The Coffee Bros is reader-supported. Affiliate links on our site may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you’re a coffee lover who loves to travel, there’s probably one question you’re always thinking about the day before leaving: can you take coffee beans on a plane? With so many coffee lovers hating the idea of leaving their favorite coffee beans behind, this is probably a very important question.
Take a look below as we explain all you should know about the topic.
Can You Take Coffee Beans On a Plane? The Answer
According to the TSA (The Transportation Security Administration), coffee beans can be taken on a domestic plane with either your carry-on or checked-in baggage.
However, although this will be fine most of the time this isn’t always the case.
At the end of the day, all final decisions are made by the individual TSA agents checking your bag, so there is a slight chance that the coffee beans won’t be allowed through the gate.
To reduce the chances of this happening, it is often a good idea to label your coffee beans and ensure they are easy to pull out for agents to view. This way they will know that the beans are safe to go through.
What About International Flights?
When it comes to international flights, bringing coffee beans onboard can be very difficult.
Countries all over the world have strict rules about food and plants, so it’s always a good idea to check the rules of the country you are flying to first before setting off. If you are not sure about the rules, check the official government website or ask a customs officer at the airport.
What If I’m Flying Into the US
When flying into the US from another country, you shouldn’t have any problems with getting your coffee beans in.
Most of the time, US customs don’t allow you to bring meat, plants, soil, and fruit and veg into the country, but they usually make exceptions for coffee beans.
However, once more, if you are worried about this, it’s always a good idea to ask a customs agent for more information.
Here’s a fun fact: drug dealers often mask the smell of the illegal substances they try to sneak in by putting them with coffee beans.
This may be the reason why some customs agents are suspicious and want to thoroughly check your beans before letting you through.
What If I Make My Coffee First? Will I Still Be Allowed In?
If you make your coffee beforehand, it will be impossible to get it through security unless it is less than 100ml and carried in a resealable clear plastic bag.
So, if you’ve made a larger coffee this wouldn’t do, and you would be promptly asked to throw it away or drink it, which is not advisable in the slightest unless you enjoy the feeling of a burnt throat.
How Long Will Coffee Beans Last In Airline Luggage?
If you’ve got your coffee beans in your airline luggage, you are probably wondering how long they will last. You’ll be glad to know that roasted coffee beans will keep well for around 2 to 5 weeks after being opened and stored at room temperature.
Interested In More Fun Coffee Facts? Subscribe Today
So, now you should have all the answers to your question: can you take coffee beans on a plane?
If you want to find out more great coffee facts, subscribe today. We’ll send you the latest updates monthly, so you’re only an email away from reading some great coffee facts!