Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, a long travel day means keeping healthy snacks on hand. This way you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg at the airport or be forced to choose from low-quality options.
But can you bring beef jerky on a plane? More specifically, can you take beef jerky on an international flight? We’ve put together this detailed guide covering everything you need to know about bringing beef jerky on a plane.
The short answer is yes, you can travel with beef jerky with peace of mind - provided it’s not opened. You likely won’t have issues on domestic flights even if the package is opened, but bringing meat from a foreign country back into the US can be another story entirely.
Learn more about flying with beef jerky below to avoid hassles at TSA. Or, secure your snacks today at Mahogany Smoked Meats, your trusted choice for premium jerky online!
Why Beef Jerky is the Perfect Travel Snack
First things first - what is beef jerky, and why is beef jerky so good to take on any excursion? There are so many things to love about this meaty snack for on-the-go. Here’s why it’s worth bringing beef jerky on a plane, or even a road trip for that matter.
Convenience and Portability
The hallmarks of a great travel snack are convenience and portability, and beef jerky ticks both these boxes. It’s lightweight, compact, and doesn’t have any special storage requirements like refrigeration. This makes it perfect for long flights, road trips, or even daily commutes.
Unlike the beef jerky alternative snacks - fruit, cheese, deli meats - beef jerky slops easily into a carry-on bag, backpack, or purse without taking up much space. Individually sealed portions are even better because you can grab a serving without fumbling through larger packaging.
Long Shelf Life
Now, does beef jerky go bad? Yes, just like any food, beef jerky has an expiration date. Knowing how to tell if beef jerky is bad is essential to avoid eating expired jerky and dealing with all the consequences that come with it.
Trust us - you don’t want to deal with food poisoning while traveling. So how long is beef jerky good for on average? Unopened it can last months at room temperature, whereas opened packages can last weeks.
This makes it perfect for long days at the airport. If you have a week on the road you can enjoy on both your departing and returning flights! It won’t melt, spoil, or crumble in that short of a timeframe.
Nutritional Benefits
We haven’t even touched on the beef jerky food label benefits, either. One of the biggest issues with travel is that you aren’t giving your body the nutrients it needs when you’re stuck in an airport or inside a plane all day.
But given how much protein in beef jerky you’re getting, it’s the perfect way to stay satiated while you wait for a bigger meal. The beef jerky calories aren’t bad either if you’re interested in beef jerky for weight loss. You can learn more about the nutritional side of things in our blog:
Just know this, though - the healthiest jerky is only a few clicks away at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Plenty of Flavor Options
You may be wondering, what does beef jerky taste like? It all depends on the beef jerky marinade recipe! The possibilities are endless, yet another reason to stock up on the different types of jerky at Mahogany Smoked Meats. You certainly won’t get bored.
From teriyaki to black pepper, and even exotic blends like sriracha honey, beef jerky satisfies a range of taste preferences. You can even find nuances in flavor based on the wood used for smoking jerky.
Can You Bring Beef Jerky on a Plane, Though?
It all sounds great - beef jerky is easy to take on-the-go and can satisfy both your taste buds and nutritional needs. Can you bring beef jerky on a plane, though, or is TSA going to confiscate your stash as if you’re some sort of international drug smuggler? Here’s what you need to know.
Concerns With Bringing Beef Jerky on a Plane in General
It’s reasonable to have your doubts about bringing beef jerky on a plane. You’re not even allowed to bring certain sizes of toothpaste on the plane after all.
The main issue with beef jerky from TSA’s perspective is how it’s classified - solid food or otherwise. Solid food is typically allowed in both carry-ons and checked luggage, especially when it’s unopened when you arrive at the security checkpoint.
But given all the moving pieces at play, let’s break it down into two different categories - flying with beef jerky domestically vs internationally. So, can you bring beef jerky on a plane if you’re flying somwhere within the 50 states?
Can You Fly With Beef Jerky Domestically?
This is a bit more straightforward - yes, you can fly with beef jerky domestically without worrying about getting your snacks snagged at TSA. It’s going to be classified as solid food and won’t fall under the same category of liquids or gels that need to adhere to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule.
While TSA agents rarely flag jerky for inspection, packing it in its original packaging minimizes any potential confusion. That’s why we recommend leaving it unopened until you make your way through security and get to your gate.
But what if you’re bringing your own homemade beef sticks vs beef jerky? Well, you might have to answer a few more questions - but you still should be able to make your way through to your gate without much issue.
Can You Take Beef Jerky on an International Flight?
Now let’s get to the trickier part of bringing beef jerky on a plane - can you take beef jerky on an international flight? This is a bit more of a loaded question.
While most airlines allow you to bring jerky onboard, the real issue arises when you reach customs in your destination country. Many nations have strict rules regarding meat products, even shelf-stable ones like jerky.
These are in place to prevent the spread of animal diseases or pests that could harm local agriculture. You’ll almost definitely face issues trying to bring jerky back to the United States from a foreign country.
The same is true of taking beef jerky from America to certain countries like Australia or New Zealand. Still, you’re more likely to get through with commercially packaged, shelf-stable jerky than something you made yourself at home, like air fryer beef jerky.
We know you want to get through customs with your favorite snacks, but don’t try and sneak it through. Always declare beef jerky on your customs form upon arrival so you don’t have to deal with the fines. You’ll be far better off losing your jerky and finding something new locally.
It’s also important to note that the amount of jerky you’re trying to bring through will dictate whether you’re going to get flagged or not. That being said, let’s share some advice on packing beef jerky for either domestic or international flights below.
Tips on Packing Beef Jerky for Travel and Enjoying it to the Fullest
Type and quantity matter when bringing beef jerky on a plane, along with how you pack it. This can be the difference between a smooth travel day without issue and being questioned by TSA/customs, risking losing your snacks. Here’s some advice on bringing beef jerky on a plane.
Sealing and Storage
Wait, does beef jerky need to be refrigerated? Not at all! But you do need to know how to store beef jerky properly to keep it fresh throughout your excursion.
We recommend keeping beef jerky in its original packaging until you’re ready to eat it. The moment it’s opened the clock starts ticking on expiration as oxygen and moisture can make their way into the bag.
So, make sure the bag you’re storing your jerky in is airtight to keep the meat fresh and flavorful for the long haul. If you’re bringing homemade jerky, consider vacuum sealing it yourself or using high-quality Ziploc bags.
Keep it in a cool, dry place during travel out of direct sunlight or excessive heat - two things that can degrade its texture, flavor, and even safety over time.
Carry on or Checked Luggage?
Most of the time it makes more sense to pack beef jerky in your carry-on bag - otherwise, how will you enjoy it during your time at the gate or on the plane? Since beef jerky is classified as a solid food, it’s TSA-compliant and won’t cause delays at security checkpoints.
But if you also want beef jerky as a snack when you make it to your arrival destination and throughout your trip, it might be worth packing a separate bag with more beef jerky. This way you can keep your carry on light and make the most of space.
Avoiding Overpacking
It’s easy to overpack and end up bringing a bunch of unopened beef jerky back home with you. Be realistic about how much you should bring with you when packing. A good rule of thumb is to pack just enough for your trip duration, plus a little extra for unexpected hunger.
Of course, you need to research your destination if you’re bringing beef jerky on an international flight to ensure you don’t trigger an inspection for exceeding the allowable quantity.
Navigating TSA Beef Jerky Questions
TSA agents rarely flag beef jerky, but if they do, stay calm - you’re not going to get in any serious trouble. Keep the jerky in its original packaging which clearly lists ingredients and processing information. This will speed things up if it does get flagged.
Homemade jerky might prompt more scrutiny, so labeling it as "homemade beef jerky" and sealing it in a clean, transparent bag can provide clarity. If you do get questioned, simply explain that it’s a snack for personal consumption.
Etiquette for Eating on a Plane
We know you’re eager to tear open your beef jerky the moment you take your seat on the plane, but be cognizant of the strong aroma it might put off - which can be annoying to those around you.
Technically you’re allowed to bring anything you want on the plane if it doesn’t break TSA guidelines, but we recommend sticking with milder flavors if you plan to eat your jerky onboard.
Good etiquette goes a long way. If you’re seated next to someone be discreet in opening the package and avoid chewing with your mouth open. Consider offering your neighbor some as well!
Keeping Your Jerky Fresh While Traveling
Don’t leave the jerky back open when you’re done eating it. Pull out a piece, seal it back up. This minimizes oxygen and moisture making their way into the packaging and degrading the snack.
If it goes stale, can you rehydrate beef jerky? Technically yes, but it’ll be difficult to do on the road since you need a kitchen and a few supplies. Read our guide for more insights.
Get the Best Beef Jerky for Travel at Mahogany Smoked Meats
The only thing left to do now is buy beef jerky online at Mahogany Smoked Meats and set yourself up for a smooth trip with your new favorite snacks. We bring more than a century of tradition to the table, and it shows in the taste and texture.
We always slow-smoke our jerky in small batches using a deep log pit method. And as our name suggests, we’re the only smokehouse in the nation that uses fallen mahogany lumber for a truly one-of-a-kind flavor.
So, can you bring beef jerky on a plane when it’s purchased from us? Yes! We use professional packaging to streamline your travels. You’ll find plenty of options here in our catalog too, and we’re not just the best beef jerky brand - you can find other types of jerky as well:
- Turkey jerky for sale
- Elk jerky for sale
- Buffalo jerky for sale
- Fish jerky for sale
- Wild boar jerky for sale
From our pork jerky recipe to our elk jerky recipe, expect to be impressed. Take a look at our collection and see what catches your eye. We can’t wait to hear which of our flavors is your favorite! Don’t settle for airport snacks. Get your hands on the best beef jerky for travel today.
Final Thoughts on Bringing Beef Jerky on a Plane
So, can you bring beef jerky on a plane? Domestically you shouldn’t have any issues. The more important question is, can you take beef jerky on an international flight?
It all depends on the arrival destination’s rules regarding bringing foreign meat into the country. Do your due diligence to avoid the frustration of having to toss out your jerky. Pack it properly and respect travel etiquette to enjoy your snack to the fullest.
Our blog has more resources on how to smoke beef jerky, how to make beef jerky in the oven, how to cut meat for jerky, can you freeze beef jerky, how long to marinate jerky, why does beef jerky cost so much, turkey jerky vs beef jerky, how long to dehydrate jerky, or biltong vs jerky.
But from the best bison jerky to the best fish jerky, the best turkey jerky, the best beef for jerky, and much, much more - Mahogany Smoked Meats is the best place to buy jerky online whether you’re preparing for a trip or simply want to stock your pantry.
Travel smarter with the best beef jerky in your bag. Experience the difference a century of experience and tradition can make by placing your order today!
