Flying with Syrup?

[SeanD]

I know a topic like this came up before, but I couldn't find it in a search. So, apologies in advance.

Are there any dos, don'ts, or tips to flying with syrup? I'm bringing a few quart-sized jugs to friends out west. I'd like to bring some glass bottles because they look nice. Is that playing with fire? I'm planning on packing them with my checked bags.

Is there any danger to the jugs b/c of altitude or air pressure? How about with the TSA? Do big jugs of liquid get red flagged?

Sean

[jmayerl]

Pad glass very well, wrap in multiple heavy plastic bags incase it does break. 4 ounce restictions are for carry ons only(i believe). Planes are pressurized for altitude or we would all have serious problems. You will deffinatly need to have it labeled so as not to raise any suspicions.

[delivron]

Wrap well with bubble wrap and expect the bagage carriers to whip your bag around.
Don't plan on takeing any onboard into the cabin. Unless you are under 3.4 oz.
I have been ammazed by some recent damage by airlines on products in my bags.

If you have any doubts check out this link. http://www.tsa.gov/311/

[DrTimPerkins]

I'm planning on packing them with my checked bags.

As long as they are in checked luggage you should be fine. You aren't allowed to bring liquids in carry-ons, unless they comply with the 3-1-1 rule. Use plastic jugs, and put them inside a zip-lock bag to be sure. I've had several people tell me about having syrup end up over everything in their suitcase.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/

[motowbrowne]

It's true that the 3oz rule is only for carry-on. I've flown with syrup in glass many times. Plastic is definitely a safer bet, but I've never had one break on me. My usual method was wrap in bubble wrap, double zip-loc in one gallon freezer bags, then incorporate your clothing into the padding scheme, i.e. don't put the syrup near any of the edges, but wrap it in shirts and put it in the middle of the luggage. I also usually completely covered the bubble wrap in tape, my theory being that it would prevent the shards of glass from cutting the ziploc bags. Like I said, plastic is a safer bet, but you're right, glass looks schnazzier. Good luck whatever you decide, that stuff is expensive out there, I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

[maple flats]

Quick note, you SeanD, you had posted this thread twice, I deleated the other one.
Dave

[motowbrowne]

Oh, you mean that's not what he meant when he said that this topic had already come up before?

[SeanD]

All helpful info. Thanks, everyone. Sorry about the double post. My computer and/or the site froze while it was uploading and I must have hit it a second time while I was trying to get it to come back.

Sean

[red maples]

Said a few times but a good zip lock back and check it. thats what I tell all my customers that are flying with it. it comes up alot.

[Newfvt]

Two years ago during a visit home to Vermont I gathered a small stash of 1.5 oz and 3 ounce Maple "nips" thinking they'd be nice to give to friends I'd meet in my travels.

One morning I put one such piece of contraband in my canvas "tote" and proceeded through the TSA Security Theater at Green Bay, Wi. Airport.

Whoa boy - hold on - High Security Alert!!!. The belt came to a grinding halt. Agents descended on my carry on. "Glove up boys, we got ourselves a live one here!".

The offending Maple Nip was carefully- ever so slowly- extracted from my carry on. Hold it straight up, don't tip it. Don't jostle it - it could be one of those explosives that go boom when disturbed. Swabs were taken of the exterior. Given that it said "Maple Syrup" on the label, the Agents were no doubt looking for gun powder residues.

The Ever Vigilant Agent demanded ":What IS This???" My response, of course, was that it was a sample bottle of Pure Vermont Maple Syrup.

Agent Keystone told me my violation was "Failure to encase it in a 1 Quart See Through Zip Lock Bag." A "1QSTZLB" in Agent parlance.

I said "Fine, please give me one".

By this time a Supervisor with a James Bond earpiece had arrived on scene and was communicating with HQ via his wrist watch. "We here at Green Bay do not provide 1 quart see through zip lock bags. You will have to go to the gift shop and pay the lady a quarter to buy one".

Ah but not so fast I was in security never-land. I had to await an Escort from 2 Local County Mounties. We all linked arms singing Cum By Ah as I was escorted to the gift shop, quarter in hand, to procure my personal 1 quart zip lock in which I would encase 1.5 ounces of Maple Syrup.

Much to my amazement, my tote bag containing the maple syrup (now neatly imprisoned in a 1QSTZLB) literally sailed through the x-ray and popped out the other end. No questions asked.

As I collected my belongings, I asked the Flint Eyed Minion of the Law who had intercepted the contraband initially what, exactly, was the purpose of the 1 quart see through zip lock plastic bag"?

Her straight faced reply: " "When that Maple Syrup explodes at 32,000 feet, as it surely will, the Zip Lock bag will contain the explosion so that the wall of the airplane is not ruptured, sending you and the other 50 people on the plane to a sure death over Lake Michigan".

As I departed I told her the only place that Syrup was going to 'explode' was on a stack of pancakes somewhere in the middle of Iowa!

I've also had home made apple and blue berry pie confiscated. Those, I now understand, are prohibited Gels. Homemade brownies, on the other hand - are solids and sail right through that tunnel, no questions asked!

Steve