Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows coffee beans and ground coffee in carry-on and checked luggage without limits.
✈️ Brewed coffee (liquid) must follow the 3-1-1 rule in carry-on: containers ≤ 3.4 oz (100 ml).
✅ Larger drinks, mugs, or bottles of coffee are only allowed after security or in checked bags.
Details
- Coffee beans & ground coffee:
- Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
- Powdered substances > 12 oz (350 ml) may require extra screening at TSA checkpoints.
- Instant coffee packets:
- Allowed without restriction in both carry-on and checked.
- Brewed coffee / drinks:
- Must be ≤ 3.4 oz to pass security in carry-on.
- Larger cups or bottles can’t go through security.
- You may bring full-sized drinks purchased after security onto the plane.
- Checked luggage:
- Beans, grounds, and instant coffee allowed in any amount.
TSA Coffee Rules Summary
| Coffee Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee beans | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Ground coffee / powders | ✅ Unlimited (screening >12 oz) | ✅ Unlimited |
| Instant coffee packets | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Brewed coffee ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Brewed coffee > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Duty-free bottled coffee drinks | ✅ Allowed (sealed) | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Powder rule: Ground coffee > 12 oz may be pulled aside for extra screening.
- ✈️ Brewed drinks: Only small containers ≤ 3.4 oz allowed through TSA; buy larger coffees after security.
- ✈️ International flights: Some countries may restrict bringing in coffee beans (customs issue, not TSA).
- ✈️ Smell control: Seal coffee tightly to avoid aroma spreading through your bag.