Can you bring ground coffee on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will ground coffee remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Ground Coffee On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Ground Coffee on Domestic Flights Within the U.S.A.? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes – amounts greater than 12 ounces should be placed in checked luggage |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes |
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Can You Bring Ground Coffee on International Flights Originating in the U.S.A? |
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Carry-On Baggage: |
Yes – amounts greater than 12 ounces should be placed in checked luggage* |
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Checked Luggage: |
Yes* |
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*You can bring ground coffee on board a flight departing from the U.S. But you might not be able to bring ground coffee into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Ground Coffee 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 Ground Coffee Last In Your Luggage? |
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-Freshly ground coffee (not vacuum-packed) |
1 to 2 weeks at room temperature |
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-Commercially vacuum-packed coffee: - unopened |
10 to 12 months at room temperature |
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-opened |
1 to 2 weeks at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING GROUND COFFEE ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring ground coffee through airport security in your carry-on baggage. It’s best to limit the amount of ground coffee you pack in your carry-on to containers of 12 ounces (350 ml) or less. That’s because ground coffee is considered a powder-like substance for TSA screening purposes, and powders in quantities above 12 ounces (about the size of a standard soda can) may be disallowed through the security checkpoint if TSA agents cannot be assured of their safety. If the ground coffee isn’t already pre-packaged, it should be placed in a resealable bag or container with a secure lid.
Read more: Here are the foods you can bring through airport security
Yes, you can bring ground coffee in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much ground coffee as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Yes, you can bring ground coffee 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 ground coffee through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring ground coffee into many foreign countries. But depending on the country, it might have to be in its original packaging and unopened. Be sure to check your foreign destination’s rules before leaving.
BRINGING GROUND COFFEE INTO THE UNITED STATES
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring ground coffee into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though ground coffee is 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.
Freshly ground coffee (not vacuum-packed) will usually keep well for about 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature. Unopened ground coffee that was commercially vacuum-packed will usually keep well for about 2 years at room temperature. Opened ground coffee will typically keep well for 1 to 2 when 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.
