Can you bring coffee beans on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will coffee beans remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Coffee Beans On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Coffee Beans on Domestic Flights Within the U.S.A.? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes |
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Can You Bring Coffee Beans on International Flights Originating in the U.S.A? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes* |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes* |
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*You can bring coffee beans on board the flight. But you might not be able to bring coffee beans into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Coffee beans Into The U.S.A. on an International Flight? |
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Carry-On or Checked Luggage: |
Yes in most cases |
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How Long Will Coffee beans Last In Your Luggage? |
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Coffee Beans, roasted – in non-vacuum bag |
2 to 4 weeks at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING COFFEE BEANS ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring coffee beans through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring coffee beans through airport security in your carry-on baggage. If the coffee beans are no longer in their original packaging, they should be placed in a resealable bag or a container with a secure lid. There is no limit to the quantity of coffee beans you can bring in your carry-on: You can pack as many coffee beans as you’d like and will fit into your allowable hand luggage.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Can you bring coffee beans on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring coffee beans in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as many coffee beans as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Can you bring coffee beans on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring coffee beans on an international flight departing from the U.S., either in your carry-on baggage or your checked luggage. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing coffee beans through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring coffee beans into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, they may have to be in their original packaging and unopened. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING COFFEE BEANS INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring coffee beans on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring coffee beans into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country. The coffee beans can be roasted or unroasted, provided there is no pulp attached.
Note that even though coffee beans are typically allowed, you must declare all foods that you bring into the United States — whether they are allowable or not — to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The penalties for failing to declare your food items can be steep; bear in mind also that the CBP routinely conducts random screenings for arriving passengers.
FOOD SAFETY: HOW LONG WILL COFFEE BEANS LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Roasted coffee beans sold in a non-vacuum bag will generally keep well for about 2 to 4 weeks when stored at room temperature.
Note: While the above information is based on applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines at the time of publication, the final decision for whether to allow a food item through airport security or into the United States rests with the TSA and CBP officers on duty at the airport. Regulations also change frequently: For the latest information, check the US Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration websites.
