Can you bring instant coffee on an airplane? Are the rules different for domestic and international flights? And just how long will instant coffee remain safe to eat when packed in your luggage? Read on for the answers.
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Bringing Instant Coffee On A Plane |
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Can You Bring Instant 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 Instant 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 instant coffee on board and consume it during the flight. But you might not be able to bring instant coffee into your foreign destination (see details below). |
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Can You Bring Instant 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 Instant Coffee Last In Your Luggage? |
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Instant coffee: |
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-unopened |
18 to 24 months at room temperature |
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-opened |
12 to 18 months at room temperature |
Sources: Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, StillTasty.com
BRINGING INSTANT COFFEE ON A PLANE: FLIGHTS ORIGINATING IN THE U.S.A.
Can you bring instant coffee through airport security in your carry-on baggage?
Yes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow you to bring instant coffee through airport security in your carry-on baggage. It’s best to limit the amount of instant coffee you pack in your carry-on to containers of 12 ounces (350 ml) or less. That’s because instant 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 instant 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
Can you bring instant coffee on an airplane in your checked baggage?
Yes, you can bring instant coffee in your checked baggage when boarding a flight within the United States. You can bring as much instant coffee as you’d like in your allowable checked luggage.
Can you bring instant coffee on an international flight leaving the U.S.A.?
Yes, you can bring instant coffee on an international flight departing from the U.S., either in your carry-on baggage or your checked luggage. If your intention is to bring the instant coffee onto the plane in your carry-on baggage and consume it during the flight, you’ll have no issues. The TSA applies the same rules for allowing instant coffee through security at U.S. airports, whether you are flying domestically or internationally.
You can also bring instant 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 INSTANT COFFEE INTO THE UNITED STATES
Can you bring instant coffee on an international flight back into the U.S.A.?
Yes, the United States generally allows travelers to bring instant coffee into the U.S. when arriving on a flight from a foreign country.
Note that even though instant 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.
FOOD SAFETY: HOW LONG WILL INSTANT COFFEE LAST IN YOUR LUGGAGE?
Unopened instant coffee will usually keep well for about 2 years at room temperature. Opened instant coffee will typically keep well for 12 to 18 months 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.
