Are you wondering about this common question, “can I take a jar of pickles on a plane?”

Yes, you can take your jar of pickles on the plane with you! However, there are some rules about the size and quantity of liquids you can bring onto the plane with you. You may have heard that even the tiniest jar of peanut butter can’t be taken through security, this isn’t exactly true. There are certain limits on what you can and cannot take with you on the plane, but that doesn’t mean that a little jar of pickles will get confiscated.

Reasons why you shouldn’t be surprised

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) restrictions don’t just apply to weapons and explosives. You can’t pack certain food items, even if they aren’t considered hazardous materials by most people’s standards. 

Federal Aviation Administration rules state that any food in jars or bottles has to pass through security checkpoints as if it were an unopened, liquid-filled bottle or jar. That means you have to remove your pickle jar from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening. 

If you fail to do so, TSA agents will confiscate your food item at the checkpoint. 

And while you may be able to argue with them about whether pickles are a threat, chances are slim that you’ll get away with bringing more than 3 ounces of pickled produce on board. Then you have to comply with TSA’s 3-1-1 for Liquids rule.

Here is a video of TSA to understand the rule a bit more.

What the TSA says about jars of pickles

The Transportation Security Administration states that liquid and gel cosmetics in containers larger than 3.4 ounces, are prohibited from being packed in your carry-on luggage, you need to pack those in a checked bag. The only exception goes with medications and Infant and child nourishment products. 

You can have a look at this tweet for reference as well.

Hey @TSA, does a jar of pickles count as a liquid?

— Kevin Sullivan ???? (@LupineChemist) January 22, 2018

However, most jars are under 3.4 ounces, so there is no problem bringing your favorite pickle jar with you when traveling by plane or car. 

In fact, if you’re planning to drive to your destination instead of flying, it’s probably best to bring along an extra jar just in case! You never know when a craving for some pickle will strike. 

If you really want to play it safe, check with airport security about specific restrictions beforehand. Most airports offer websites with tips on what to pack and what not to pack. 

Another option is to invest in special bags designed specifically for carrying liquids through security checkpoints. 

However, these bags tend to be expensive and come with their own set of rules as well. Make sure you read reviews before purchasing one online! 

It’s also important to note that TSA officers may instruct passengers to pour items in order to inspect them more closely. 

Although you may lose some product during such an incident, rest assured that every effort will be made to return everything back to its original container after the examination. 

Don’t worry there won’t be any permanent damage done!

Rules for taking a plastic container through security

Your plastic container can’t be larger than 3.4 ounces. 

Your jar must fit comfortably in one quart-sized bag. Glass jars are not allowed, but if you need to bring them along, pack them in your checked luggage. 

You may also want to put these items in a zip-top bag before packing them into your quart-sized bag. If you’re checking liquids, keep them in their original containers and place them inside a clear 1-quart Ziploc bag or other transparent storage pouches. 

Make sure all containers are tightly closed and labeled with their contents so TSA agents can easily identify what they contain and whether they pose any danger. 

It might seem like a lot of rules for a little pickle juice, but TSA agents have to follow strict guidelines when it comes to keeping travelers safe. It’s better for everyone involved if you just do as they say. They aren’t out to get you, they’re out to get rid of anything that could potentially hurt others. 

It’s important to remember that some airport locations don’t allow passengers to take food onto flights at all. Be sure to check with your airline and security staff before arriving at the airport, so you know exactly what you can take through security.

How to travel with your jar of pickles

As tempting as it may be to bring along your jar of pickles, most airlines don’t allow you to carry liquids in excess of 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. 

But there are some ways around that. Simply check it with your luggage, but be sure you can spare space for pickle juice! Or bring it onto the plane, but have it packed into an approved baggie to avoid any spill. 

If you do choose to pack it in your carry-on, make sure you keep it upright and secure at all times. If possible, place it inside another container (like a Ziploc) so if anything leaks out, it won’t get all over everything else in your bag. 

And just like when packing other liquid items, shampoo bottles and lotions, make sure they’re not past their expiration date. Otherwise, you might end up having to throw them away before even getting through security. 

Oh, and did we mention you should probably wash your hands after handling pickles?  You know, because of germs. 

Is pickle allowed in check-in luggage

Unfortunately, there are very few foods that can be carried in your check-in luggage. Most airlines’ rules state you should keep all food including pickles inside your carry-on baggage or securely packed in checked bags if it exceeds the weight. 

However, some international airlines do allow passengers to take pickles with them on flights. Of course, contact your airline for more information. If you want to take a jar of pickles with you on your flight, make sure it is properly sealed, so no liquid can leak out during transport. 

You may also want to consider placing it in a plastic bag or wrapping it up tightly so nothing leaks out during transport. Also, remember that any sharp objects should always be placed in checked luggage, don’t put anything sharp into your carry-on bag! 

For example, if you were carrying a jar of pickles with an extremely tight lid and wanted to pack it in your carry-on bag, you could wrap it in bubble wrap or other soft material before packing it away. 

Just make sure not to place any other items on top of it while packing as they could puncture through the packaging and ruin your pickle! 

Again, talk to your airline about their specific policies regarding bringing jars of pickles onto flights. 

Remember that security officials might have different opinions on whether or not you can bring jars of pickles onto planes, always listen to their instructions carefully and follow their advice at all times. 

No matter what happens, though, it will probably be a better idea to simply purchase new ones once you arrive at your destination. 

By doing so, your risk being turned away from security for having an inappropriate jar of pickles in your carry-on bag! 

When flying with friends, it may be helpful to discuss these tips ahead of time, so everyone knows how best to deal with their jar of pickles. 

While flying alone, though, you can just ask security officers how best to proceed if your pickle becomes too much trouble for you during travel. 

After all, who doesn’t love a good story about a run-in with airport security? So long as you stay calm and collected, security officials will likely understand why you brought a jar of pickles onto a plane. 

Be prepared to pay a fee for checking in oversized luggage> however, the cost would be usually around $25-$35 per person depending on where you’re traveling. 

That said, it’s often still cheaper to buy new pickles when you get to your destination instead of paying extra fees for a jar of pickles that was too big to fit in your carry-on bag.

Is pickle allowed in cabin baggage

Yes, it is allowed as long as there are no safety issues. 

The United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows each traveler to carry-on board one quart-sized jar or plastic bag containing liquids, aerosols, and gels up to 3.4 ounces at all times. 

Exceptions include items that must be declared in checked baggage such as alcoholic beverages and any other item TSA deems hazardous. 

Check with your airline for its policies. 

And be aware that some airlines may require you to put any liquid item purchased after clearing security into checked luggage rather than keeping them in your carry-on bag. If you’re carrying a jar of pickles in your checked luggage, remember to remove it from your bag before checking through. 

In addition, if you’re traveling internationally, check with customs officials about restrictions related to bringing jars of pickles onto an airplane or into a country. It’s best to avoid packing a jar of pickles in your checked bags altogether because doing so increases the risk of damage during transport. 

It’s also more difficult to access a jar packed in luggage while waiting at an airport gate or while standing at baggage claim. If you want to bring pickle juice along on your trip, store it separately from any containers holding raw vegetables like cucumbers or carrots. 

Any container of liquid whether it contains pickle juice or not must fit completely inside a one-quart plastic zip-top bag. 

However, you can pack more than one quart-sized zip-top bag per person if needed. Each additional bag costs around $3 and can be paid for at the airport checkpoint. 

How to pack your pickles to avoid leakage?

Most foods are permitted in your carry-on bag, but it’s important to keep them under control. 

By putting them in a plastic container with an airtight lid, you ensure that they don’t make any unwanted messes. 

Your liquids should be kept together in one resealable plastic bag; if you need more than one, make sure each has its own resealable cap or cover before sealing it shut. 

If you want to bring any liquid medications, put them in their original containers and include a copy of your prescription. 

And remember, it’s always better to check with TSA beforehand, they have some items that may not be allowed on board at all! 

Alternatives to packing your own food

In general, liquids and gels must meet specific guidelines to be allowed in carry-on baggage or checked bags. 

The TSA recommends that you pack your liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, but leaves it up to individual security officers to determine whether they will accept larger containers. 

You may want to avoid packing highly perishable foods like cheese, meat, fish, and eggs, and any food with lots of liquid in it. These items can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. It’s also important to remember that some alcoholic beverages aren’t permitted through airport security, even if they’re packed in a clear plastic bag within your carry-on luggage. 

Some travelers have had success freezing their perishables before flying, which might allow them to pass as nonperishable goods. While freezing won’t necessarily prevent spoilage during travel, it might make an officer think twice about confiscating your jar of pickles! 

Another option is to buy food when you arrive at your destination. Many airports have fast-food restaurants inside, and many hotels offer free continental breakfasts. Of course, these options tend to be pricey compared with what you could find elsewhere in town, so consider stocking up on snacks before leaving home. 

Or, bring along a reusable water bottle and fill it up once you get past security. Then use your saved cash to treat yourself to something special at your destination. Just keep in mind that all liquids, including water, must be in 100-milliliter bottles or smaller. Otherwise, those bottles will need to go into your checked luggage.

If you want to purchase packaged foods at your destination, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

Different countries have different rules about how long packaged food can be kept unrefrigerated. The rule of thumb is that canned and bottled products should last longer than anything else, especially after being opened. 

After opening canned goods, eat them within three days. All other packaged foods should be eaten within two weeks of opening. Different countries have different rules about how long packaged food can be kept unrefrigerated. 

The rule of thumb is that canned and bottled products should last longer than anything else, especially after being opened. After opening canned goods, eat them within three days. 

All other packaged foods should be eaten within two weeks of opening.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why pickle is not allowed in flight?

Yes, it is allowed on the flight. But for being able to do so, you have to follow a few rules.

Can you take a pickle jar with you on the flight? 

It can be frustrating to realize you can’t take a jar of dill or sweet pickle with you in your carry-on luggage if it exceeds a certain quantity. Otherwise, you can with proper packaging. 

What does TSA say about bringing pickles onto planes? 

If it is less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) and in a clear plastic bag, then you are good to go. Anything larger than that is prohibited from being brought onto airplanes as carry-on items—you’ll need to check it. 

But, let’s say you bring more than one container onto a plane, will that jar count toward your liquid allotment? 

What happens if I get caught bringing too many liquids onto a plane? 

When traveling by air within U.S., passengers may only bring small amounts of liquids (less than 3.4 oz.) in their carry-on bags when passing through security checkpoints. Liquids must be placed in a single quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag.

Wrapping things up

Well, that’s about it for air travel with pickles. I am sure by now you have got the answer to your question of “can I take a jar of pickles on a plane”. Just to give you assurance, yes, you can take a jar of pickles on a plane! 

Just remember to keep them in your checked luggage and don’t try to bring them onto an airplane unless you want TSA agents to call you Pickle for weeks (or months). I am sure you get through all these successfully.