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Liquid Limits

Can I take soft cheese on a plane internationally?

Last updated Updated 8 weeks ago· Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

Soft and spreadable cheeses (brie, camembert, ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone, burrata) are treated as liquids — 100ml in cabin, any size in checked. Hard cheeses (cheddar, parmesan, gouda) are solids and unrestricted.

General guidance

Rule basis: General airport security guidance — rules can vary between airports and change over time. Confirm with your departure airport before you fly.

What to do: Pack to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag unless you've confirmed a larger allowance at both your departure airports.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

Quick answer

Soft cheese: 100ml in cabin, unlimited in checked. Hard cheese: no security limit.

If it can be spread with a knife, security treats it as a liquid. If you have to shave or grate it, it's solid.

Cabin vs checked

TypeCabinChecked
Brie / camembert wheelNo (spreadable)Yes
Cream cheese tub100ml onlyYes
Burrata / mozzarella in liquidNoYes
Hard cheddar / parmesanYes, unlimitedYes
Feta in brineLiquid — 100ml onlyYes

Customs by country

EU→EU: no limit. EU/UK→US: most cheese is allowed (no raw-milk soft cheese aged under 60 days). US→EU: declare it. Australia, NZ: very strict — declare and expect confiscation of soft cheeses. UK from outside EU: 2kg personal allowance.

Packing tips

  • Vacuum-pack soft cheese before flying
  • Use freezer blocks (declared) for long journeys
  • Keep receipts to prove personal use
  • Hard cheese travels brilliantly — slice and vacuum-pack

FAQs

Is brie a liquid?

At room temperature it's spreadable, so yes — 100ml cabin limit.

Can I take cheese to the US?

Hard cheese yes; soft cheese yes if pasteurised. Raw-milk soft cheese under 60 days old is banned.

What about cheese in a sandwich?

Sandwich is a solid — no problem at security.

Check your trip

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