What can I pack?

[Hololz]

I'm on the east coast of the USA flying to engand. I would like to take some apple cider home with me for friends and family. I know I cant take it as hand luggage becuase of the liquids ban. Am I allowed to pack it in my suitcase? I know there are issues with taking fresh fruit and veg, meats etc. But this will basically be bottled juice. Im also worried about it breaking or bursting lol, but I was planning on maybe putting it in a vaccuum bag...

Also, what about preserves? Same question :P

[snow_girl]

Well I'd say I'm pretty knowledgeable based on watching Nothing to Declare; the show about uk customs many times. I think as long as it is legit packaging it is okay, so no homemade preserves that are in reused jars and such. I've brought bottled beer on flights in my checked wrapped in sweaters and they never broke. Just make sure you declare EVERYTHING, thats the main reason people get in trouble is because they leave it out hoping they won't get caught with it. If its declared and you can't have it then I think they just take it away from you instead of giving you a fine.

If you google "uk border control food" the forth link down is everything you need to know, but its a PDF so I can't give you the link cause it just downloads.

[elizabethjp2010]

You should be able to get it in a plastic bottle, but i would still be worried about it.... can you mail it over before you go?

[lucybelle]

Meh it'll be fine!! I bring stuff in and out of the States all the time with no problem. Juice is okay, I think they get nervous when you have a plant or something. With preserves you'll be fine too.

I never declare anything, but entering into Costa Rica there's not even anyone who looks at your bag... so it's easier to be *sneaky*

[Hololz]

Ok, I have a jar of "pumpkin butter" its like a preserve not actual butter though, and a jar of apple preserve. Buttttt from the same stall I also bought some homemade sugar cookies. They're not in plastic, just a card board box :/ 1) Do you think they'll last until xmas? (as a present for my SO's parents) 2) Baked goods should be fine right? I'll declare everything when I go through customs just to be safe. I'm sure the worst thing they can do is take them off me... Its not like I did it on purpose.

[kittyo9]

Baked goods should be fine... if you keep the cookies in the freezer until your trip, they should keep well.

As for bottled/jarred things, you should make sure that they are secured firmly. You may want to wrap a plastic bag(gie) around them just in case-- the more precaution you take, the better. As long as they are cushioned so that they will not break while travelling, you shouldn't have a problem.

[Hololz]

Thankyou I hadnt thought to put them in the freezer... I will have to find some room! hehe