much higher than the European norm, and has not reconsidered its position. This discrepancy in regulations means that travellers entering Europe, including France and the Netherlands, with American apples may have them confiscated due to health concerns. It is important to check the regulations of your destination country before travelling with food items to avoid any issues at airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take apples through airport security in your carry-on luggage. However, you should be aware that the rules regarding fresh fruit may differ depending on your destination. For example, you are not allowed to bring most fresh fruits and vegetables to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from the mainland U.S. due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests.
Yes, ice or gel packs used to keep sliced apples cool must be completely frozen when passing through airport security. Partially thawed ice or gel packs will likely be confiscated.
Yes, you can pack as many apples as you like in your checked luggage for flights within the United States.
Yes, you can bring apples on an international flight departing from the U.S. However, depending on your destination, you may not be able to bring the apples off the plane once you arrive.
It depends on the country. For example, you are not allowed to bring fresh fruit into the Netherlands.









































