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Are you a candy lover and frequent flyer like me that is eagerly anticipating your next flight? If so, you might be wondering, "Can you bring candy on a plane?"

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The good news is that you can! But whether you have a penchant for chocolate bars, gummy bears, hard candy, or another kind of lolly, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure a smooth travel experience.

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In this article, I’ll not only provide you with information regarding the current TSA food rules, but I’ll also dive into the specifics of what types of sweet treats you can and cannot safely bring on board. And at the end, I’ll answer a host of commonly asked questions so you can confidently plan how to satisfy your sweet tooth while in the air!

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Can You Bring Candy on a Plane: The Short Answer

TSA Rules

Airport Security

Candy Allowed on Planes

Candy Prohibited on Planes

Gummy Candy Rules

CBD Candy Rules

Open Candy Rules

Homemade Candy Rules

U.S. Customs

FAQs

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Are you Allowed to bring candy on a plane: The Short Answer

According to the TSA, you absolutely can bring candy on a plane! However, for liquid candy tubes, gel candy, or any candy in liquid form the 3-1-1 rule applies. This means that such sweets cannot exceed 3.4 ounces (or 100 milliliters) and must fit into one quart-sized bag per person.

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TSA Rules Explained

Navigating the TSA’s food rules can be a bit confusing, but to avoid getting stopped by TSA agents as you pass through airport security, it’s essential to understand them. 

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When it comes to bringing food on a plane, TSA regulations state:

‍“Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on luggage or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 ounces are not allowed in carry-on baggage and should be placed in your checked bags if possible."

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Can you bring candy in your carry-on or checked baggage?

Because most types of candy fall into the TSA’s “solid food” category, you are free to pack as much candy as you want in your checked baggage or allowable hand luggage as long as you adhere to the baggage size and weight limitations indicated by your airline. However, liquid, spray, or gel candy remains subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

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What is the 311 rule?

A guideline established by the TSA, the 3-1-1 rule dictates the regulations around the carry-on transportation of liquids, gels, and aerosols on airplanes. According to this rule, passengers may bring such items in their carry-on luggage with limitations.

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The "3" represents the maximum container size allowed, which is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. The first "1" signifies that all the containers must fit into a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. Finally, the second "1" means that each passenger is permitted only one sealed bag.

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This rule is in place to facilitate the airport security screening process by ensuring that small quantities of liquids and gels are easily visible and accessible for inspection.

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What is considered gel food or candy?

Although the TSA does not provide an exhaustive list of what items do and do not fall into the gel category, candy is essentially considered a gel or a liquid if you can spread it, spill it, pour it, or pump it.

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Does TSA Allow you to bring food through airport security?

Yes, based on TSA guidelines you can take candy and food through airport security. However, it is a good idea to pack it in a clear, separate bag so that TSA officers can easily assess whether it meets the solid food requirements as you pass through TSA checkpoints.

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Because TSA agents might require your candy to undergo an extra pass through the x-ray machine, you may want to allow extra time for additional screening.

If you’re unsure whether or not your favorite candy is safe to bring on board, it's best to check the TSA's official website or contact your airline before your trip to confirm any specific restrictions or updates.

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By understanding and adhering to the TSA’s food rules and its 3-1-1 Liquid Rule, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while also making sure you have a smooth and efficient travel experience!

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What candy can you bring on a plane?

The good news for candy lovers is that most sweet treats are permitted in both your carry-on luggage as well as your checked bags as long as they are non-liquid and non-gelatinous.

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But what sweets can you take on a plane specifically? You have the go ahead to pack popular goodies such as:

• Chocolate bars
• Peanut butter cups
• Jelly beans
• Candy-coated fruit (This pertains to flights departing from the USA. If flying internationally, your destination country may prohibit you from bringing fruit into the country, so make sure to double check the rules.)
• Gummy bears
• Cotton Candy
• Jolly ranchers
• Candy bars
• Bubble gum
• Candy canes
• Mints

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All of these solid form candies are safe to pack and enjoy during your flight.

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What candy is not allowed on a plane?

While solid candy is generally allowed, size restrictions exist on spray candy, squeezable candy tubes, liquid-filled candy, and gel candies. These types of lollies must comply with the TSA's 3-1-1 rule meaning they must fit into one, quart-sized bag per traveler and amount to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.

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Can you bring gummy candy on a plane?

Gummy candy addicts like me can breathe a sigh of relief because gummies are safe to bring on board!

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Gummy candies such as gummy bears or gummy worms fall under the non-liquid, non-gelatinous candy category, so you can pack either individually wrapped bags or larger family-sized packs as long as you seal the bags so they won't spill or cause a mess.

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Can you bring CBD gummy bears on a plane?

Yes, in the United States, you can bring CBD candy on a plane as long as it contains no more than 0.3% THC and is approved by the FDA. When it comes to packing it, CBD candy is allowed both in your carry-on luggage and checked luggage.

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The official TSA guidelines state:

“Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or that are approved by FDA. (See the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334.) TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law to local, state, or federal authorities.”

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That said, you should keep in mind that TSA agents do not specifically look for CBD products, so in order to avoid any issues it is important to declare them to the security officers as you pass through TSA checkpoints. You should also keep your CBD candy in its original packaging as this will help to speed up the security screening process.

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If you are traveling on an international flight, make sure to check the customs regulations of your destination country before packing any CBD candy because other countries may have different rules surrounding such items.

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Can you bring open candy on a plane?

Both open candy and closed candy are permitted on a plane as long as it is in solid form and follows the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule. For open candy not purchased at the airport or candy that is not in its original packaging, as a general rule, it is best to pack it in a clear resealable bag.

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Can you bring homemade candy on a plane?

Yes, you may bring homemade candy on a plane as long as it is non-liquid and non-gelatinous. However, airport security staff recommends that you pack it in clear plastic bags so that it is easily identifiable when passing through TSA security checkpoints.

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However, similarly to CBD candy, when traveling to a foreign country you should check the specific rules around whether or not you’re allowed to bring your own food into your destination country.

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Can you bring candy through customs in the United States?

According to U.S. Customs and Borders Protection, candy is generally admissible, but all food items must be declared. Failure to do so can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.

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Can you bring candy on a plane: Additional FAQs

From inquiries about types of candy allowed on planes to queries about whether or not you can pack it for international travel, it surprised me to uncover so many different questions about bringing candy on a plane! I found some of the questions rather unusual, and others incredibly helpful, so I’ve compiled a list of answers to the ones I kept coming across time and again.

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How many bags of candy can I bring on a plane?

You can bring as much candy as you want on a plane as long as it is solid and fits within the weight restrictions for your checked bags or the size restrictions for your carry-on baggage. Liquid or gel candy remains subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

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Can you bring candy on domestic flights?

Per the Transportation Security Administration, you can bring candy on domestic flights in the United States as long as it is in solid form or adheres to the 3-1-1 rule. You may pack candy in either your carry-on baggage or your checked baggage.

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Can you bring candy on an international flight?

If departing from the USA, you are allowed to bring candy on a plane overseas. However, as a general rule, it is best to check the border protection guidelines of your destination country as they may include special instructions regarding what food items you are allowed to deplane with or how you need to declare them.

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(Or you can simply adopt my personal strategy which is to only pack candy in my carry-on items and then eat all of it while I fly!)

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Can You Bring Coca Candy on a Plane?

When it comes to bringing coca candy on a plane, the rules and regulations become more complex, especially with international air travel. Because coca candy contains coca leaves, which are used in making cocaine, some countries strictly prohibit the importation of coca candy while others have specific limitations or requirements.

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Therefore, it’s crucial to research and understand the regulations of both your departure and destination countries before bringing coca candy on a plane. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and refrain from doing so.

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For those traveling to or returning to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection states that it is illegal to bring coca leaves into the country for any purpose due to their association with cocaine production. So given that coca candy contains traces of these leaves, your safest bet is to avoid bringing coca candy on the plane even if it is allowed in your departure country. 

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And lastly, the answer is "YES" to all of the following questions!

• Can you bring candy on a plane without a bag?
• Can you bring open candy through airport security?
• Can you bring chocolate candy on a plane?
• Can you bring boxed candy on a plane?
• Can you bring hard candy on a plane?
• Can I bring candy corn on a plane?
• Can you bring packaged candy on a plane?
• Can you bring your own candy on a plane?
• Can you bring closed candy on a plane?
• Can you eat candy on a plane?
• Can you bring a candy bar on a plane?
• Can you bring cotton candy on a plane?
• Can you take sweets in your hand luggage on a plane?
• Can you bring jolly ranchers on a plane?
• Can you bring mints on a plane?
• Can you take unopened candy on a plane? 

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Again, in order to meet TSA requirements these candy items must be solid in form and adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule.

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Can You Bring Candy on a Plane: The Wrap-Up

For the candy-loving frequent travelers in the group, the good news is that carrying candy on a plane is allowed, but with a few considerations.

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Non-liquid, non-gelatinous candies like chocolate bars, gummy bears, and hard candies are typically permitted on domestic flights and international flights departing from the USA. However, liquid or gel-filled candies are subject to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, so it’s crucial to be mindful of their packaging and quantities. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with TSA-approved items to ensure that your solid food items comply with TSA rules.

By following these guidelines, you have the green light to indulge in and enjoy your favorite candy while flying the friendly skies!