Can You Bring Avocados On An International Flight?

Yes, this is *actually* what I’m blogging about.

You know, the reason I initially started a blog was because I wanted to create something that I’d be excited to find when I Googled things. When I started a blog I was obsessed with doing internet research, and when I came upon a blog that helped me, it was such a nugget of gold, and it made me so happy. I wanted to give back to the blogging community and create something that would (hopefully) be helpful for people to find.

So basically the reason I’m writing this blog is because this is a topic I’ve been thinking about daily lately, and I’ve Googled it several times. In less than a week (ahhh!) I’m going on a pretty exciting international flight, to go monkey around island-style in the Indian Ocean…and I just found out today that I’m going on ANOTHER international flight at the beginning of March. All I can think about is how much I want to bring avocados on those planes. I have major avocado problems.

But really, avocados are the perfect portable snack, so it’s understandable that I can’t get this topic off my mind. Right?

I decided the only way to find out for sure was to reach out to a bunch of airlines and just ask them.

I emailed the first 5 airlines I could think of that have international flights departing from the US. (Yes, I should clarify, this is about bringing avocados on an international flight leaving from the US).

I got in touch with Delta, JetBlue, Virgin, American and United and asked them the following question:

“Hi! Can I bring avocados on an international flight that departs from the US?”

So far, JetBlue and Delta are the only ones who’ve gotten back to me with a clear answer. American got back to me as well but they seemed kinda confused.

JetBlue gets major points for getting back to me the fastest!!!! I love JetBlue.

From JetBlue:

Thanks for contacting JetBlue with your question about avocados. We are always glad to assist you!

Most plants and unpeeled natural foods (like fruit or vegetables) may be taken through security and onboard the aircraft, but partially-eaten food must be wrapped for TSA inspection. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any item on the aircraft.

If you plan on bringing the avocados off the plane once you reach your destination, permission will depend on the agriculture customs and laws of that specific country. If you have additional questions, please visit http://bit.ly/18ZrGMa to locate the applicable contact information.

SUPER HELPFUL!!!

From Delta:

Thank you for your email to Delta Air Lines inquiring to carry avocados on your International flight.

I would like to inform you that solid food items (not liquids or
gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.
Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on baggage and should be placed in your checked baggage if possible.

All food products should be properly packaged to avoid spilling during the screening process and damaging security equipment and other passengers’ belongings. Cakes and pies are permitted as carry-on items,
but could require additional screening. <—-GOOD TO KNOW. (Ha).

From American (they didn’t understand that I want to eat the avocados in-flight, but I guess I wasn’t really clear about that):

You might need to contact the country you are going to visit directly, and they can advise what is acceptable when you enter their country. For information on what is acceptable to bring to United States from different countries, you need to contact U.S. Agriculture Department.

Ok. Cool.

THEN — just to be 100% sure, I texted my good friend David Avocado Wolfe, the ultimate king of avocados. If ANYONE knows the real answer, it’s him.

Me: “Hey!! Do you ever bring avocados on international flights? Are they cool with it?”

David Wolfe: “I bring avocados on international flights, eat them, and avoid any problems with bringing the fruits in.”

SUCCESS!!!

Bottom line: GREAT NEWS – THE ANSWER IS YES, PEOPLE. You can bring unpeeled avocados on an international flight from the US if you intend to eat them on the plane. Keep it whole, though – once you get into guacamole territory it gets a little sketchy because that technically could be considered a liquid or gel.

Avocados are so perfect. Even more perfect when you get to eat them surrounded by clouds.

I also plan to bring my own Himalayan pink salt shaker on the plane, I forgot to ask if that’s ok but I’m leaving that to chance.

Then at that point, I will just bring whatever utensil I can find (a plastic spoon works great) and cut into the avocado and just be happy.

Follow my international avocado shenanigans here.

I really, really hope someone is *actually* Googling the exact title of this blog. That will make my entire blogging career worth it.

Happy travels.

Love,
Jenny