Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows meat and cheese in both carry-on and checked bags when flying within the U.S.
✈️ Solid foods are fine, but spreads or soft cheeses may count as liquids (≤ 3.4 oz in carry-on).
⚠️ International flights: Customs often restricts or bans meat, dairy, and fresh food when entering another country.
Details
- Domestic U.S. flights (TSA rules):
- Solid meats (cooked, packaged, jerky, cold cuts) and cheeses are allowed in carry-on and checked bags.
- Soft/creamy cheeses (brie, cream cheese, spreads) are considered liquids in carry-on → must be ≤ 3.4 oz.
- Hard cheeses and solid meats have no size restrictions.
- Checked luggage:
- All meat and cheese types are allowed domestically.
- Wrap well to prevent spoilage or odors.
- International flights (Customs rules):
- Most countries prohibit bringing meat and dairy across borders.
- CBP (U.S. Customs) bans travelers from bringing most meats, fresh cheese, milk, and other perishable dairy back into the U.S.
- Commercially packaged, shelf-stable cheese or jerky may be exceptions — always declare them.
TSA Meat & Cheese Rules Summary
| Item | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Hard cheese (cheddar, gouda, etc.) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Soft cheese (brie, cream cheese, spread) ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Soft cheese > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Cooked / packaged meat | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Jerky / dried meat | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Fresh/raw meat | ✅ Allowed (domestic) | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Liquids rule for cheese spreads: Creamy cheeses and dips over 3.4 oz must go in checked luggage.
- ✈️ Odor control: Meat and cheese can smell strong — pack in airtight containers.
- ✈️ Customs fines: Forgetting to declare meat/dairy when entering another country can result in confiscation or fines.
- ✈️ Best practice: For international travel, eat meat/cheese before landing or buy locally at your destination.