Travelling to the US- what can't you bring in? (best, liquids, vacation)

[Sweden]

Hi all!
I'm coming over for a visit to the US on Thuesday, and I am worried about what I can and cannot bring with me (customs). I've heard a lot about that you are prohibited to take any kind of food with you - is it true? Nothing at all? And can you bring two handluggage with you on the plane? (if it is a long flight?)
I've been trying to find information about this (googled) but I don't seem to be able to find what I need.
Is there anyone who knows more about this? If you do, I would be very thankful for your response!
Like tea? And candy? Are you allowed to bring this with you from "the outside"?

Mvh, Hannah

[Visvaldis]

Leave your brain at home, you don't need one here.

[brokencrayola]

You really want to have as little as possible, if any, items that would be questionsable, such as food and drink items. You don't want to spend your whole day having your luggage searched. Obviously no weapons or anything that can even be constrewed as a weapon in any way, shape or form. Coming into the US I would assume will be much stricter than leaving.

[Tama]

Sweden Check out this site. TSA: Permitted and Prohibited Items Have a good trip!

[Ilovejazz]

Originally Posted by Sweden

I've heard a lot about that you are prohibited to take any kind of food with you - is it true?

Of course not. Fresh fruit and meat, however, are a different story. Both have the potential to introduce bugs and diseases. However, if you have a candy bar or dried fruit or something, no problem exists.

And can you bring two handluggage with you on the plane?

It sounds like this is your first time traveling. It isn't the country that determines how heavy and how much luggage you can bring; it's the airlines. The best thing is to check with the airline on which you're traveling.

[Karla with a K]

sweden
I have a friend who visits relatives in Belgium every year and always brings back lots of chocolate and has never had a problem.
I know here in the State you can't bring drink through security but once you have cleared security you can purchase drinks to carry on the plane.
I would check with your airline as to what kind of snacks you can bring on the plane.
have a safe flight and we will see you guys in 16 days

karla

[computerizedirishred]

its probably a little late,i have just came back from the U.S,travelled with Virgin Atlantic was allowed 43kg load on in hold with 2 carry on.Would advise buy all liquids on air-side once cleared through to "duty free",people getting paranoid about what to do--common sense prevails--no sharps,weapons,excessive liquids etc and you will be ok

[princesspolamalu]

I have heard from people that have traveled recently that they are having toothpaste and shaving cream taken away at the airports. I really dont know what the harm in these items are, but I guess you never know.

[Sweden]

Originally Posted by princesspolamalu

I have heard from people that have traveled recently that they are having toothpaste and shaving cream taken away at the airports. I really dont know what the harm in these items are, but I guess you never know.

Yeah, I had my toothpaste taken away from me when travveling to London earlier this summer. It was only 5 ml more than you're allowed to bring! I mean...105 ml instead of 100, what's the harm? Oh well... Thankfully, the EU is trying to make this "security issue" go away, since they (and most other people) don't think this is necessary - no real risk. Besides, it is easy, way to easy, to "smuggle it" through security- my mother did with her toothpaste (she didn't know it was in her handluggage though) and at the airport, waiting to board my plane to Chicago, I overheard some girls talking to each others about what perfume etc they had been able to bring in the handluggage without anyone noticing it.

Thank you all for your responses, they were of great help I made it there and back (though I do believe the 10 minutes I spent in US immigration was the worst part of the whole 2x24 hour trip. Rest assured, tourists don't get in easy They even wanted my lifestory!) and I was allowed two handluggages. Atleast they didn't say anything about it.

I believe the one handluggage-rule is mostly/just for traveling to England. The security is very tight when travelling there. (But no customs though, thankfully)

Thanks all for your responses!

[DontH8Me]

5ml, oh my God that's just a squirt! I would have just squirted a little out of the tube right in front of the screening agent and said, "happy now?" I know, I probably would have been hauled off for it...

The earlier post about meats and fresh fruit is correct - BTW this is not a "TSA" issue, which regulates air travel, it is a US Customs issue, which regulates what comes through our ports. Here is a link to a comprehensive list of what you cannot bring into the US.

Prohibited and Restricted Items - CBP.gov