We all have daily routines, and traveling can interrupt these habits and leave us without our creature comforts. When traveling, is there something you can’t live without? Is honey a liquid? As a tea drinker or with a preference for natural sweeteners, you may want to take your favorite honey with you, but are you allowed to? Is Honey an Approved Liquid for Plane Travel?
You are permitted to carry honey on a plane in the U.S. Honey does not appear on the FFA’s hazardous material list and can be packed per the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. If you intend to transport larger quantities of honey, using your checked luggage will be an easier and less restricted process.
Filled with relief, you now know you can carry your honey during a flight, but how do you pack it? What is the best packaging to use? Is there a reasonable alternative? Read on to learn more about traveling with honey and other liquids.
How to Pack Honey into a Suitcase?
Honey, as you know, can very quickly turn into a sticky mess all over your suitcase if you don’t pack it correctly. Not the best start to that exotic holiday or business trip!
The best way to pack honey is to seal it in a zip-lock bag or sealable freezer bag. This will prevent any escaping honey from getting into your suitcase. You should also wrap the honey jar or bottle in bubble wrap or other similar padded materials, especially if it is in a glass container. This will help prevent breakages, which could slice through any zip-lock bag and again provide a sticky mess inside your suitcase. You could also pack the honey containers in between clothes to provide some kind of shock protection and reduce the risk of breakages.
Famous Brands of Honey From Around the Country
If you can’t take your favorite sweet treat, we recommend trying these honey brands found in popular travel destinations.
There are many local and national honey brands available for purchase. Some of our favorites include:
- Bare Honey from Oregon
- Bee Local from Portland, Oregon
- Honeybear from California
- Stinging Honey from New Mexico
- The Honey Ladies from Florida
- Tupelo Honey from Georgia
- Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey from New Zealand
And if you travel internationally, some of our favorite international honey brands include:
- Manuka Honey from Australia
- Wildflower Honey from the UK
- Chestnut Honey from Italy
- Wedderspoon Raw from New Zealand
These are only a few options, but no matter where you are, there is a good chance you will find local honey.
Alternative Sweeteners You Can Also Travel With
While honey is a great sweetener, it is not the only one you can take with you on a plane. Other options include:
- Agave Nectar
- Maple Syrup
- Molasses
- Brown Rice Syrup
- Cane Sugar
- Date Sugar
- Powdered sugar or icing sugar
These solid or semi-solid options can be packed in your carry-on or checked luggage without issue. When packing these items, ensure they are in a sturdy container that can’t be easily broken and will not leak during travel.
While traveling can be stressful, knowing you can take your favorite foods and beverages with you can make the experience more enjoyable. So, the next time you find yourself packing for a trip, don’t forget the honey!
The following sections do not cover honey (BOO!), but they address how to travel with liquids and a few general travel tips to keep you safe and improve your flying experience.
What Qualifies as a Liquid?
A liquid is a substance that can be poured and retains its shape while in motion. It can also be easily compressed, has a high surface tension, and can conform to the shape of its container. In addition, liquids evaporate quickly and can mix with other substances.
Understanding the TSA’s 3-1-1- Rule
“You can bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Placing these items in the small bag and separating them from your carry-on baggage facilitates the screening process. Pack items that are in containers larger than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in checked baggage.” – Found on TSA.gov or Youtube
- TL:DR – 3oz./1 quart-sized bag/1 per passenger
The FFA’s PackSafe for Passengers Guidelines
Dangerous goods, also known as hazardous materials, are sometimes included in your luggage. The majority of dangerous goods are not permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. There are a few exceptions for some personal items like toiletries, medicines, and assistive devices. The FFA provides detailed information on its website.
- Remember, The FFA and TSA are different institutions, and their regulations may differ.
- As the FFA says, “When in doubt, leave it out!”
Checked or Carry-on: What to Pack Where
First, divide your carry-on luggage into four sections:
- Must-haves
- Food and entertainment
- Your Daily Basics (if your luggage is lost)
- Any small items too fragile for checked luggage
Your Must-haves:
- passport
- tickets
- phone charger
- headphones
- medicines (if needed)
- toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, deodorant, tampons/pads, hairbrush)
- laptop/tablet
Food and entertainment:
- granola bars
- trail mix
- water or juice.
- books
- magazines
- electronic devices
Your Daily Basic:
- underwear
- socks
- shirts
- pants
- a jacket
- toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, razor, deodorant, tampons)
Important and Fragile Items:
- glass bottles
- ceramic dishes
- electronics
- jewelry
What to pack in your checked luggage:
- clothes
- shoes
- toiletries (larger items)
- honey (in large quantities)
- extra food and snacks
- packaging materials (bubble wrap, packing peanuts)
- travel pillow and blanket
What Happens When You Are Caught With Restricted Items?
The TSA is very strict when it comes to restricted items. If you are caught with an item that is not allowed on the plane, the item will be confiscated, and you may be subject to a civil fine.
You can avoid this by packing only what is allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage. Visit the TSA’s website for a complete list of what is and is not allowed.
Will Air Travel Ever Return to “Normal?”
The short answer is – maybe. The pandemic has changed how we travel, and the TSA constantly changes its policies to reflect the current situation. It is always best to check the TSA’s website before traveling to see if there have been many changes to the rules.
Avoid Any Sticky Situations
Flying can be a hassle, but it’s especially challenging to pack your liquids and gels according to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. It can be tricky to know what is and isn’t allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage. As long as you know the rules and pack accordingly, you should have no problem packing your liquids and gels.
