Did you know that the oldest confirmed evidence of honey hunting dates back to Mesolithic rock paintings from around 25,000 years ago?
In those times, people could only dream of conquering the skies. Now, we frequently fly around the world, often carrying a bit of the sweetness of home with us.
This brings us to the question, “Can you bring honey on a plane?”
Let’s delve into this.
In short, yes, passengers are permitted to bring honey on most airlines.
However, there’s a catch when it comes to carry-on luggage.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the quantity of liquids you can bring in your hand luggage to 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container.
That means, for carry-on, only travel-sized bottles of honey are allowed.
If you’re checking in your baggage, there’s no limit to the quantity of honey you can pack.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling with honey, whether it’s in your carry-on or checked baggage.
So sit back, and let’s embark on this sweet journey together!
Does Honey Count As a Liquid?
Despite its consistency, you might be surprised to learn that honey does indeed count as a liquid when it comes to air travel.
You see, the TSA rules on liquids apply to any food or items that can be pumped, squeezed, spread, smeared, sprayed, or even spilled.
Related: Can You Bring a Banana on a Plane?
That’s right, anything that has the potential to make a mess in your bag is subject to these rules.
Hence, honey, given its nature, falls under this category when being transported in carry-on baggage.
So, when you’re planning your next trip and want to bring some honey along, remember to follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquid rules.
Can You Take Honey In Checked Luggage?
You absolutely can! There are no restrictions on packing honey in your checked luggage, no matter the quantity. Whether it’s a small jar or a large one that’s over 3.4 oz / 100 ml, you can stow it away in your checked bags without any hassle.
That means, if you’re traveling with a sizeable jar of honey, it would be wiser to transport it in your checked baggage to avoid any potential issues at security.
Interestingly, this rule also applies to powdered honey. If you’re carrying more than 12 oz / 350 ml of it, you should consider packing it in your checked luggage as well.
Related: Can you take Candy through TSA?
The TSA acknowledges these guidelines and offers a stress-free experience for travelers wishing to transport honey in their checked baggage.
Why all this fuss about honey, you might ask?
Well, honey is known for its extensive range of health benefits.
Packed with nutrients, it’s not only delicious but also offers several physical benefits.
However, be sure to check the label when you’re purchasing honey to ensure you’re getting a natural product.
Why Is Honey Not Allowed On Planes?
You might be wondering, “Why can’t I take honey on a plane?”
The truth is, honey is allowed on most flights, with a key consideration being the quantity you can carry in your hand luggage.
The quantity of honey (or any liquid, gel, or aerosol) you’re permitted to carry in your hand luggage is regulated both within the U.S. and on international flights.
The general rule is that each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols.
But if you’re considering taking a larger amount of honey, you can certainly pack it in your suitcase and check it in without any issues.
The restrictions mainly apply to carry-on luggage due to security considerations.
Can you take Honey into U.S?
Honey is usually allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage on most international flights.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, items like condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee, and tea are all admissible.
However, when planning to bring a significant amount of honey on your flight, it’s always a good idea to check the specific regulations of your destination country.
Certain restrictions or regulations might apply, particularly when entering the United States.
There are a couple of key points to remember when importing honey into the U.S.
First, the honey jar must have a label, and the honey should be pure – meaning it’s not mixed with other ingredients.
Second, if you’re bringing honey from China, be aware that it will likely be confiscated.
Honey from China often contains a type of antibiotic that is banned in the U.S., which, in turn, leads to the honey itself being banned.
Thirdly, remember that all food items, including honey, must be declared upon entering the U.S.
This is a standard procedure that helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.
Please remember that rules and regulations for traveling with items like honey can change over time.
Can You Take Honeycomb Sweets On A Plane?
Are you a fan of honeycomb sweets, honey lollipops, hard candies, or other edible treats made from honey?
If so, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can indeed take them on a plane.
According to TSA guidelines, these items are perfectly permissible onboard, whether you want to pack them in your checked baggage or bring them in your carry-on luggage.
Related: Can you bring Gummy Candy in Flight?
These honey-infused treats don’t fall under any specific travel restrictions since they’re solid, not liquid.
So, you can freely enjoy your sweet treats while traveling. However, it’s always a good idea to ensure they’re properly sealed or packaged to avoid any potential mess in your bags.
Can you bring honey into Canada?
Well, you’re in luck, as the answer is yes, you certainly can! Whether you’re coming from the United States or any other country, Canada does permit the importation of honey for personal use.
Just a few important points to note, though.
First and foremost, you must declare all food products, including honey, upon entering Canada.
This is a standard procedure aimed at maintaining the country’s biosecurity measures.
Additionally, there’s a weight limit to be mindful of. Each passenger is allowed up to 20 kg (approximately 44 lbs) of honey.
Be aware that this weight limit includes the jar or container. So, if you’ve got 44 lbs of honey housed in a 5 lb jar, you might encounter some challenges at customs.
The safe approach is to ensure the combined weight of the honey and its container doesn’t exceed the 44 lb limit.
Another point to remember is the potential for import taxes. While Canadian residents typically don’t have to pay these taxes on honey, non-residents might.
Before you embark on your journey, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with any potential tax implications to avoid any surprises at the border.
Do you need to declare honey at Customs?
The answer to that is a resounding yes.
Most countries around the globe mandate passengers to declare any agricultural products they bring into the country, and honey is no exception.
You see, some honey products could potentially be infected with parasitic mites. These tiny creatures can pose a threat to the local ecosystem and honey industry.
Therefore, customs officials might occasionally ask for a sample of your honey for testing, depending on the country from which you’re arriving.
Remember, declaring agricultural products at customs isn’t just a bureaucratic step, it’s a vital part of protecting a country’s agricultural health.
So next time you’re traveling, make sure to declare your honey at customs. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it’s also an important step in safeguarding the places we love to visit.
Conclusion
As we’ve learned, it is indeed possible to bring honey on a plane, whether in your carry-on or checked luggage.
However, quantity restrictions and labeling requirements apply, especially when you’re crossing international borders.
While honey in solid forms, like honeycomb sweets, doesn’t fall under these rules, liquid honey is a different story.
Whether you’re flying within the U.S., entering the country, or even going as far as Canada, remembering these regulations is key.
And most importantly, declaring your honey at customs is not only a requirement, but a vital part of protecting the agricultural health of the countries we visit.
So next time you’re packing for a trip, don’t hesitate to take a jar of your favorite honey with you.
Just make sure to stick to the rules, and you’ll be set for a sweet journey.
Safe travels, honey lovers!