food in suitcase allowed

the opoponax

If your point of origin is anywhere in the United States (noticing that the location in your user data says "USA"), you CANNOT under any circumstances carry food through security in your carry-on baggage. This has been in effect since 2006, in which time I've done my fair share of domestic travel, and under no circumstances does ANY United States airport allow food or drink items to be brought through security. The only exception I can think of is breastmilk.

I think you should be able to CHECK well-sealed packaged/preserved foods, like for instance granola bars (make sure there are no restrictions on bringing meat or animal products). This will depend on Indian customs policies, though, NOT your point of departure. With a little googling (or even searching here at IndiaMike) you should be able to discover the ground rules in terms of bringing in checked food.

ScarletLSG

I just found this on the TSA website for food/beverage allowances in carry on baggage.

**Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice AREE allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.**

I ALWAYS take food through security. I ensure the security personnel know I have it in my bag and it goes through without a problem. When traveling to places like China/India/Mexio -- I also pack protein/granola bars and such in my checked bags.

ScarletLSG

Mochajavaman

If your point of origin is anywhere in the United States (noticing that the location in your user data says "USA"), you CANNOT under any circumstances carry food through security in your carry-on baggage. This has been in effect since 2006, in which time I've done my fair share of domestic travel, and under no circumstances does ANY United States airport allow food or drink items to be brought through security. The only exception I can think of is breastmilk.

While the breastmilk option is intriguing (must is be in the original package?) I too have found no problem whatsoever bringing jerkey, almonds, etc through security. They crack down on all liquids, however - but those things are clearly lined out in TSA guidelines: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm

"All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped, as shown in the image on the above right (a picture of greasy fries)

Food must be wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped."

karuna

machadinha

I don't remember the details but with the latest scare (that inspired all those fluids measures anyway, some years ago) there was something about mothers breastfeeding their children having to check in a limited amount of expressed milk. I kid you not.

Let's hope this has been relaxed -- but I can't assure you of it.

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Nick-H

Yes. But there is a limit of 100ml (times two, I guess) so well-endowed nursing mothers are no longer permitted to fly.

Among probably many others, www.boingboing.net regularly chronicles the lunacy that is TSA.

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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

70s-80s overlander

Elsewhere on the India websites I've posted notes about "modern" super-markets in India. My recent plan to fly into Kolkata included heading straight to the basement level City Express Supermarket, at 3 Madge Lane, between Sudder St & New Market, to buy supplies.

**Perhaps an IndiaMike "sticky" note could begin listing the best & most convenient places in each of the major Indian cities for a traveler to head toward, straight from the airport or railway station, to stock up on essentials for one's wanderings.**

This may or may not meet Lotus' needs -- but it might. To be real specific in trying to help Lotus -- does anyone know where in India one can EASILY stock up on MISO and protein bars?

machadinha

Er, well, be my guest I'd usually get my supposedly ayurvedic soap and (non-ayurvedic) cookies at the nearest anything-cum-everything shop, but sure, why not. It's a good idea really, so make a start.

Mochajavaman

Aishah

Rules might have changed but I've had no problems with food items packed in my suitcase, taking 'out' of either NZ or Australia. Nor with bringing into India. The other day a friend told me of people flying British Airways from UK bringing her a Stilton cheese - no probs. checking through but unfortunately they did not check out their luggage in Mumbai, flew onto Jodhpur, and found it was still in Mumbai. They spent 10 days here and onto Mumbai to find Customs was closed and they couldn't clear it. So they are now onto Australia waiting for their luggage and the Stilton cheese...!

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machadinha

OMG! Reminds me of a bus ride from East Berlin once, where they had these great little stinky cheeses, so we had stocked up on those. With them in the bus's belly, halfway through the ride the whole vehicle started to have a definite and ever-increasing odor of er, sweaty socks Of course we're all like, hmmm, what can this be

Aishah

LOL, Machadinha!