Ask CakeSpy: Transporting Cheesecake on an Airplane?

Dear CakeSpy,

I have a cheesecake question for you! I am traveling across the country and hoping to bring a mini cheesecake with me on the plane for my boyfriend's birthday. Any advice on traveling on a plane with cheesecake? I'm worried about spoilage as well as it being crushed... I could sit with it on my lap the whole ride I suppose. Any tips would be appreciated!

-Cheesecake Traveler

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Dear Traveler,

First off, one important aspect to consider is that you may be your own worst enemy in this situation. I mean, depending on the flight time, the cheesecake might get mighty tempting.

But trusting that you have a very strong will, let's talk turkey. Or...you know, cheesecake. I can't say that this is the best method, but based on consulting some trusted friends and looking deep into my own cake-loving soul, here is what I would do if I were in your shoes. 

1. First of all, you have to let your cheesecake cool completely after baking it. I do this at room temperature. And since you'll be transporting it, I am going to suggest putting it on a cardboard round (you know, the kind it would be on if you bought it at a supermarket or bakery). I would also suggest cutting out a circle of parchment paper and putting it on top of the cheesecake, and along the perimeter of it. This is because in the next step, you'll put it in plastic wrap, and the parchment will keep the wrap from sticking if it thaws too much.
2. Like I said, plastic wrap. You need to wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap. 
3. Next, you're going to freeze it. Like, deep freeze. Overnight. 
4. On the day of travel, wait til as close to departure as you can to take it out of the freezer. Now, you're going to add a layer of foil, wrapped all the way around the whole (plastic-wrapped) thing. And you're going to put it in a box. Seriously. Find a box that fits it snugly. Or cut a box so that it fits.
5. Put it in your carry-on, not on a checked bag. Don't you dare. 
6. Keep it under your seat if possible, to prevent unwanted jostling in the overhead bin. Actually this is preferable to keeping it on your warm little lap too, because you want to prevent it from getting too warm.
7. Travel safe and godspeed to that dear, dear cheesecake.

Love, CakeSpy

Comments

[Cynthia]

I have not been to visit your blog in ages! Blame work! Congrats on the shop. The next time I am in Seattle, I will be sure to drop by!

[Alessandra]

What a great blog you have here, This post really made me smile (I live in NZ, most trips are way too long from here to anywhere, and no fresh food - especially cheesecakes, passes custom!).

But great answers.

I'll be back!

Ciao
A.

[Gussie]

Hi! I've actually done this trick with a flourless chocolate cake. Probably the biggest danger, once it's safely boxed up, is to remember to pick it up at security after it goes through the machine. I almost left my awesome cake somewhere when I got wrapped up in putting on my shoes and collecting my other luggage! Fortunately, I went back and retrieved it, and disaster was averted; my friend still got her bridal shower dessert. :)

[JeriO]

Somebody said they took a styrofoam cooler with DRY ICE. I have a friend who works at the air port and they said that dry ice is not allowed onboard. I packed my daughters lunches to eat on the airplane and I actually had to throw them away at security. So my advice would be to call the airline or your local airport ahead of time and check what their rules are. That would be horrible to spend all that time and money to make a cheesecake and then have to actually throw it in the garbage. Just my nickles worth of advice......

[Erin]

In regards to packing with dry ice, when I did this it was before 9/11 and with the new security measures you made me question whether or not it was still allowed. This is what I found:

Dry Ice (frozen carbon dioxide): Up to four pounds (1.8 kg) may be carried on board for packing perishables providing the package is vented.

[Briaan Wilson]

Will they let you take food through security?