Urgent: 50kg of flour in checked luggage (Thoughts)
Jan 16, 2013, 5:23 pm
#1
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Urgent: 50kg of flour in checked luggage (Thoughts)
We ended up with 50kg of special Italian flour in London and would like to bring it back in our checked luggage to the U.S. Any thoughts on how to pack it, what to expect from security/likely hood of making it through ect. Our flight leaves early next week out of Heathrow on British Airways.
Completely nutty idea but it would be very cool if it works...
Any input will be much appreciated.
Zander
Completely nutty idea but it would be very cool if it works...
Any input will be much appreciated.
Zander
Jan 16, 2013, 6:33 pm
#3
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I don't know if it is possible, but perhaps at checkin you could explain your concerns to the TA and see if security can be asked to come up and clear your bag on the spot (same kind of procedure, more or less, that gets used in the US to clear firearms in checked bags).
My only concern (and it may not be valid in the UK) would be security opening the bag to 'test' it and then not securing it properly afterwards.
My only concern (and it may not be valid in the UK) would be security opening the bag to 'test' it and then not securing it properly afterwards.
Jan 16, 2013, 6:37 pm
#4
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I brought a big bag of pancake mix from the US to Japan once. It ended up in my carry-on rollaboard because there was no more space/free weight in my checked suitcase. The TSA opened the rollaboard at security, looked at the bag, noted that it was sealed, and waved me through.
I don't think you would have any problems, except potentially at agricultural inspection when you enter the US -- they might worry about whether the flour has bugs in it or something like that, though frankly they never seem to care that much so I wouldn't worry about it.
I don't think you would have any problems, except potentially at agricultural inspection when you enter the US -- they might worry about whether the flour has bugs in it or something like that, though frankly they never seem to care that much so I wouldn't worry about it.
Jan 16, 2013, 6:41 pm
#5
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50 lbs. will cause significant concerns as a law enforcement concern. Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Also, expect a thorough exam by CBP upon arrival. Ag. shouldn't be a major issue.
Jan 16, 2013, 7:20 pm
#6
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Jan 16, 2013, 7:37 pm
#9
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Jan 16, 2013, 7:39 pm
#10
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You will need to divide it up into a couple bags as that is over 100 pounds and the US allows 50 pounds per bag before invoking overweight bag charges. The metric equivalent should apply meaning you either have 2 overweight bags or 3 bags within the weight limit. This is assuming you don't have status that grants additional weight before a fee is charged.
Jan 16, 2013, 7:52 pm
#12
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Flour is on the list of generally admissible items into the US.
110 lbs of it is a bit crazy, you may have a hard time convincing them (customs) it's for personal use.
No telling what security will do to it to test it to see if it's flour or not, and honestly, I'm not really sure I would want to cook with it once they are done with it.
I would very seriously consider shipping it, but that's of course going to cost a fortune.
110 lbs of it is a bit crazy, you may have a hard time convincing them (customs) it's for personal use.
No telling what security will do to it to test it to see if it's flour or not, and honestly, I'm not really sure I would want to cook with it once they are done with it.
I would very seriously consider shipping it, but that's of course going to cost a fortune.
Jan 17, 2013, 3:29 am
#13
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You will need to divide it up into a couple bags as that is over 100 pounds and the US allows 50 pounds per bag before invoking overweight bag charges. The metric equivalent should apply meaning you either have 2 overweight bags or 3 bags within the weight limit. This is assuming you don't have status that grants additional weight before a fee is charged.
Flour is on the list of generally admissible items into the US. 110 lbs of it is a bit crazy, you may have a hard time convincing them (customs) it's for personal use. No telling what security will do to it to test it to see if it's flour or not, and honestly, I'm not really sure I would want to cook with it once they are done with it.
Clearly a long shot but we still have a few days to decide.
Thank you for all of your replies,
-Zander
Jan 17, 2013, 4:10 am
#14
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I suggest that to minimize suspicion, you keep the bags sealed at their original listed weight and pay whatever surcharge is required to check them. You may save money by taking 3kg out but you will definitely increase the odds of getting your flour ripped open and tested by customs people.