Why you can’t carry coconut in your carry-on baggage on a flight?

Have you ever wondered that a simple coconut can be dangerous? Surprisingly, it is not considered safe to carry on a flight. Let’s find out why.

Food Restrictions in Air Travel:

If you travel by air frequently, you might be well aware that there are certain items that you cannot carry in your cabin and check-in baggage. It is important to know about these restrictions as it gives you confidence while packing and avoids last-minute panic, hassles or the risk of leaving banned items at the airport. One interesting food item that people might consider ‘innocent’ is dry coconut. However, if you carry it in your hand baggage, you might have to leave it at the airport. So, why not? Let’s find out.

Why you can’t carry coconut in hand baggage?

IndiGo Airlines explained in a post on social media platform X, “Dry coconut is a highly inflammable item; hence it is not allowed in check-in baggage.” They further added that “Dry coconut is neither allowed in hand baggage nor in check-in baggage.”

Dry coconut contains a high amount of oil (used in making coconut oil), which is highly inflammable. It can catch fire if it comes in contact with heat on board. Considering this, a user asked, “Can wet coconut be carried on IndiGo flights?” to which the answer was ‘no’.

How can coconut be carried on air travel?

It is best that you avoid carrying coconut on air travel. If you must carry it, SpiceJet Airlines states on its website, “Coconut may only be carried cut into small pieces in checked-in baggage. Desiccated coconut or copra is not permitted in either hand baggage or checked-in baggage.”

Coconut in international travel:

According to “The Independent,” coconut meat is listed as a Class 4 risk in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) register of dangerous goods. Desiccated coconut is a “flammable solid that is prone to spontaneous combustion” and “may emit flammable gases” when in contact with water. According to IATA, copra dust can ignite from a small spark, and the decomposition of its fats can also cause fires due to self-ignition. However, air travel with retail packaged coconut products is permitted.

Coconut and other common food items:

Here are some other common food items that you may or may not carry in your cabin baggage:

Allowed in cabin baggage:

Honey (up to 100 ml, sealed and in proper packing)
Water bottle (up to 100 ml)
Aerated drinks (up to 100 ml)
Biryani
Dry cake
Dry fruits
Fruits/vegetables
Sweets (dry)

Prohibited in cabin baggage:

Fish/meat
Coconut
Chilli pickle
Raw food items (rice/dal)
All spices (in powdered/solid form), including chilli.
Why is dry coconut banned?

Another reason for banning dry coconut is that its hard outer shell can be used as a weapon. Also, changes in cabin pressure at high altitudes can cause dry coconut to burst, posing serious safety hazards. Dry coconut contains water, which may exceed the 100 ml limit, and its thick shell and the fluid inside may cause problems in X-ray scanning at the airport.

With these guidelines, you can make your air travel hassle-free and easy, and pack food items the right way.