If you’re like me, a trip without your favorite sugary treat is barely a trip at all.
Perhaps it’s those chewy gummy worms that help you keep calm during turbulence, or maybe it’s the butterscotch candies that comfort your ears during takeoff and landing. Indeed, candy can make any air travel experience a tad sweeter.
However, when you’re getting ready for your next adventure, you may find yourself asking, “Can I actually bring candy on a plane?”
In this blog post, we’re going to get to the bottom of this. I’ll delve into the airport security guidelines, talk about the do’s and don’ts, and even share a few tips on how to best pack your sweet delights to avoid any mess.
Now, what does the TSA say?
According to their rules, you’re in luck!
Candy can be brought onto an airplane in either your carry-on or checked luggage.
The TSA doesn’t specify any restrictions concerning candy, so it seems you can freely pack your sweets.
Related: Can you Bring Chewing Gum on a Plane?
However, it’s always important to remember to pack smart and consider the conditions your candy might encounter during your travels.
Stick around as we get more into those details later on.
Can you bring liquid candy on a plane?
When it comes to liquid or gel candy, you need to keep the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule in mind. This means that although you can’t carry liquid candy in your carry-on bag, candies that are solid but have a liquid filling are indeed allowed.
Yes, that’s right – your liqueur-filled chocolates are clear for takeoff!
However, remember that pure liquid chocolate doesn’t fit the bill and won’t be allowed.
The key takeaway here is that if your candy has a solid exterior, you’re typically good to go through TSA.
Are you a fan of gummy candy like gummy bears? You’ll be thrilled to know that these can be brought onto the plane in either your carry-on or checked bags.
I’ve actually written a comprehensive article on bringing gummy candy through TSA that provides more detailed information. You can find that article right here.
How much candy you are allowed to bring on a plane?
When it comes to domestic flights, there are no specific restrictions on how much candy you can bring.
Feel free to fill your carry-on to your heart’s content.
As for your hand luggage, you’re allowed to bring as much solid, powdered, spun, or jelly candy as you’d like.
However, do keep an eye on the weight of your checked luggage.
It’s surprisingly easy to exceed the airline’s weight limit for checked bags, which is typically 50 pounds.
If it’s your first time checking in candy, there’s something else you should be wary of – the melting point of your specific candy.
Related: Can you take Honey on a plane?
Different candies have different melting points.
For instance, a Hershey’s chocolate bar melts at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius).
So, if you’re planning a summer trip with a suitcase full of Hershey’s chocolate, you might want to reconsider.
While not all candies have the same melting point as a Hershey’s bar, it’s important to remember that checked luggage can spend quite some time out in the sun, and temperatures inside your suitcase can potentially rise to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plan carefully, check the melting points of your favorite candies, and pack smartly to ensure that your sweet treats arrive in the best possible condition at your destination. Safe travels!
Can you eat your candy on a plane?
Well, once you’ve successfully navigated through the security checkpoint, you’re absolutely free to enjoy your candy, be it inside the terminal or up in the air.
Feel free to savor that sweet treat during your flight. You could even spread a little joy by sharing your candy with the flight crew or fellow passengers.
After all, who doesn’t appreciate a surprise sweet treat?
Why does candy taste different on the plane?
It’s not your imagination, but it also isn’t the candy mysteriously changing its flavor mid-flight.
The cabin pressure doesn’t magically alter how your candy tastes. What’s really happening involves a combination of the dryness and low pressure that exists inside the cabin, which can affect your sensitivity to both taste and smell.
Related: Can you bring mints on a plane?
In this unique environment, sugar may not taste as sweet as it usually does, meaning that candies with a lower sugar content might taste different than they would on the ground.
If you’re traveling with kids and plan to bring candy to keep them entertained, you might want to opt for candies with a higher sugar content just for the duration of the flight.
Wondering if you can carry candy on international flights?
Yes, you certainly can bring candy on international flights, but there’s one exception to keep in mind – candy-coated fruit in your checked luggage is typically a no-go.
Other than this, the rules for traveling with candy on international flights mirror those for domestic ones.
Related: Can You Bring Gummy Vitamins on a Plane?
The reason behind the restriction on candy-coated fruits is linked to the risk of spreading plant pests.
Each country has its own set of rules concerning the importation of agricultural products, and many are cautious about introducing foreign organisms into their ecosystems.
So, unfortunately, your delicious chocolate-dipped plums will have to stay behind when you’re jetting off on an international flight.
When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to double-check the regulations for the specific country you’re traveling to.
How to pack candy in check luggage?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for packing candy, but I do have some suggestions.
First, it’s a good idea to check the melting point of your candy. If it’s low and you’re traveling in the summer, you might want to reconsider bringing it along.
To protect your sweets from the heat, consider wrapping them in aluminum foil or placing them inside a zip-top bag. This can offer a layer of insulation and keep your candies safe and sound.
For an extra layer of protection, you might want to consider packing your candy inside a vacuum-insulated food container before placing it in your checked luggage.
These containers can maintain a low temperature for about 12-14 hours, which should cover most flight durations.
However, there are a couple of drawbacks to this method. The first is the additional weight from the insulated container.
The second is that these containers are typically made from stainless steel sheets, which can sometimes interfere with TSA’s X-ray machines.
This could mean that your checked bag may need to be opened for a manual inspection.
Can you bring open candy on a plane?
Yes, you certainly can. Both opened and unopened candy are permitted on a plane, provided it’s in solid form and adheres to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.
If you have opened candy that wasn’t purchased at the airport or isn’t in its original packaging, it’s generally a good idea to pack it in a clear, resealable bag.
This not only helps with visibility during security checks, but also keeps your candy fresh and prevents any mess in your bag.
So go ahead, bring along your half-eaten bag of gummy bears or that leftover holiday candy.
Can you bring Turkish delight on a plane?
It’s my grandfather who introduced me to the joy of this delightful sweet treat – authentic, high-quality Turkish Delight.
While my grandfather wasn’t Turkish, nor did he have far-flung connections, he did have a knack for sourcing the finest Turkish Delight – or ‘lokum rahat,’ as it’s known in Turkey.
He used to store his treasured stash in a special cabinet, hidden away in a green-baize-lined drawer that was ceremoniously unlocked whenever my parents weren’t around.
But back to your question – yes, you absolutely can bring Turkish Delight on a plane, either in your carry-on or checked luggage.
Just remember to store it inside a clear bag to keep it fresh and visible for security checks.
So go ahead and savor your journey with this sweet delight from the East.
Can You Bring Chocolate On A Plane?
Interestingly, candy sales, including those of chocolate, tend to increase during times of war, economic, or social unrest.
For instance, following the devastating attacks on New York on September 11, 2001, North America saw a significant (and somewhat awkward) rise in candy sales. The president of the Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing Companies in Canada even remarked, “It is a trend we see every time the economy goes down or stress levels go up.”
It seems we often turn to chocolate as a form of stress relief, sometimes without even realizing it.
But the question you’re likely pondering is – can you bring chocolate on a plane?
Despite being richer in milk solids compared to other candies, chocolate can indeed be brought on a plane according to TSA rules.
There’s no limit on the number of chocolate bars you can carry.
However, chocolate spreads such as Nutella are viewed as liquid candy and are subject to the 3-1-1 rule for air travel.
Good news for those with a penchant for liquid-centered candies – they don’t fall under the liquid candy category, so feel free to bring as many as you want onboard.
Similarly, chocolate bars containing nuts and fruit are also allowed.
They aren’t classified as candy-coated fruit, and should pose no problem when traveling internationally.
Can you bring homemade candy on a plane?
The answer is yes, you absolutely can, as long as it’s in a non-liquid and non-gelatinous form.
However, to make your journey through airport security smoother, it’s recommended that you pack your homemade sweets in clear plastic bags.
This way, they’re easily identifiable when passing through TSA security checkpoints.
Here’s a word of advice for you, though. When you’re crafting your homemade candy, be mindful of its shape. Try to avoid shapes that might resemble a weapon, even in jest.
TSA agents may not have a sweet tooth for humor, and you could find yourself having to check your candy-art weapon in your luggage
So, as long as you follow these tips, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade treats in the sky.
Can you bring lollipops on a plane?
Absolutely, you can!
Lollipops are perfectly fine to bring along in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic swirl lollipop, a sour pop, or any other variation, feel free to pack them in.
Just remember to store them properly to prevent any sticky situations during your flight.
Can you bring candy with nuts on a plane?
As I mentioned earlier, the answer is a resounding yes! Candy filled with nuts can definitely accompany you on your flight, and you can carry them in both your carry-on and checked luggage.
Whether you’re a fan of almond joy, peanut brittle, or hazelnut truffles, rest assured that these nutty treats can join you on your airborne journey.
Conclusion
In wrapping up this sweet discussion, it’s clear that traveling with candy isn’t as tricky as you might think.
Be it chocolate bars, Turkish Delight, homemade goodies, lollipops, or even candy studded with nuts, you’re generally free to bring them aboard your flight.
Just remember, liquid or gel candies must adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Also, be mindful of conditions that your candy might encounter, like the potential for heat in your checked luggage.
Pack smartly, perhaps using insulating materials or containers for candies with lower melting points.
With these insights in mind, go ahead, pack that sweet tooth of yours, and enjoy a flavorful journey.
