Bringing Kimchi on flight luggage
I will be traveling internationally from South Korea to return home (South America) with a connection in France (Korean Air -> Air France). I intend to bring some souvenirs, one of which is a pot of Korean kimchi, which I was intending to bring on together with the rest of my carry-on luggage, but I'm not sure if that is allowed.
I did some research on bringing food preserves on board but unfortunately most of my findings deals with frozen or solid food, none of which I believe approaches the "preserved" nature of store-bought kimchi that comes in airtight plastic jars.
Am I allowed to bring food preserves with oil / vinegar like kimchi on board with the rest of my carry-on luggage on a flight to Europe? Or should I stow it in my checked luggage?
Best Answer
Any liquid or container with liquid must be of less than 100ml to be allowed on carry on. If it is larger, you must place it in checked luggage. It doesn't matter if part of the container is partially empty or holds other things than liquids (as bringing a 150ml jar of pickles than contains less than 100ml of vinegar). This is from a security standpoint.
You must also be aware of the rules for food safety and customs which different countries apply when food products enters the country. Korea should not be a problem, most countries do not control foods that are taken out. As a hint, if you see similar products at the airport, it will be allowed to take out. As you connect in France International-to-International, assuming you do not leave the airport, customs there should not be involved.
The unspecified South American country of your arrival though will have some rules and you should see the official food import regulations. In my experience, South American countries are less restrictive on food products than the US or Canada, except for special zones like the Galapagos, which have highly specific regulations (for example, limes are OK but not lemon, yogurt is OK but not milk).
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How do you pack Kimchi in luggage?
Pack the goodies into a hard-sided suitcase, in the middle and center of it, ideally surrounded by softer items like clothing. Check them into your luggage.Can you fly with food in your checked luggage?
Checked Bags: YesSolid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.Is it safe to travel with Kimchi?
If it is larger, you must place it in checked luggage. It doesn't matter if part of the container is partially empty or holds other things than liquids (as bringing a 150ml jar of pickles than contains less than 100ml of vinegar). This is from a security standpoint.What is not allowed in checked baggage for international flights?
9 Things You Should Never Pack in a Checked Bag- Lithium Batteries. Lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries are only allowed in carry-on baggage. ...
- Electronics. ...
- Medication. ...
- Matches and Electronic Lighters. ...
- Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices. ...
- Jewelry. ...
- Alcoholic Beverages Over 140 Proof. ...
- Film.
More answers regarding bringing Kimchi on flight luggage
Answer 2
You cannot. My husband got into trouble with his 1kg of kimchi last year. Just put it in check-in luggage.
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