You want to take your favorite coffee with you on a trip or bring some home on vacation. To do so, you must pack it carefully and likely bring it on the airplane with you. But, how much coffee can you take on a plane?
TSA does not limit the amount of coffee beans brought on a plane. They do require any bag of coffee grounds greater than 12 oz. be placed in a separate bin for screening. Liquid coffee is allowed in a carry-on bag if less than 3.4 oz.
Let’s continue to delve into this question, so you are fully prepared the next time you want to bring coffee on an airplane.
How Much Coffee Beans Can you Carry on a Plane?
Fortunately, Transpiration Security Administration,TSA ,d oes not have a limit to how much coffee beans you can carry on a plane. You can choose whether to store them in your carry-on or checked bag.
If you choose to pack them in your carry-on, TSA does ask that you separate the coffee beans from the bag during the screening process. This is to allow the X-ray machines a clearer picture of what is in the luggage.
Removing the beans from your carry-on will help the TSA line go faster for all travelers and save you time. If you forego this step, the coffee will likely be flagged, and a TSA officer will ask you to step aside and go through the luggage.
How Much Coffee Grounds Can you Carry on a Plane?
There is no limit to how much coffee you can bring in checked luggage. To ensure a TSA officer won’t prevent you from bringing your coffee grounds on the plane, limit the amount you bring in for carry-on to 12 ounces. If it’s more than 12 ounces, it’s recommended to place it in a checked bag.
“Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening, and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags.”
TSA.gov
Keep in mind that your checked luggage will be weighed. You are required to pay an extra cost if it is too heavy. This includes coffee pods and instant coffee.
Once again, TSA asks you to remove the ground coffee from your carry-on during the screening process for more precise imaging.
How Much Liquid Coffee Can you Bring on an Airplane?
Liquid coffee is allowed in both your carry-on baggage and checked luggage, although they do have regulations. If packed in a carry-on, it must be less than or equal to 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Store it in a quart-sized bag.
If by mistake, the quantity is over 3.4 ounces; the TSA officer will require you to throw it away.
Can You Take a Coffee Thermos with you?
Coffee Thermos are allowed on the airplane but must be empty when going through security, the same as if you wanted to bring a water thermos.
Once through TSA, you can go to a coffee shop, transfer coffee into the thermos, and board the plane with your hot coffee.
Can You Bring a Coffee Maker on an Airplane?
That’s right. You can bring your favorite coffee brewing device on the plane in your carry-on or checked bag. TSA’s website does state the following…
“Please carefully pack your electronics items and make sure all cords are wrapped. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on.”
TSA.gov
Are you looking for an excellent brewing device that can easily be taken with you on a plane? Check out an Aeropress. They are compact and can fit in any suitcase. When comparing AeroPress and FrenchPress, I choose Aeropress every time.
Tips for Bringing Coffee Beans or Grounds Through TSA
- Remove the bag of coffee from your luggage at TSA and place it in a separate bin.
- If you are unwilling to remove coffee from your carry-on, at least pack it on top of your bag to make it easily assessable in case TSA wants to check it.
- To ensure a TSA officer won’t prevent you from bringing your coffee on the plane, limit the amount you bring in for carry-on to 12 ounces. If it’s more than 12 ounces, it’s recommended to place it in a checked bag. There is not a limit to how much coffee you can bring in checked luggage.
- If your coffee is not in its original sealed packaging, it’s recommended to place it in a resealable plastic bag.
Can you Bring Coffee Grinders on a Plane?
Use caution when bringing coffee grinders on a plane. If your grinder contains blades, it must be stored in your checked luggage as it could be considered a weapon.
Burr mill grinders are allowed in your carry-on, although I always recommend packing it in your checked bag to avoid any issues.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring some coffee in your checked bag, there isn’t a limit to how much you can bring. On the other hand, if wanting to bring it in your carry-on, there are some requirements.
The TSA website does state that even if an item is typically allowed, it may be subject to further screening and possibly not permitted past security if it triggers any red flags or appears to be tampered with in any way.