Where is the best place to carry perishable foods on long international flights?
I frequently bring snacks and groceries from India to the U.S. (remembering to follow the laws against fresh fruit/vegetables) that I can't find there in the U.S. Now, I'm planning to bring a food that requires refrigeration.
Checked in or carry on, is there a safe place where I can carry such perishable foods with me without them rotting during the long international journey with a layover in between, or do I have to ship them to my destination using a special shipping service (perishable goods)?
Best Answer
Dry ice (CO2) is a better alternative to regular ice. Doesn't leak, much colder, lighter... Freezing is not all that effective if the item has a low water content, like some cheeses.
Check with the airline, but in general dry ice is considered a "mildly hazardous" item - pack it properly in a vented container, no more than X kilograms and it's good to go.
In Canada dry ice up to 2.5kg is accepted as carry-on.
Pictures about "Where is the best place to carry perishable foods on long international flights?"
How do you keep food cold on a long flight?
If your food needs to stay cold, pack it with frozen gel packs, but be careful to pull them out of the freezer the moment before you leave for the airport. Partially melted freezer packs or foods that veer into the liquid territory because they've defrosted will be confiscated.What mode of logistic is most appropriate for the transportation of perishable goods?
Air, however, is widely considered the best way to transport perishable goods. Airports have dedicated areas with temperature-controlled refrigerated chambers and freezers to make handling perishable goods a snap.How do you travel with food?
Solid 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.How do you handle perishable food?
Top Food Storage TipsSNACKS FOR THE AIRPLANE // TSA APPROVED snacks + HOW TO PACK THEM
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Gustavo Fring, Ketut Subiyanto, Ketut Subiyanto, Gustavo Fring