Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows fresh fruit in both carry-on and checked bags on domestic U.S. flights.
⚠️ International flights: Customs often restricts or bans fresh fruit from being brought into another country.
✅ Dried fruit and packaged fruit snacks are allowed without limits.
Details
- Domestic U.S. flights:
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, etc.) is permitted in both carry-on and checked.
- TSA does not limit quantity for personal consumption.
- Dried fruit & packaged fruit snacks:
- Always allowed, both carry-on and checked.
- No quantity restrictions.
- Cut fruit:
- Allowed in carry-on, but should be well-sealed to avoid leaks or smells.
- International flights:
- Customs rules often ban fresh fruit due to agricultural restrictions.
- Dried, packaged, and commercially sealed fruit snacks may be allowed but must be declared.
- Failure to declare can result in fines.
TSA Fruit Rules Summary
| Fruit Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Whole fresh fruit (domestic) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Cut/sliced fruit | ✅ Allowed (sealed) | ✅ Allowed |
| Dried fruit | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Fresh fruit (international) | ⚠️ Must be declared, often banned | ⚠️ Must be declared, often banned |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Customs risk: Even a single apple or orange may be confiscated when entering another country.
- ✈️ Declare everything: Always declare fruit at customs, even dried fruit, to avoid penalties.
- ✈️ Spillage: Pack cut fruit in leak-proof containers to prevent messes.
- ✈️ Agricultural zones: Certain U.S. states (like Hawaii, California, Florida) may also have local restrictions on fruit transport.