food

[babalicious]

stupid question, but can i take things like tea bags, sugar and snacks for my 2 year old(ie crisps, raisens, fruit bars, chocolate etc.) to america! And can they be in the cabin or do they have to be in the hold?

[SaxyJag]

When I went last year, I took a huge packet of tea bags in my main (in hold) luggage without a problem. I also had a packet of polos and a strip of aspirin in my handbag, and neither were a problem.

I wouldn't imagine brand name sweets etc in hand luggage would be too much of a problem, especially for children. Not sure about the raisins, though - they're a bit funny about meat and fruit.

If you're not sure, just tell security upfront what you have. Even if they have to say no, they're very understanding people, and you can usually get such stuff from the cabin crew on board anyway.

[kovac]

Yeah, only things that come from the earth (fruit & meat) are really prohibited once you go through immigration. But as SaxyJag says your chocolate and tea bags will be fine. The 2 main fears of American immigration when dealing with us Brits are Mad Cows Disease and Foot & Mouth!!....but they love our chocolate.

[scoobydooby]

As well as the Visa Waiver form, there's another form which needs to be completed whilst on the plane. This relates to certain foodstuffs and you will be required to sign this to confirm that you are not taking these into America. Anything you have on you which is prohibited can be handed to cabin crew members on the plane. Go ahead and take whatever you fancy for the journey, just dispose of what your 2 year old doesn't consume before you leave the plane. You can buy everything in America that you can here - and more!

[dzug]

http://help.customs.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=82&p_created=1043364936&p_sid=R

gives official guidance,

I'd say the raisins were very doubtful - possibly OK if they are in sealed packets with the origin California!

If you declare them they'll decide whether to let them in or confiscate them. You won't be in trouble if you declare them - only if they find them after you have denied having them.

[SaxyJag]

Even if they do confiscate, they'll be very nice about it - just as long as you're open with them and don't give them a hard time about it.

I found some good old english manners went a long way where airport security staff were concerned. Didn't get me any extra favours, but it made the journey a whole lot easier.

[campbellking]

Crisps etc no problem. Do take your own tea bags, as Americaqn tea bags are the weak things from hell...You might want to take a travel kettle, as Americans tend to have only coffee makers in hotel rooms. Enjoy your trip!