On my way back to the US, I could not resist picking up a ‘chestnut jam jar’ at the ‘Gentilini’ store in Fiumicino.   This delicious creamy spread is almost impossible to find in the US – after all the best chestnuts come from Italy!    

My port of entry in the was not my final destination.  After custom, all passengers in transfer had to exit the security area and go through the security check again. 

After screening my carry-ons,  an TSA officer  asked to inspect my purse.  He pulled out the chestnut jam from its sealed duty free bag, rolled the jar in his hands and performed any sort of tests.  Ten minutes later he offered me two options: either leave the Gentilini jam with him or check my perfectly within carryon limits luggage.  With the luggage fee, the jam turned out to be quite expensive – yet,  every spoonful smoothes bad memories. 

Duty free stores still sell liquid and creamy items that are impossible to carry on a plane, they have only to gain from it.  My suggestion from this experience is be on the safe side staying within check in limits. Otherwise make sure, whatever you buy is the brand security officers prefer; since you are at it...you might as well make them happy!