The general rule for food items depends on their physical state: solid foods are usually permitted, while liquids, gels, and aerosols are subject to restrictions. Grapes, classified as a fresh, solid food, are generally allowed through security, but their form and your travel destination can change this allowance.
Grapes in Carry-On Baggage
Fresh grapes are permitted in carry-on baggage for domestic flights within the continental United States because they are considered a solid food item. There is no restriction on the quantity of whole, uncrushed grapes a traveler can bring, provided the fruit fits within the passenger’s allowable hand luggage. Grapes are exempt from the limitations of the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, which applies to liquids and gels.
Travelers should ensure the grapes remain intact and are not mashed or pureed. A food item that can be spilled, spread, or poured is subject to the 3.4-ounce (100-milliliter) container limit. Crushed grapes that have released significant amounts of juice or have been reduced to a gel-like consistency would be treated as a liquid. To prevent this, pack grapes in a sturdy, sealed container rather than a loose bag where they could be easily damaged.
Grapes in Checked Baggage
Placing grapes in checked baggage is permitted by the TSA, regardless of quantity. The agency’s restrictions on food items are primarily focused on the security checkpoint process and the prevention of large liquid volumes in the cabin. The 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels does not apply to checked luggage, offering greater flexibility for carrying food.
Travelers should consider the practical aspects of packing a perishable item like grapes in checked luggage. The fruit is susceptible to crushing, which can create a mess, and grapes typically only remain safe to eat for about one day at room temperature. If the grapes are packed with an ice pack to maintain freshness, the ice pack must be completely frozen solid when passing through security, as a partially melted pack with liquid at the bottom is subject to the 3.4-ounce liquid rule.
When Grapes Are Not Allowed
Travelers face specific restrictions when transporting fresh produce, including grapes, in two distinct scenarios that involve agricultural regulations. When flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland, most fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited due to the risk of spreading invasive plant pests and diseases. This restriction is enforced to protect continental U.S. agriculture from potential threats.
International travel presents a different set of challenges, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strictly regulates what fresh produce can be brought into the United States from foreign countries. Fresh fruit, including grapes, is often prohibited from entering the U.S. because of the potential for carrying foreign pests or diseases. Conversely, while you may take grapes out of the U.S., many foreign countries have their own agricultural restrictions that prohibit bringing fresh produce across their borders. In all cases involving international travel, fresh agricultural items must be declared to CBP or the receiving country’s customs authority, and undeclared prohibited items can lead to civil penalties.