How to Pack Lobster for Travel

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

There are few things better than a forkful of delicious, buttery lobster. But what if you want to travel with some tasty crustaceans to share with the family back home? Traveling with live lobster can seem like a daunting task, but the process is actually fairly simple.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Packaging the Lobster

PDF download Download Article
  1. This will help keep the lobster fresh. If you do not have gel packs, a Ziploc baggie filled with ice will suffice. [1]
  2. If you don't have seaweed, wet newspapers will work as a substitute. Be sure to use a few layers to protect the gel packs from the lobster. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Be sure the lobsters' claws are secured, either with rubber bands or zip ties. Give the lobsters enough room so they will not be crushed by the lid. [3]
  4. Tuck the seaweed into the sides of the box to secure your lobster and pack the lid on tight. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Flying with Lobster

PDF download Download Article
  1. TSA regulations allow live lobsters to be checked in and will visually inspect your lobster. To make the process go more smoothly, make sure the container is spill-proof. [5]
  2. Not all airlines allow seafood to be brought in as a carry-on, so it helps to check in with them before getting to the airport and see what policies they have in place.
    • Some airlines require your package to be wrapped in plastic and protected by styrofoam inserts. [6]
    • Also, check that your package fits the required dimensions specific to your airline. [7]
  3. Expect to have your lobster inspected. Again, contact your airline to determine the proper procedure for carrying on lobster.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Select hard-shelled lobsters for longer flights to help ensure they survive the journey. Soft-shelled lobsters are quicker to die out of the water and can only last 3-10 hours. Hard-shelled lobsters can survive up to 24 hours in transit. [8]
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • Rather than boil your lobster, steam them instead for a sweet, juicy flavor. [9]
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If your lobster has died after transit, it may still be safe to eat. If the lobster smells of ammonia, it is not safe for consumption and may cause severe foodborne illness if ingested. [10]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fish
      How to
      Put a Weight on a Fishing Line
      How to
      Fish for Squid
      How to
      Put a Bobber on a Fishing Line
      How to
      Hook a Shrimp
      How to
      Transport Fish
      How to
      Set Up an Ice Fishing Tip Up
      How to
      Find the Best Time for Fishing
      How to
      Read Tide Tables the Right Way
      How to
      Unhook a Fish
      How to
      Fish a Drop Shot Rig
      How to
      Acclimate a Fish
      How to
      Dig for Clams
      How to
      Add Fish to a New Tank
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about packing food, check out our in-depth interview with Julien Miller .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-lobster
      2. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-lobster
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02RVi3cx7ug
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02RVi3cx7ug
      5. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-lobster
      6. ↑ https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/index.html?clk=GFOOTER-CUSTOMER-BAGS
      7. ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/live-lobster
      8. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/09/12/160944468/have-lobster-will-travel-and-race-the-clock
      9. ↑ http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/06/15/8-tips-for-buying-lobster-and-what-to-do-once-youve-bought-it/
      1. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2012/09/12/160944468/have-lobster-will-travel-and-race-the-clock

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 41,584 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement