Whenever we decide to go somewhere on a trip, packing is the first step where we gather our personal items and prepare them for the journey. The type of person you are and the nature of the trip usually determine what will be packed.
For example, whenever I go somewhere, my backpack is full from my laptop and camera gear, while others may carry their sketchpads. With that said, there are also some items that people find unusual, like meat thermometers. So, as weird as it may sound for some, for others, it’s an essential item, and they would like to know if it’s allowed to be on the plane.
Unlike a tripod or a pencil sharpener, with thermometers, there is a slight catch. TSA doesn’t say anything about a meat thermometer specifically on their site, but for the medical options, you must have it in your checked bag and store it in a protective casing.
Despite it not being on their site, @AskTSA, has confirmed that a meat thermometer is allowed in your carry-on bag.
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How to Pack a Meat Thermometer for a Flight
Knowing that you’re allowed to bring your meat thermometer on a plane means you’ll need to plan how to pack it. If you’re flying with a laptop, it’s a good idea to keep it with you, not only to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged in the cargo, but you’ll also have the option to use it during the flight.
For the meat thermometer, things are a bit different. The chances of using it during the flight are minimal, so you probably won’t need to worry too much about keeping it at hand. This means that you can put it in the checked baggage or find a place in your backpack where it will be safe.
As most of them come with a container, I’d recommend keeping it there to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged during the flight.
Can I Bring a Meat Thermometer Through Airport Security?
Like with most items that go through security, the meat thermometer is one where TSA says that you won’t have any issues.
Just keep the thermometer packed, and you can go past security, even if you’re asked to open your backpack or luggage.
Can a Meat Thermometer Go Through Customs?
Going through customs is a different procedure, but the result shouldn’t be different. For personal use, a meat thermometer should be fine, and you can go without any issues.
Sure, you may carry another one if you want to, but don’t try to push it. Going through customs with a larger amount of meat thermometers may become suspicious. The officer will ask you about them, and depending on the situation, you may be asked to pay taxes or have them confiscated.
Recommended Meat Thermometer for Travel
As usual, items that are allowed to be carried on a plane are the ones that I can give a few recommendations on. The same goes for the meat thermometer – since you can have it with you, here are two of my recommendations for good meat thermometers.
Top Rated: MEATER Plus
There are plenty of good meat thermometers, but I believe that the MEATER Plus is among the best. It has two sensors that enable you to monitor internal and external temperatures.
To help you in your cooking adventures, this thermometer is also equipped with a guided cook system that outlines every step of the process. On the monitoring side of things, the Bluetooth connectivity option lets you keep an eye on the temperature without having to be around it.
Best Value: ThermoPro TP03
If you’re after something a bit more basic that can get the job done, then you should take a look at the ThermoPro TP03. The sensor in the stainless steel probe enables you to get an accurate and fast reading, ensuring that you hit the mark in terms of temperature.
To save some space, the probe can be folded, which also means that you avoid the risk of bending it in your backpack. There is also a power-saving feature, where the display will turn off after 10 minutes to save some juice in the batteries.
