As an avid traveler, I often find myself wanting to bring home edible souvenirs from my adventures. One of my favorite things to pick up is a nice cured ham, which can make for a delicious high-quality snack at home. However, given the strict security regulations around what food items you can transport by plane nowadays, I used to be hesitant about trying to bring a ham in my luggage.
After doing thorough research into the latest airline policies though I’m happy to report that yes, you can absolutely take a ham on an airplane! Both in your carry-on bag and checked luggage.
In this article I’ll walk through everything you need to know about flying with ham including tips for proper packing and storage during your trip. Read on for the full guidelines so you can enjoy tasty ham on the go without any hassles.
Overview of the TSA Regulations on Flying with Ham
First, let’s look at the official rules per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The great news is that cured meats like ham are perfectly allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
According to the TSA website:
“Meat, seafood and other non-liquid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.”
So you don’t have to worry about ham being banned or confiscated when going through airport security screening.
The key things to keep in mind are:
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The ham must be packed in a solid, non-liquid state. Partially melted ice packs are not allowed.
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If packing the ham in a cooler, any ice or ice packs must be completely frozen solid. No partially thawed ice is permitted.
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You can also use dry ice to keep the ham cold, up to 5 pounds if properly packaged and labeled.
That’s it! As long as you follow those simple rules, you’ll have no problem flying with ham in your luggage.
Best Practices for Packing Ham to Fly
To ensure your ham stays fresh and cold during your trip, here are some pro tips for packing it for air travel:
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Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap to seal in moisture and prevent leaking. Add a layer of aluminum foil over the plastic for extra protection.
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Put the wrapped ham in a sealable plastic bag or storage container. This will contain any leaks if the plastic wrap gets punctured.
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Surround the ham with frozen gel packs to keep it as cold as possible. Make sure they are completely solid frozen.
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Place everything inside an insulated cooler bag. Look for one made specifically for transporting food.
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Put the cooler in your checked luggage if possible, as the temperature is more controlled in the cargo hold. Carry-on works too though.
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Consider wrapping the cooler in a thermal insulating blanket for extra insulation.
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Label the cooler if using dry ice, with something like “Dry Ice or Carbon Dioxide, Solid, Net Weight 5 lbs.”
Follow those tips, and your ham will arrive at your destination just as fresh and delicious as it started!
Frequently Asked Questions About Flying with Ham
Can you take a ham on an airplane carry-on?
Yes, hams are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they meet the liquid rules (i.e. frozen solid if packed with ice).
What is the best way to pack a ham for a flight?
The best way is to seal it very tightly in plastic wrap and foil, surround it with frozen gel packs in an insulated cooler, and put that cooler in your checked bag if possible.
How can I keep a ham cold on a long flight?
Packing it with completely frozen gel packs in an insulated bag/cooler is key. Adding things like freezer blankets can provide extra insulation too.
Is it safe to transport a ham by air?
Yes, it is completely safe as long as it is packed properly to maintain temperature control according to TSA regulations. With the right packing method, the ham will arrive safely at its destination.
Can you pack a ham in dry ice in luggage?
Yes, you can pack a ham in up to 5 pounds of dry ice as long as the package is properly vented and labeled as containing dry ice. This helps keep it frozen solid.
What food items are prohibited on airplanes?
Most non-liquid foods are allowed, but some prohibited items are things like raw eggs, any fruits/veggies that could propagate foreign pests, and anything that violates customs regulations.
Can I vacuum pack a ham to fly with it?
Vacuum packing is a great way to protect and preserve a ham for air travel. Just make sure to surround the vacuum sealed ham with adequate insulation as well.
Enjoy Delicious Ham Around the World
As you can see, packing a tasty ham in your luggage for flights is totally possible when you follow the proper packing methods. Don’t hold back from picking up a signature local ham on your travels so you can savor the flavors of your destination once you return home. Bon voyage and happy ham-flying!
