I know there are rules about liquids in your carryon but what about food such as some pâté in a jar (like this but sealed shut)?
FWIW I am travelling in a month and I’d like to bring some as a gift for my hosts but I’d rather not check my bag.
Maybe. The TSA has a site listing things and whether or not you can bring them in checked bags or carry-on. Pate is not listed there.
There is a link to AskTSA on this page to reach them via Facebook or Twitter. I’ve found them to be pretty quick and surprisingly good-natured for a government agency.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
Sealed food items are generally permitted, but this is definitely one of those YMMV “jurisdiction” questions.
Where ya flyin’ to, and where from? Domestic? International?
Chicago to Denver
The TSA considers peanut butter a liquid for carry-on purposes, which means a 3.4 oz/100 ml limit. I know from my mom’s experience that spreadable cheese is in the same category. Pâté–hard to say, since it is spreadable but not quite as smooth, but I wouldn’t risk it unless you are willing to chance having to mail it back.
Each jar will have to have less than 3.4 ounces of product. My wife lost 3 jars of jam the last time we flew. Each jar was only 4.8 ounces. I told her to put them in our checked bag but she didn’t listen.
You might be able to take it if it’s less than 3.4 ounces, and you transport it in the quart bag you’re using for your shampoo, lotions, etc. Otherwise, no pate:
Even certain types of cheese, which usually look like a solid if covered in a crust, still fall under this rule. Cheeses like camembert, brie, and blue cheese are all considered liquids and must comply with the 3-1-1 rule.
In fact, all types of pastes and creamy foods are considered liquid, including butter, peanut butter, chocolate spread, pâté, hummus, and yes, even cheesecake.
If it’s small enough (under the 100 ml limit), it’s okay. Otherwise, it’s no go. You could mail it in advance, if it’s too big.
It seems what I want to get them is sold in 100 gram jars which is 3.5 ounces…seems I am SOL on this one.
Thanks everyone!
TSA says no if it can spill, spread, pump or pour.
Yeah, I’ve had those morons at TSA tsk-tsk me for not putting stick deodorant in my quart bag before. I can’t imagine that pate will somehow skate as a solid in those circumstances.
That said, if you’re flying internationally, you’re governed by the regulations of wherever you’re leaving from, and whatever Customs is interested in when you get here.
I’d say check your bags if you’re worried, or if you’re in the US, just UPS/FedEx it to your house and go from there.
Damned philistines.
How am I supposed to entertain myself when I reach my destination?
Seems like it’s okay to freeze pate. I wonder if that would change the calculus ?
Hmmmm.
Visa my dear boy, Visa!
Take this plane to Cuba! I have Wispride and I’m not afraid to use it!
You know, what might have been the cheese. She was coming back from Wisconsin.
I’m imagining an updated SNL skit: All new formulation! It’s a spreadable cheese and a binary explosive!
Just to further muddy the waters…
There is a local Cajun butcher shop that makes fantastic gumbo and etouffee. We made plans to visit my wife’s family in Nebraska and she wanted to treat them to some of this most excellent cuisine. We purchased several 32oz frozen containers, vacuum packed them and stuffed a styrofoam chest along with some loose wrapped dry ice. The TSA screener didn’t bat an eye, but did point out that they wouldn’t have been allowed if they weren’t frozen.
Our contingency plan was to pay to have the cooler in checked luggage if it were disallowed at the checkpoint so there was no real chance of wastage.
All in all, this sounds like a YMMV situation. I’d check with the airport or TSA directly if you have time.