Can You Take Honey on a Plane? The Simple Yes (Plus Sizes & Tips)

Executive Summary:

• You can travel with honey, but airport rules classify it as a liquid.
• Only jars of 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) or less can go in carry-on bags.
• Larger jars should always be packed in checked luggage.
• A few packing habits, such as sealing lids and cushioning jars, can help keep your honey secure.
• International travelers should check the customs rules for their destination, as some countries restrict food imports.
• Manukora’s durable, traceable packaging makes it easy to travel with our honey safely and confidently.

Traveling with Honey: What to Know Before You Fly

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, it’s always an exciting—and sometimes stressful—endeavor. Between changing time zones and exploring new places, it can be challenging to maintain your usual routines and wellness habits.

For instance, can you bring your Manuka honey through airport security? The good news is that yes, you can. Yet, depending on where and how you pack it, there are a few things to know before you head to the airport. 

Since honey is considered a liquid by most airport security authorities, it’s subject to the same liquid restrictions as other items in your carry-on. In this article, we take a closer look at how you can bring your favorite liquid gold along with you wherever your travels take you!

Can You Bring Honey on a Plane?

Yes, you can bring honey on a plane, but there are rules about how to do so. Airport authorities, including the TSA and its international counterparts, classify honey as a liquid or a gel. This means you can only carry containers of 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) or less in your hand luggage.

If you’re packing a larger jar, like Manukora’s MGO 600+ or MGO 850+, it must go in your checked baggage. Smaller travel-size jars fit easily into your liquids bag and pass through security without issue. For peace of mind, always pack your full-size jars in your checked luggage to prevent them from being confiscated.

How to Pack Honey for Travel

A little extra care when packing your honey goes a long way. Changes in cabin pressure and movement during travel can shift or leak the contents of the jar, so proper protection is key. 

Ultimately, thoughtful packing keeps your honey—and everything else in your bag—secure, clean, and ready to enjoy when you arrive.

Here are a few simple steps for secure packing:

• Tighten the lid so it’s sealed and clean before travel.

• Place the jar in a resealable plastic bag to contain leaks if pressure builds.

• Wrap it with soft clothing or a towel to absorb movement in your luggage.

• Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight before and during your flight.

Traveling Internationally with Honey

If you’re flying internationally, rules can vary by country. Most destinations allow you to bring honey for personal use if it’s sealed and clearly labeled. However, some regions have biosecurity laws that limit the import of natural products.

Countries like Australia often have stricter requirements to protect local ecosystems and bees. To stay compliant, check your destination’s customs website before traveling and declare your honey when asked. Transparency helps avoid delays and keeps your journey stress-free.

Manukora Packaging: Travel-Friendly by Design

We create every jar of Manukora honey with strength and reliability in mind. Our packaging features durable, sealed lids that remain closed even during cabin pressure changes and long flights. Each jar is also fully traceable, with a QR code linking to its harvest origin and to verified MGO content—the nutrient known for its natural antibacterial properties.

That traceability makes Manukora honey an excellent travel companion. In fact, many travelers pack it as a meaningful gift. We even have MGO 850+ stick-packs for travel or easy gifts!

Taking Your Honey Further

Traveling with Manuka honey is easy. Once you understand size limits and pack it correctly, your jar can go wherever life takes you. If you’re adding it to your morning tea after landing or gifting it to someone abroad, Manukora honey travels well because it’s crafted with care from hive to jar.

At Manukora, our Honey With Superpowers™ reflects The Art of Ethical Beekeeping and the traceability we stand for. When you open your jar at your destination, you’ll taste the same authentic flavor of New Zealand’s Manuka tea tree, no matter how far you’ve flown!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take a full-size jar of Manuka honey in my carry-on?

Only jars up to 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) can go in carry-on luggage. Larger jars must travel in checked bags to meet airline liquid rules and avoid delays at security.

Will airport X-rays affect the honey?

No. Security scanners don’t alter the taste or nutritional content of honey. Your jar will arrive with the same smooth texture, golden color, and natural MGO strength it had before the flight.

What’s the best way to pack honey for air travel?

Make sure the lid is sealed tight and clean around the rim. Then place the jar in a resealable bag and wrap it with something soft, like a T-shirt or towel. Keep it upright in your luggage. These simple steps prevent leaks and cushion your honey from rough handling. It only takes a minute and can save a sticky cleanup later.

Can I bring honey into another country?

Usually yes, but rules differ. Most destinations allow sealed honey for personal use, while some, like Australia and New Zealand, have strict biosecurity laws to protect their native species. Checking your destination’s customs site before you fly is quick and ensures your jar isn’t held or confiscated on arrival. Transparency is always the safest route.

Can I bring Manukora honey as a gift when I travel?

Yes. Manukora honey makes a meaningful gift because it represents care and authenticity. Each jar is strong, elegantly designed, and fully traceable to its New Zealand origin. Travelers often pack our honey to share a taste of home abroad because it’s practical and memorable. Just confirm your destination allows food items through customs.

Sources

Australia Biosecurity Legislation

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