Spices are available in many different forms, past (wet) and powder( ground or dry).
But most of spices come as powders, which is much easier to travel with even though there are certain restrictions.
According to the TSA all types of spices are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, dried or powdered spices more than 12 oz / 340 grams should be removed from hand luggage at the security checkpoint for additional screening, wet spices or with some sort of liquid must follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
Keep reading because this post will cover everything you need to know about traveling with spices on both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
Take Spices Through The Security Checkpoint
The TSA and most airport securities allow spices through the security checkpoint.
But if you are traveling with liquid spices you will have to follow the TSA 3-1-1 which is no more than 3.4 OZ / 100 ml for a single container placed inside a quart size bag.
Powder spices have no limits in carry-on luggage but powdered spices more than 12 ounces must be removed from the carry-on bag for a separate inspection.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.
Ensure that you place your spices near the top of the bag in case you want to remove them quickly before even the security agent asks you to do so.
Important: Please note that the final decision whether an item is allowed or not is for the security officer at the airport, also some airlines may have different rules and regulations on traveling with certain items.
I checked Twitter to see if there are answers from the TSA customer service.
Angelica wanted to bring kitchen spices and kitchen utensils in her carry-on bag.
They gave her the green light, but they will require additional screening that may include opening the containers.
The TSA suggested if a powdered item is not essential and is more than 12 ounces it is preferable to transport it in checked baggage.
Bring Spices In Checked Baggage
There are no limits or restrictions on the amount of spices you can take in your checked bag.
In fact it is convenient to place any type of spices inside your checked baggage rather than taking them with you on board.
Mainly because you don’t need to worry about their form, also because large amounts of spices will cause some unnecessary questions through the security checkpoint especially that powders are suspicious.
Take Spices On International Flights
There are no restrictions on taking spices for personal use on international flights.
However each country has its own rules on certain products you can bring, for example you can bring the Kava Kava to the UK.
You can bring regular spices on international flights to Canada, Europe countries and the UK without any restrictions.
Even when traveling with a large amount it is better to contact your airline or check the official website of your destination country.
Larger amounts will have some restrictions especially at the customs just like any other product, you will need to declare them at the airport.
Sanjay wanted to bring Indian spices to the US.
Even though they do not respond directly to the question because Sanjay wanted to bring the spice to the US, ground spices are allowed in carry-on bags, and they will be subject to additional screening.
Final Thoughts
To sum up you can bring spices on a plane in both carry on and checked baggage.
Ground or powdered spices have no limits in both carry-on and checked bags while spices in liquid or in creamy form need to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule when transported in carry-on, no more than 3.4 OZ / 100 ml for each container placed in a quart sized bag.
We hope this helps.
Happy travels.
People also ask:
- What Food Cannot Be Taken On A Plane?
- Can You Take Eggs On a Plane?
- Can You Take Cheese On a Plane?
- Can You Take Pans and Pots On a Plane?
- Can You Bring Powder In Checked Luggage?
- Can You Take Salt On a Plane?
- Can You Take Pistachios On a Plane?
