Fresh fruit is undoubtedly healthy, tasty, and one of the easiest eatables to carry when you are in a rush and on the go. But can you take fruit through airport security?
It is essential to be aware of all the TSA-instated rules and regulations before you pack because the rules get confusing and tricker when it comes to packing fruits. Once you are affiliated and have understood the set principles, all inconveniences and delays at the security terminals will be avoided.
These rules are only in place and are crucial to ensure the safety of all travelers, and it is vital to adhere to them to make air travel secure and safe for all passengers.
This article will state all the basics for traveling with eatables you need to know and discuss whether can you take fruit through airport security.
Can You Take Fruit Through Airport Security?
According to the rules of TSA, you can pass through airport security with fresh fruits in your luggage. You can bring any type of fruit when flying, whether fine and cut-up whole fresh or dried fruits.
As long as you are getting off the flight on the premises of the continental USA, fruits are allowed in checked and hand luggage. However, there is an exception whereby most fresh fruits are not allowed on board when flying from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. 
Some of the fresh fruits you want to take on board might be prohibited because they have a possibility to transmit any pests that damage plants. If you fail to follow these guidelines, the fruits will be confiscated and not pass through airport security, resulting in a boarding delay.
Supposedly, when departing on a plane to Hawaii, upon arrival at the destination, you are obliged to declare all fresh fruits contained in your luggage so that they can be inspected depending on their origin and type.
Form Of Fruit :
To reiterate, you will face no problem with passing through airport security when you take fruit items that are frozen or fresh as they are in a solid form, such as in the case of dried fruits, baby carrots, or apples. This is because TSA imposes no restrictions relating to solid fresh fruits.
But if the fruit you carry is mashed, sauced, or in a soft form like fruit cups, applesauce, squeezable pouches, or jams, then it will be subject to all the restrictions the authorities have placed for liquids. You will have to follow the 3-1-1 rule for hand luggage fruit transportation.
Fruits On An International Flight:
Think no more about whether you can take fruit through airport security on an international flight because you surely can.
Any flight departing from the U.S., whether international or domestic, will permit you to take fruits, even if the intention is to place them in hand luggage and eat them during the flight. You will have no issues!
Nevertheless, landing with fruits in a destination and the surrounding rules highly depend on where you plan to go and is a different matter. Some arrival destinations like Australia prohibit passengers from a foreign country from bringing in fruits of any kind whatsoever.
Therefore, run a background check for your travel destination’s regulations for fruits before leaving for the airport with your luggage packed.
Quantity Limitations For Fruits:
In general, TSA places no limitations on the quantity of dried or fresh fruit you want to bring through the security at the airport. You are eligible to pack as many bananas, oranges, apples, or other fruits as you like and are allowed in your hand luggage.
Unpeeled and whole fruits must not be guarded in additional or further wrapping. For sliced fruits, you would have to place them in a resealable bag or container secured with a fitting lid or wrap them in a plastic sheet for preservation purposes.
Only types of fruits whose quantity has a placed limitation by the TSA are the ones that have been packaged or processed with a liquid. Examples are fruit salads with fruit juices or fruits with a gel-like or fluid consistency.
Then, for them, the imposed limitation on the quantity materializes as the 3-1-1 rule because the fruits now fall under the categorization of a liquid. Per the guidelines, you must store all the fruits restricted to a quantity of 3.4 ounces container, which must be then placed in a plastic, clear, single quart-sized bag.
Prohibited And Allowed Fruits By TSA:
Before you arrive at the airport or pass through the airport security, you must know the classification TSA has drawn among fruits: prohibited and allowed.
Prohibited:
TSA is within its rights to prohibit specific fruits to eliminate and minimize the risk of spreading diseases and pests. Certain prohibited fruits are papayas, mangoes, and pineapples.
They may be allowed for transportation when the packaging and labeling are commercially done.
Allowed:
All fresh fruits like bananas, apples, berries, and oranges are allowed on the condition that they are not sliced or cut. Likewise, it is worth noting that any fresh fruit you bring must be free from any potential signs indicating diseases, spoilage, or mold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):
Can I bring fruit through airport security?
You can take all solid, fresh, or dried fruits through airport security.
Can I take fruit and nuts on a plane?
If solid, fruits and nuts are allowed on a plane and in the luggage.
What is the best fruit to take in an airplane?
Fresh fruits like apples, berries, carrots, bananas, oranges, etc.
Can you take watermelon through airport security?
Watermelon is allowed to be taken through airport security.
Conclusion:
Remember to also check in for rules that your travel destination might have for fruits.
