Is Cooking Oil Allowed on Planes? Everything You Need to Know!

Airlines require passengers to follow certain procedures when traveling with dangerous goods, as they need to protect themselves and the airplane from anything potentially hazardous. This includes transporting cooking oil on airplanes, since some types of cooking oil can be flammable or combustible at higher temperatures. So, there is a common question, is cooking oil allowed on planes?

If you want to know if cooking oil can be taken on planes, read on to learn more about this topic.

Can you bring cooking oil on a plane?

You might think that even though cooking oil is liquid it would be allowed in your carry-on bag or checked baggage, and it is. But there is a certain liquid rule from the TSA that will be applicable while carrying it in the carry-on bag. 

Most oils and greases are prohibited because they can clog up screens and equipment in the airport, according to TSA. So there might be some extra interrogation from the officers. But according to the TSA website, you can carry cooking oil in both your checked luggage and carry-on bag. The catch is that, for carry-on bag, you need to make sure the liquid amount is less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml. 

You can check out this webpage of their website for verifying the information as well.

Source

However, there are some exceptions for non-liquid oils like peanut butter. In addition, if you want to bring a bottle of water with a twist cap, then it is OK to bring it. Remember that if you have other liquids, then they should be packed into a quart-sized zip-top bag. 

Lastly, all containers must be placed inside one transparent resealable plastic bag per item with only one liter or less per item.

Can you carry an open bottle of olive oil through security?

All items that are over 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, like a jar of olive oil, must be stored in your carry-on bag. It must be transported through the checkpoint inside a single, quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag. Please make sure the oil is well sealed.

The good news is that you can carry these items in your carry-on bag, including cooking oil. However, be sure to adhere to TSA regulations and store them in a zip-top bag when passing through security. 

You may pack these items in checked luggage if they fit within the bag’s maximum dimensions.  The amount of liquids allowed in carry-on bags are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. 

These items include toiletries such as oil, mouthwash, perfume, aerosol cans of hairspray, nail polish remover, shaving cream, and liquid medications. 

The most important thing to remember about traveling with liquids is that it takes time for the screening process. Take this into consideration before going through security with an oversized bag. 

In general, keep one container of liquids per person in order to avoid delays at the checkpoint.

Can you bring pre-packaged cooking oil on a plane?

It is typically not advised to bring any liquids or gels with a capacity of over 3.5 ounces in your carry-on luggage. 

However, pre-packaged cooking oil and items containing cooking oil (such as sauces) are usually permitted in carry-on luggage and should be placed in a single, clear plastic bag before going through security. 

Items containing more than 3.4 ounces of cooking oil must be packed in checked baggage. 

There is no need to worry about TSA spilling the contents during screening. In fact, they will put all liquids into containers for you, so there’s no chance that it will spill out in your suitcase. 

It should be noted that there is no established limit regarding how much cooking oil you can bring onto a plane. 

The main concern is with having too many bags or liquids in your carry-on luggage, so you should consider consolidating items where possible. 

Some airlines also have limits on how much liquid you can bring onboard with you, so please check those rules prior to traveling.

Additionally, if you do have oils and sauces with a total weight greater than three point four ounces in your carry-on luggage, these will still need to go into your checked baggage.

What can you do with cooking oil while flying?

You can bring cooking oil with you onto the plane and store it in your carry-on baggage, as long as it’s put into a container that doesn’t exceed 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). The easiest containers to use are Ziploc bags. 

When packing for your flight, make sure the cooking oil is placed in a leak-proof bag. It’s also advisable to pack some utensils such as spatulas or spoons inside the plastic bag of cooking oil. 

And if you’re planning to store a larger amount of cooking oil, it’s important that you properly store and transport it in your checked baggage. This is because TSA limits how much liquid is allowed in your checked baggage, although some exceptions apply. 

For example, you can have up to five liters of water at any time when flying. If you have more than three items containing liquids totaling more than three liters combined, then you’ll need to present them for inspection at the checkpoint and transfer them to your checked-in luggage.

How much cooking oil can you take on a plane without getting charged?

Each carry-on bag can contain one quart-sized zip-top bag of liquids or other items in a clear plastic bag, but the total volume cannot exceed 1 liter. Only a few exceptions are allowed (medications, baby formula, and foods). 

If you plan to travel with cooking oil, it is best if you bring a personal carry-on container so that you will not be required to use airline containers. Be aware that there may be different rules at different airports.  

Do your research before your flight. It will save you time, money, and energy big time. 

When you arrive at the airport, do your research about which type of liquid container you need for your plane ride. There are many airport shops selling disposable liquid containers for around $5 each. These make packing easier because all you have to do is toss them out when done. However, these are more expensive than bringing your own container. 

Pro tips and advice for carrying oils in your hand luggage

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to store your cooking oil in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, there are several options available. It can be tricky flying with liquids in hand luggage, so here are a few tips that might make it easier. 

Firstly, check the liquid limits for your destination country before packing any oils in your hand luggage. Make sure they comply with these rules, as they may vary from country to country, sometimes even within Europe! 

For example, in the UK you’re allowed 100ml of liquid per person; in Germany, it’s up to 1 liter per person. And if you plan on traveling by plane within the EU then you will be able to take up to 2 liters of liquid per person. For those traveling outside the EU, find out what limitations apply where you’re going.

If you want to pack more than this amount but want to avoid taking multiple trips back and forth through security checkpoints during your journey, use our helpful advice below:

1) Transfer your liquids into smaller containers that fit comfortably into one plastic bag. These include small bottles, cups, or jars. 

2) Fill these containers with the amount of fluid you want to carry onto the plane. 

3) Label each container clearly with its contents and place them into one larger plastic bag. 

4) Place this clear plastic bag inside your hand luggage, which should be placed under the seat in front of you during take-off and landing.

5) Make sure not to exceed the TSA-approved amount.

6) For passengers who are not transferring liquids between countries during their journey, they should follow the same procedure at departure airports before boarding their flights home. 

7) Remember that most airlines do not allow aerosols such as hairspray cans and shaving cream cans. 

8) Liquids in your hand luggage must be carried in containers that have a volume of no more than 100 milliliters per item including items purchased after passing through the security checkpoint.

 9) Pack containers such as shampoo bottles, contact lens solution bottles, or creams packaged in tubes rather than jars because they’re less likely to leak. 

10) Be aware that some cosmetics and toiletries can contain dangerous ingredients like alcohol or perfume, so read labels carefully. 

11) Make sure all containers are tightly closed and secure to reduce the risk of leaks. 

12) Bring only what you need for your trip since any leftover products will need to be thrown away when you return home. 

13) Do not overfill containers. 

14) Use a thin coat of Vaseline to cover the threading of jar lids. This helps prevent leakage. 

15) Keep in mind that scented lotions, perfumes, and other fragrances are usually not permitted in carry-on bags or checked baggage due to potential clashes with aircraft cabin air quality systems. 

16) Do not put anything containing liquids into your pockets or onto your body.

So, these are a few advice that you surely can consider.  

They might not work for everyone, but it never hurts to try. If you’re still wondering whether cooking oil is allowed on planes, then you should definitely visit your destination country’s website to learn about their requirements. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I bring an unopened bottle of cooking oil with me?

Yes, provided it meets all other requirements for traveling liquids and gels. In most cases, you are limited to a quart-sized baggie or container that is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.

What is the 311 rule?  

The 311 rule applies to any foods, drinks, other liquids, or medications in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). 

Should I avoid taking cooking oil on a plane? 

No, unless it is not in your quart-sized baggie or container. If it’s in anything larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), then you can pack it inside your checked-in bag.

Wrapping up

So is cooking oil allowed on planes? If you have any questions about the type of cooking oil you need for your trip, consult the airline for their specific guidelines. Thankfully, even if it’s not something you are used to packing with you and storing in your carry-on, many grocery stores sell individual portions of vegetable oil in small travel-size containers. The other option is to purchase a reusable container such as a reusable plastic container or a reusable ziplock baggie that can be made out of fabric. 

The best part about these options is that you can store whatever type of cooking oil you prefer. Whether you like olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower seed oil, or another type of plant-based cooking oil, there will be a way to make sure it fits into your plan! These storage options also allow you to take less space up in your luggage by bringing only what you need.