Can I Bring Fresh Meat and Seafood on a Plane?
TSA Rules for Fresh Meat and Seafood on Airplanes
Carry-On Luggage
Yes, you can bring Fresh Meat and Seafood in carry-on luggage, but special restrictions apply. See details below.
Checked Luggage
Yes, you can pack Fresh Meat and Seafood in checked luggage without restrictions other than your airline's weight limits.
Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted. You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked.
Traveling with Fresh Meat and Seafood? Make sure to also check current TSA regulations and your airline's specific policies before your flight. For international travel, review international air travel restrictions as they may differ from domestic rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fresh Meat and Seafood
Can I bring Fresh Meat and Seafood in my carry-on luggage?
Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted. You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked.
Can I bring Fresh Meat and Seafood in my checked luggage?
Yes, you can pack Fresh Meat and Seafood in your checked luggage. This item is permitted in the cargo hold of the aircraft.
What are the TSA regulations for Fresh Meat and Seafood?
Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. If the food is packed with ice or ice packs in a cooler or other container, the ice or ice packs must be completely frozen when brought through screening. If the ice or ice packs are partially melted and have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they will not be permitted. You also can pack frozen perishables in your carry-on or checked bags in dry ice. The FAA limits you to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged (the package is vented) and marked.
Are there any special considerations for Fresh Meat and Seafood?
Always check with your airline for any updates to regulations regarding Fresh Meat and Seafood. TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Are the rules for Fresh Meat and Seafood the same for international flights?
While the TSA rules apply to flights departing from or arriving in the United States, international flights may have additional restrictions based on the destination country and airline policies. Always check with your specific airline and destination country regulations for international flights involving Fresh Meat and Seafood. Review our international travel guide for more details.
Do I need to declare Fresh Meat and Seafood at security checkpoints?
For certain items, TSA requires travelers to declare them at security checkpoints. Even if Fresh Meat and Seafood is permitted, it's always a good practice to inform TSA officers if you're carrying something unusual or that might raise questions during screening. This helps expedite the security process. Check our security screening guide for more information.
TSA Disclaimer
The information provided on this page about Fresh Meat and Seafood is based on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines. Please note that TSA officers have the final say on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. The TSA's decision may be based on concerns about the item, how the item appears on the X-ray, or other security concerns. All items are subject to additional screening.
Regulations can change. We recommend checking the official TSA website before your trip for the most current information.