Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows tea bags and loose-leaf tea in both carry-on and checked bags with no limits.
⚠️ Bottled or brewed tea is a liquid and must follow the 3-1-1 rule (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml in carry-on).
✈️ Powdered tea mixes are allowed, but > 12 oz may require extra screening.
Details
- Tea bags & loose-leaf tea:
- Unlimited in both carry-on and checked.
- Not considered liquid → no 3-1-1 restriction.
- Powdered tea / instant mixes:
- Allowed in carry-on and checked.
- Containers > 12 oz (350 ml) may require extra screening.
- Brewed tea / iced tea:
- Treated as a liquid.
- ≤ 3.4 oz allowed in carry-on (in quart bag).
- Full-size bottles/cups must be purchased after security or packed in checked bags.
- Checked luggage:
- Any tea type allowed, any size.
- International flights:
- Customs usually permits packaged/dry tea, but restrictions may apply to teas with herbs, seeds, or fruits.
TSA Tea Rules Summary
| Tea Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Tea bags / loose-leaf | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ Unlimited |
| Powdered tea ≤ 12 oz | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Powdered tea > 12 oz | ✅ Allowed (extra screening) | ✅ Allowed |
| Brewed tea ≤ 3.4 oz | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Brewed tea > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Powder check: Tea powders > 12 oz may be opened/swabbed at security.
- ✈️ Herbal blends: Some herbs/seeds in loose tea may face customs restrictions abroad.
- ✈️ Spillage: Brewed tea in checked bags may leak — seal bottles well.
- ✈️ Hack: Bring tea bags and ask for hot water in-flight (many airlines provide it for free).